FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS: THE IGNACIAN LAY VOLUNTEER CORPS
Photographs published in INNOVATIONS #6, text by Rob Gurwitt, introduction by Marc Freedman, from Civic Ventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the aging of America into a source of individual and social renewal
The Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps (ILVC) involves women and men 50 and older working with and advocating for the poor in their communities and reflecting on these experiences in the Jesuit tradition. Two Jesuit priests started the program in 1995 in three East Coast cities; ILVC has expanded to more than 200 volunteers working in eight regions across the country. Volunteers typically work two days a week for 10 months each year at agencies in their local area. They also are asked to meet regularly with a spiritual reflector, participate in periodic group meetings with other area volunteers, and keep a spiritual journal to reflect on their work.
Photo caption: Tom Byrne and Jim Conroy, S.J., spiritual reflection session, Jesuit residence at Ganzaga College High School, Washington, D.C.