The Ignatian Volunteer Corps Minneapolis/St. Paul is 26 members strong, and continues to thrive! Since 2002 we have offered an opportunity for retired men and women to work for a more just society while growing in their faith through praying in the Ignatian tradition.
Our volunteers, all retired or semi retired from their careers, have such broad backgrounds. A retired media specialist does pro-bono work to end domestic violence. A former college professor teaches a journaling class in a women’s prison. A volunteer who was a global sales and marketing manager now mentors teens at an alternative high school. A former social worker manages a small banking facility for elderly residents in a nursing home. Long term partners include People Serving People, AMICUS, CommonBond Communities, Risen Christ School, Catholic Charities and People, Inc.
The Twin Cities community participates regularly in spiritual reflection, an integral part of the IVC experience. The members meet with a spiritual reflector to talk about the meaning of their work with the poor, beyond the service experience itself…and how it is contributes to growing their faith. The community gathers at Loyola Spirituality Center in St. Paul to pray, reflect and share service experiences during the previous month – as well as discuss a book they are reading on social justice or spirituality themes. Three of the meetings are actually full Days of Reflection where the IVC members comes together for Eucharist, and to offer each other a pause to personally contemplate the impact of their volunteering and God’s presence with them.
Ignatian Volunteers are incredibly generous with their time and talents. Yet our volunteers say over and over again that they receive back so much more than they give. 85% of our volunteers renew their commitment to the IVC program and come back to the program year after year.
We invite you to join us.
