Spiritual Support Program
IVC Chicago members enjoying conversation at a community meeting.
IVC provides older adults with opportunities to volunteer in service to others while also participating in a faith-based spiritual reflection program. The spiritual support program provided by IVC includes regular meetings for reflection and discussion and opportunities for retreats and spiritual direction. The program is based on the spiritual teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. It emphasizes the importance of finding God in all things and using one’s gifts and talents to serve others. The program’s goal is to help corps members deepen their faith and grow in their spiritual lives while making a meaningful impact in their communities through volunteer service.
The reflection is the essential part, because… you really can get very burnt out and sucked dry. It’s coming together as a group to pray and then to have your one-on-one reflection monthly that keeps you going. We discuss the difficult challenges as well as the joys in finding the presence of Christ in the work we’re doing.