The document “Jesuit Schools: A Living Tradition in the 21st Century – A Continuing Exercise in Discernment” continues the tradition of accompanying the educational apostolate of the Society of Jesus in reflecting and discerning the particular challenges and opportunities of our time, and carries forward the necessary process of renewal, innovation and re-imagination that our education requires in the current changing times. The best tribute we can offer to our long educational tradition is to explore new models and creative and imaginative ways to offer our spiritual vision and educational experience to our students and their families. Therefore, the title of the document reflects well its purpose: to renew our “living” tradition in education as an ongoing exercise in discernment.

This document provides 10 key-identifiers of Jesuit schools. They are another important element in helping us reflect on what makes a Jesuit school “Jesuit” today, which will help us meet the challenge of keeping our identity – serving our mission of reconciliation and justice – at the heart of what we do and who we are.

“A Living Tradition” does not replace previous documents; rather, it supplements and updates them as an ongoing exercise in discernment.