In 1671 Fr. Jacques Marquette, SJ, landed his canoe on the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac, and established the mission of St. Ignace, named in honor of the founder of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Since I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, some of my ancestors were certainly there to witness this event. Three years later, the City of St. Ignace celebrated its tri-centennial with the presence of the governor, Miss Michigan, and a re-enactment of Marquette's historic landing. I was a most likely wondering what my first days of kindergarten would be like when a black-robed figure appeared in his birch bark canoe. From that moment on I wanted to be a Jesuit missionary like Marquette. Since Fr.William Goudreau, SJ, my great uncle, was also a Jesuit missionary in Patna, India there was more than one inspiration along that line.

My childhood ambition was strengthened growing up in the Straits of Mackinac.

Summers found me working as a tour guide first at Marquette's gravesite, then at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, and Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Dressing up as a British soldier and shooting muskets and canons for the tourists was a great way to relive the history myself. Jesuits were very much a part of the early history of the Great Lakes, and they were often part of my speeches or reenactments.

When I went to college I did so as a history major. Again Jesuits kept appearing in my history books, and I decided to join the order in 1987.

As a Jesuit I have made the 30-day silent retreat of St. Ignatius, known as the Spiritual Exercises. Each year we also do an eight-day renewal. This approach to God is the foundation of each Jesuits' prayer life and attempt to find God in all things.

As Jesuits, we are also given a solid academic background. After substantial studies in history, philosophy and theology I taught for 10 years.

My classrooms have been in Cleveland, India, Detroit, and Mexico. Another fun aspect of my ministry has been managing the summer programs at Ste. Anne's Church on Mackinac Island. Being back where I first thought of a religious vocation, and working with Mexican, Filipino, or Jamaican workers, has added a new dimension to the Church's 300-plus years of ministry in the Mackinac region.

When I was first making the Spiritual Exercises my director asked me "Who is Jesus for you?" At first I had no answer, but after reflecting on Jesus in the Gospels and picturing myself with Him, it became clear to me that He was my brother. Jesus shared in my humanity, accompanied me through life, and approached me on my level as I am. I chose to relate to Jesus and all those to whom I would someday minister in the same way. While we are basically an order of priests, I chose to take my vows as a brother and have felt very confirmed in this. The relationships that have formed over the years with students, lay teachers or fellow Jesuits have been very much the way I hoped to relate to Jesus himself, as a brother.

Now my ministry is to help other people find their place in the Church. Currently I am the vocation director for the Detroit Province Society of Jesus. My life of service in the Church has been very fulfilling, and it really is an honor to help others find where their brother, Jesus, might be walking with them.

Jesuit Bro. Jim Boynton is assistant for Vocation Ministry for the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus.