“Lent is indeed the “favourable time” to return to what is essential, to divest ourselves of all that weighs us down, to be reconciled with God, and to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit hidden beneath the ashes of our frail humanity. Return to what is essential. It is the season of grace when we put into practice what the Lord asks of us at the beginning of today’s first reading: “Return to me with all your heart” (Jl 2:12). Return to what is essential: it is the Lord.”

Pope Francis Daily Message, February 14, 2025.

A detailed look at what the Ignatian Volunteer Corps accomplished in 2024, from fundraising to membership to programming.

“I don’t know what we’d do without our IVC volunteers,” says St. Rita’s principal Gina Olsen. “They provide high-caliber support of Catholic education in classrooms, on the playground, and in the library.”

IVC Partner Agency Catholic Charities’ Mother of Mercy (MoM) Free Medical Clinics is bringing better health – and opportunities for a healthier future – to Prince William County, Virginia, residents in need. The clinics – located in Manassas and Woodbridge – provide no-cost basic medical care to low-income adults who are uninsured or under-insured. “Our patients are at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, and the majority require interpretation services,” says Program Director Alexandra Luevano. “We consider ourselves their medical home.”