Imagination in Ministry

FROM PARISH PRIEST TO RADIO SHOW HOST, JESUIT PRIEST INSPIRES OTHERS

BY KATE PIPKIN

For Fr. Stephen Spahn, SJ, the burst of cherry blossoms every year in Washington, D.C., is more than just a reminder that spring has arrived. The soft clouds of pink and white blossoms symbolize his calling—his vocation to be a Jesuit priest.

Spahn was a sophomore at Georgetown University in 1990 when he decided to spend his spring break at a retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. It was during the retreat that, much to his surprise, Spahn realized he wanted to become a Jesuit.

“I felt the invitation during that retreat, and I returned to Georgetown feeling great joy,” recalls Spahn. “And when I got back to Washington, the cherry trees were in bloom. It was March 15, 1990, and it was the earliest year the trees had ever blossomed.”

Since then, Spahn, 36, has gone through formation, been ordained a priest and has engaged in a variety of ministries. For him, being a young Jesuit priest is the result of listening to his heart.

For the past year, Spahn has worked as a vocations promoter for the Maryland Province. During that time he has talked to many young people about religious vocations.

“Parents, parishes, schools—we all need to challenge young people so they recognize that spirituality is an integral part of their lives,” he says. “Unfortunately, our culture is hostile to spirituality. But I believe young people are hardwired to please; we just need to expect more from them.”

Spahn says young people who are considering a religious vocation also ask him about celibacy. “They ask me, ‘Isn’t it hard?’ But that’s the wrong question,” he says. “They should be asking, ‘Are you happy?’ There is no life that is not hard in some way.”

What advice would Spahn give to young men contemplating priesthood?

“Stick close to Jesus,” he says definitively. “It might sound trite, but being a companion of Jesus is something I take seriously. Some of the things that keep us close to the Lord include going to daily Mass and seeking spiritual direction.”

In addition to promoting vocations, Spahn has worked as a parish priest at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C., and as host of the social justice radio program called Provoke.

At the end of this summer, Spahn will move on to his next assignment: chaplain at Scranton Preparatory School. In that role he will celebrate Mass; minister to students; assist with and develop spiritual formation programs for faculty, staff and parents; and direct the Spiritual Exercises for school trustees and other groups. He will also teach one or two classes.

“Scranton is a small town, and I feel like I’m going to be the parish priest for the high school,” he says. “I’m excited about going to Scranton Prep. There is a wonderful spirit at the school.”
Spahn says he always remains open to new possibilities in ministry and considers each assignment as a way he can learn something about himself and grow closer to God in the process.

“I have always been attracted to the idea of Ignatian prayer and listening to what the Lord has to say,” says Spahn. “God gave us our imaginations, and it is up to us to use them.”

Kate Pipkin is director of communications for the Maryland Province Jesuits.

Related Links

Holy Trinity Church
Provoke Radio
Maryland Province Jesuits Vocations