IVC Stories
Called to Serve: A Reflection on Love and Action
In the words of Dorothy Day, “What we would like to do is change the world—make it a little simpler for people to
feed, clothe, and shelter themselves as God intended them to do.” Her vision resonates deeply with the mission of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) in Milwaukee, where compassion meets action and service creates ripples of change.
Thanks, John! – Farwell to Regional Director John Green
In September, we bid farewell to IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey’s Director, John Green, who served the region ably throughout his five-year tenure. A social worker by training, John had come to us with decades of experience on the front lines, in both non-profit and counseling settings. Those skills were in demand in IVC, as he established relationships with new community partners and helped potential volunteers discern good placements.
“Holy boldness” common ground for RISE and IVC
Bridging Communities Inside and Out, a tagline found on the webpage for RISE Reentry Program explains in a phrase the short version of what they do. The long version of the mission is complex, yet simple–to break the cycle of incarceration and provide reentry support to help people build a new life after experiencing a prison sentence for people across the state of Nebraska. A recent visit to sit in and observe a single session of the Leadership Academy demonstrates the passion of the Executive Director, Jeremy Bouman for serving this population of individuals and is just one example of support in the process of building a new life after being system-impacted.
Racial Reconciliation: a Descendant of Jesuit Slavery and a Jesuit Leader in Conversation
"During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Catholic Church were among the largest slave holders in the United States." (The Catholic Spirit) IVC Twin Cities held its annual Evening of Gratitude on October 24 at St. Thomas More...
Self-Care in the Age of Chaos
The recent Presidential election has certainly been the most contentious in our lifetimes. Our nation endured a steady stream of vitriol, hate, and even an assassination attempt on one candidate. People on all sides, it seems fair to say, were angry and stressed.
Omaha Celebrates Second Annual Evening of Gratitude
This year’s Madonna Della Strada Award recipients were Fr. Greg Carlson, SJ, and Fr. Larry Gillick, SJ, Creighton University’s Jesuit Community members. The afternoon program was held at Creighton Preparatory High School in the Sullivan Commons.
IVC National Capital Area Member Profile: Bob Brady
Bob came to IVC following a long career as a Ph.D chemist in the federal sector, primarily in a leadership position with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Following retirement, he obtained a master’s degree in spirituality and pastoral care. At his parish, St. Rose of Lima in Gaithersburg, Md., Bob served as a pastoral associate and continues to serve in many volunteer ministries.
IVC National Capital Area Member Profile: Joe Ludovici
IVC’s Joe Ludovici likes to describe his role in Workforce Development at IVC partner agency DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) as helping those who need it most – students enrolled in DCCK’s Culinary Job Training program. “They find compassion and love here, and that we care about their journey to career stability,” he says. “They are doing the work, and we coach them on skills to be successful.”
My Spiritual Journey in the Cowboy State by Lynda Kelly, IVC Virtual Member
My rewarding Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) journey supporting Catholic Charities Wyoming (CCWyo) began with a piece of paper from that file. Many of us have that file, tentatively called retirement ideas. These ideas come from years of collecting newspaper articles, church bulletins, LinkedIn ideas, emails, and friend’s notes about what to do in retirement with our free time. I never expected to use that file. Ultimately, health challenges curtailed my executive career leading me back to that file.