About
Message from the First Studies Superior
Welcome to Loyola University Chicago’s First Studies Program
After the structured experience of novitiate, First Studies at Loyola provides recently-vowed Jesuits the opportunity to take ownership of their vocations through a holistic formation that integrates academics, intergenerational community living, ministry, and religious prayer and worship. The academic program can accommodate Jesuits without much prior education in philosophy as well as those with deeper philosophical backgrounds and professional experiences.
During their time in Chicago, young Jesuits discover how to live out their vows within the context of the culturally rich and diverse, economically and sociologically complex environment of the nation’s third largest city. One of my delights as First Studies Superior is watching them grow into the Jesuits they will be for the rest of their lives: holy, well-integrated and compassionate men who have the self-confidence and intellectual tools to minister to people deeply in need of experiencing God’s love.
Explore the rest of this website to discover in more detail the various components of our First Studies Program!
— Fr. Mark Scalese, SJ
First Studies Program Superior
First Studies Academic Program Director
First Studies Program Director of Ministry, Director of LU Choice and JVC Magis
Graduate Program Director, Philosophy
It’s cooler by the lake
Jesuits in First Studies take most of their classes at Loyola’s Lakeshore Campus on Lake Michigan, where the Art Deco-style Madonna della Strada chapel is a prominent landmark.
Campus Partners
Campus partners enhance the experience of Jesuits in First Studies. Campus partners contribute to the spiritual formation of these men, strengthen their capacity to be collaborators in mission, foster intellectual curiosity, nurture a richer awareness of local and global challenges, and unlock service opportunities to create a more just, peaceful world. Campus partners at Loyola include:
Campus Partners
Campus partners enhance the experience of Jesuits in First Studies. Campus partners contribute to the spiritual formation of these men, strengthen their capacity to be collaborators in mission, foster intellectual curiosity, nurture a richer awareness of local and global challenges, and unlock service opportunities to create a more just, peaceful world. Campus partners at Loyola include: