The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is a lay organization formed in the context of Jesuit spirituality to give retired and semi-retired adults the opportunity to provide direct service. Individuals are matched with partner agencies in need of their specific experience or talents, and are expected to serve at least one or two days each week. In exchange for their service, they receive the satisfaction of directly serving those who are poor and marginalized, opportunities for prayer and reflection during monthly meetings for faith sharing and formation with other service members, and a sense of community.
Service sites include food pantries, schools, criminal justice ministries with ex-offenders, and agencies serving those with developmental disabilities, employment issues, and legal problems. There are currently 20 partner sites in the St Louis region. IVC is available in 20 regions throughout the US with approximately 500 service corps members providing an immeasurable impact across the country.
Sister Amy says that her biggest challenge was keeping the community together during Covid via Zoom, since most sites were not accepting in-person volunteers. She feels that her ministry fulfills the Sisters’ mission of witnessing the Gospel with hope and joy as she accompanies people on their faith journey, and that it speaks to the emerging role of women religious as advocates for and collaborators with lay people to carry their ministries into the future. For more information on the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, visit https://ivcusa.org/