March, 2024

Meet Loyola Basketball's Sister Jean at IVC Virtual Information Session

Do you want to use your skills and experiences to make a positive impact in your community? Are you looking to deepen your faith and find more meaning in life? Join Chicago Loyola University Basketball's Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt and Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) staff and members for a virtual information session, Thursday, March 21, at 3:30 pm.


IVC connects adults (50+) with opportunities for flexible weekly volunteer service in their communities while offering supportive reflection in the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Register now for this free virtual information session. Learn how you can make a difference in our world, thinking globally and acting locally. Register here and spread the word!

Register Now for the IVC Madonna Della Stada Ceremony at BC High

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps New England 12th annual Madonna Della Strada Ceremony will take place at Boston College High School on Sunday afternoon, April 21, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Invitations and registration for this celebration are virtual. For more information and to register, sign up here. For hard copy invitations, contact IVC New England.


IVC honors three incredibly generous people this year. Keep reading to learn more about them:Jonathan Slavinskas, Christine Kavanagh, and Michael McGonagle.

Fr. Jonathan Slavinskas

Christine Kavanagh, RSM

Michael McGonagle

Father Jonathan Slavinskas  


Father Jonathan’s vocation was nurtured by his parents who instilled generosity, openness, and hospitality in him and by the parishioners and priests at Saint John’s Parish in Worcester. Attending public school in Worcester gave him an appreciation for the diversity of the people of his community.


Father Jonathan manifests his love of the community serving as Chaplain to the Fire and Police departments, celebrating Mass at nursing homes, supporting first responders, opening the gym to provide a safe space for young people, shepherding his parish flock and working to be the welcoming heart of Christ to all he encounters. 

 

Sister Christine Kavanagh, RSM


The number seven has played an important role in Sister Chris’ life.  She is the 7th child in her family; a volunteer experience in 7th grade gave her the focus for her ministry; and a seven-month retreat confirmed what she had been discerning: becoming a Sister of Mercy

 

Sister Chris founded and directs ReFocus, a multi-service program for adults with disabilities. She guides staff and the people they serve to grow together and enhance one another's lives. Her greatest joys are her work, the ocean, and her family of many nieces and nephews. 


Michael McGonagle


As a student athlete at Boston College High and Holy Cross College, Mike was influenced by the Jesuits. Returning to BC High to teach English, Mike developed and ran Ignatian retreats for students as Vice President for Ignatian Mission and Ministry. A past Jesuit Provincial confided that Jesuits have considered Mike one of their best apostolic partners in secondary education.  


In honor of his immigrant parents, Mike created a scholarship at BC High for children of immigrants. The former football team captain now leads the IVC as Regional Council Chair. He enjoys teaching at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. Mike and his wife, Kay, have three daughters and an adorable granddaughter. 

Why Do We Celebrate the Madonna Della Strada?
The Madonna Della Strada award is named after Sancta Maria Della Strada, the first church that St. Ignatius and the early Jesuits obtained to serve the urban poor in the center of Rome.

The award honors lives that reflect the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor, and of working and educating for a more just society.

Click to learn more about the Madonna Della Strada.

We're Still Recruiting Nonprofit Partners for 2024-2025

IVC New England currently works assists 35 community agencies including these:

Julie's Family Learning Program - South Boston

St. John's Food for the Poor - Worcester

Words as Worlds - Field's Corner, Dorchester

IVC New England continues to welcome applications for new nonprofit partnerships for the 2024-2025 year. IVC New England works with agencies whose mission is to help those most in need in the Boston/Worcester/Providence area.


Ignatian Volunteers are women and men, 50 years of age or better, with lifetimes of experience. Among our current service corps members are educators, health care professionals, retired administrators, social workers, musicians, lawyers, pastoral care workers, and others with a wide variety of skills.


IVC New England service corps members commit to ten months of service, working on the average of one or two full days per week from September through June. Nonprofit partners commit to a modest partnership fee, an engaging job description, and a healthy, respectful welcome of our volunteers as members of your team.


For a flyer that more fully explains how an Ignatian Volunteer can expand and deepen your mission, click here. For a listing of current volunteers and their assignments, click here. Check out our website to learn more about us, or send us an email.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all!
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me....
(from St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer)
"Called to be a people in service and solidarity" (Pope Francis)
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