From the Chair
Have you ever been surprised by God? When Dan Cronin, chair of the nominating committee, called to ask me if I would serve as the chair of the Jesuit Collaborative, shock was my first reaction. After none of my excuses worked, I finally agreed. I’m glad I did.
I’ve always loved being on the frontier of change. Start-ups are demanding. Results are not readily apparent in the initial stages. But the formula for success is the same for all organizations: namely, having a bold vision that meets a critical need.
The Jesuit Collaborative is a big, bold dream in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It addresses challenges and seizes opportunities to satisfy the hunger for the Spiritual Exercises and provide for the long-term viability of Jesuit spiritual ministries. Working closely with the New England, New York and Maryland provinces, and partnering with Jesuits, lay persons, religious, clergy, people of other faith communities, and other Jesuit ministries (i.e., schools, parishes, etc.), the Collaborative focuses on making Ignatian spirituality come alive in new ways and among more people.
The Collaborative is not the typical, stand alone nonprofit organization. It’s a more complex long-term change initiative. And success depends on its unique relationship with the Jesuit provinces and its many ministries. This is no small challenge.
Yet I take heart. I am reminded of the wise advice by Paul Tagliabue, retired NFL Commissioner, who said “high tolerance for ambiguity” is essential when working together with multiple, independent partners on a new issue, new direction or major change initiative.
I will never forget my experience at the Conference on Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University last June. When the group was asked, “what’s next?” it felt like the room exploded with “hearts on fire” and a passionate readiness to work together to bring Ignatian spirituality into our world. I knew then that the Collaborative was for real!
- Martin Walsh