What’s New
Finding Joy: A Lesson from Mama Dreads
by Karen Martin My new friend, Mama Dreads, has taught me so much in the past year just by being herself. She is easy to spot in a crowd. She wears a straw cowboy hat decorated with silk flowers and campaign pins. She loves mixing tie-dye, camouflage and plaid to...
Saying Yes: Choosing Action Over Indifference
by Tiffany Nelms Severely disabled, 9-year-old Sara had been denied medical care and was alienated by her community in Latin America. Her mother, hoping to find a cure for her daughter, crossed the desert between the United States and Mexico with Sara on her back. ...
How I Followed Two Fathers to a Life of Service
by Al Rowley Faith of our fathers, holy faith. It’s a refrain that echoes in my life, where two fathers — my dad, Allan Rowley, Sr., Esq., and my uncle, Father James Colford, S.J. — handed down to me a living faith. My uncle was insightful and funny and always ready...
Giving to Those Who Have Given Generously
Written by David Brooks I write this reflection during the Lenten season in which the Church calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I particularly want to reflect on almsgiving as a spiritual exercise in my life. As I look back on my faith journey, I have come...
How I Joined the Jesuit Family and Rediscovered My Roots
by Teddy Michel I was a typical teenager and young adult, dismissive of any wisdom or values my family had to offer. Despite this — or perhaps because of it — I joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps fresh out of college. That year of living the four core values of JVC —...
Message from Mary McGinnity, Executive Director
Dear Friends, I am going to invite you to be part of a miracle this Christmas. Your single charitable contribution to IVC will reach over 350 organizations serving low income communities across the country. Through IVC your charity multiplies! With your Christmas...
An Epiphany Story Unfolds at Homeless Shelter
Last night I slept at our parish's shelter for the homeless, something I've been doing pretty regularly for a while. I sleep on a mattress near the door, easily available in case anyone needs anything in the night. I am the night portress. At the end of my shift this...
In The Footsteps of St. Ignatius
by Kathy White On our frequent travels, John and I seek out spiritual discoveries to go along with the “normal” tourist spots. Our recent trip to Barcelona was the perfect example of such discovery. We planned to see the city as most people do - touring...
What do you find challenging about retirement?
by Linda Wihl When I meet with potential volunteers I become keenly aware of how our culture squanders one of our greatest resources, retirees. When I ask retirees, “What do you find challenging about retirement?” I hear three common responses: “I miss...