Ignatian volunteers enjoy accountability, prayer

By Becky Goff
Contributing writer
 

Did you know that volunteering is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health? 

Studies show that helping others not only benefits those served but also is a boost to the physical, mental and spiritual health of those giving the service.  

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is a great organization that fosters community and common purpose, offsetting the stagnation and isolation that can come with retirement life. 

IVC is a community of mature Catholic adults transforming the world through justice.  We offer mature adults (mostly over 50) the opportunity to serve eight or 16 hours per week at community-based organizations. 

IVC helps those who feel a call to serve but who may not know where or what work God may be calling them to and matches their talents and experience with the needs of partner non-profit agencies serving the greatest social needs of our time. 

IVC is also a small faith community, rooted in Gospel values. Using the spirituality of St. Ignatius, we draw closer to Christ. Besides the fellowship our volunteers share at the agencies in which they serve, IVC  offers monthly fellowship and spiritual reflection with the other corps members and a personal reflector to grow spiritually. Both forms of engagement support and deepen volunteers’ service experience.

The volunteers themselves tell poignant stories about what IVC means to them:

Dick, a retired engineer/project manager): 

“What drew me to IVC was the business-like approach to volunteering. There was commitment, interviews and accountability. Volunteer organizations sometimes fail in proper preparation once volunteers are available and ready to serve. IVC helps them think through and prepare for the process of helping us help others. I’m currently working at Jane Place, advising on constructing and remodeling of affordable housing units. Camaraderie with the Jane Place team is now part of my IVC DNA. Because I am there every week, they see me as a committed part of the staff.  They plan efforts around me to get more done in a way that an organization cannot do with volunteers who come and go. My spirituality grows from getting out, meeting people and serving others – they bless me as I journey with them. The monthly team meetings with other volunteers, coupled with one-on-one time with my spiritual reflector, allows me to grow and see God’s bigger picture. The IVC team is not just a group you work with.  They are family.”  

Cathy, a retired nurse:

“I volunteer for the Harry Tompson Center at the Rebuild Center, which provides the unhoused with services such as basic medical care, a housing referral program, 

meals, and over-the-counter medications, to name just a few of the services. I began volunteering three years ago, and on the first day I encountered a client who had overdosed and rallied resources so that we saved his life. As a single mother I’ve faced my own challenges in life, but each day of service helps to burst my ‘privileged bubble’ and grow in gratitude, hope, and compassion. I love making a difference for those in need. I see the image of Christ in each individual.”

Henri, a retired business owner 

Henri provides tutoring in math for the YMCA’s Educational Services (YES) Program. 

“I was familiar with the motto ‘a person for others,’ having gone to Jesuit High School, but it wasn’t until I started volunteering at YES that I fully understood what it meant. The executive director there appreciates that students rely on the steadiness, patience, and humble wisdom of the IVC volunteers she deploys for the guidance and consistency they need to make learning gains. Sometimes volunteering can be frustrating, but the support I get from my spiritual reflection with Sister Rochelle Perrier helps me see God in all this.”

Dick, Cathy and Henri are three of the growing team realizing the blessings of service with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps.  If you feel God is calling you to make a difference using your gifts and experience, we invite you to be part of our mission!    

Learn more about IVC at ivcusa.org/neworleans. Contact Becky Goff, region director, at (504) 264-3438, or by email at [email protected].