The Rev. Bob Jones, S.M., chaplain at the University of Dayton (UD), will take on a new role as the assistant provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States starting July 1. He has served in campus ministry at UD for the past four years, where his dedication and skills have made a significant impact.
Rev. Jim Fitz, UD’s vice president for mission and rector, shared his thoughts on Jones’ appointment. He considers Jones a vibrant campus minister whose work aligns with the Marianist vision. Fitz expressed how much he will miss collaborating with Jones in nurturing the community’s spiritual life, noting that Jonathan’s gifts are why he was selected for this leadership position.
Jones, a UD graduate from the class of 1998, is ready to guide the Society of Mary in the U.S. as it determines its future direction. With the number of vowed religious decreasing, his role will be crucial in maintaining the Marianist spirit at educational institutions like UD.
Interestingly, when Jones was a student pursuing a mathematics degree, he didn’t foresee a future in religious life. However, after college, he felt a strong calling. “It’s going to sound cliché, but it was a calling from God,” he shared. He found a home with the Marianists, who prioritize education, aligning with his desire to serve as an educator.
Originally from Indiana, Jones holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Boston College and was ordained in 2015 after studying at the Marianist International Seminary in Rome. His teaching experience includes a role at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton.
As he transitions into his new responsibilities, Jones will continue as UD’s chaplain throughout the current academic year. This spring, he’ll start the onboarding process and participate in meetings and conferences to prepare for his new role.
Reflecting on his departure, Jones expressed gratitude for the relationships he has built at UD. “Leaving Dayton is one of the hardest parts of this journey,” he said. “I’m thankful for the community and the support I’ve received, especially from the students. I’ve loved walking alongside them during these past four years.”
His story emphasizes the evolving landscape of religious life in the U.S. Recent statistics indicate that the number of religious vocations has decreased, highlighting the importance of nurturing spiritual communities within educational institutions. As education continues to adapt in a rapidly changing world, supportive figures like Jones play a vital role in ensuring that faith and learning thrive together.
For further insights into the changes in religious vocations, you may consider exploring resources from the Pew Research Center which track these trends comprehensively.
