from 1672-1680, gravier taught and tutored in the jesuit schools of hesdin, eu, and arras. he then studied philosophy at the collège louis-le-grand in paris (1678–79). after teaching, he returned there for his studies in theology (1680–84). after his third year of theology, gravier was ordained a priest. upon completing his studies, he set out for canada, where he would be a missionary. he studied and taught at the college in quebec, and then spent a year at sillery studying algonquin (1685–86).