A Faith That Does Justice Wants to Broaden and Expand Its Mission

In the world of IVC, this is the season for finding good people to assist with the challenges and needs of local non-profits. As the summer progresses, the process of matching potential volunteers with our community partners continues. Though some positions have been filled, there are still several vacancies which we hope to fill before we begin our new year in September. Be in touch if you are interested.

In Haverhill, L'Arche Boston North has a community where developmentally disabled and those who assist them live together as family. L'Arche is looking for an Ignatian Volunteer to assist community members in learning kitchen and food services skills through their Homemade Hummus Program. This coaching takes place in a nearby church facility.

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Lawrence combines a Catholic, affordable, culturally sensitive, college prep education with work experience for young men and women from families with limited income. Opportunities at the school include nursing, teaching assistance, tutoring, and other positions.

Boston offers openings with Family Aid Boston and its food distribution program or with ETHOS and ESAC, two community agencies that do outreach work to the elderly to assist them to attain benefits that they are entitled to and to be able to remain in their homes. The ETHOS position can be done in person or remotely.

South of Boston, My Brother's Keeper has ramped up its food distribution program in Southeastern Massachusetts and needs assistance in managing and implementing the program. Openings are in Easton and in Canton. If you prefer to do emergency food distribution from the comfort of your home, IVC has organized a cooperative volunteer opportunity at Catholic Charities between its San Diego office and other IVC regions.

Other virtual opportunities exist in community outreach and advancement with Boston-based A Faith That Does Justice, or in grant-writing with the Matthew 25 housing program, based in Worcester. More openings are surfacing and now exist with other non-profit partners. Click here for a complete list and check our website regularly for updates. But, apply now for the best match of your interests and abilities with the needs of requesting community groups. Or pass this information along to an interested friend.

A Beautiful Life: Joyce Flowers, RSM - Inclusive, Peaceful, and Kind

Sister Joyce Flowers, RSM, a long-time supporter of the work of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps in New England, died on Thursday, July 9 in Providence. In 2014, IVC New England presented her and her colleague, the late Sister Ann Keefe, SSJ, with our Della Strada award for her work in the parish and in other parts of the world.

Sister Joyce served for nearly 40 years at St. Michael the Archangel parish in Providence, touching the lives of many. In its announcement of her passing, the St. Michael's statement read: "In her unassuming yet powerful way, Joyce touched the lives of everyone. She identified needs, made connections, nudged everyone to step forward and offer their skills and talents, and reminded us all to be inclusive, peaceful and kind."

She was born in Belize, worked as a teacher there and in Honduras. She came to the United States and joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1965. She was a teacher, a religious education administrator, and was one of the founders of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Non-Violence where she served on the board. Most of her religious life was spent at St. Michael's, a Providence parish that is home for many in the IVC New England community.

St. Michael’s will hold a memorial Mass on Saturday, July 18, at 10 am. Her burial, in the presence of family and close friends, was scheduled to take place at Swan Point Cemetery on Monday, July 13. Her bio on the St. Michael's website is attached here.

Reflections at the End of a Volunteer Year

Each year, IVC volunteers are asked to look back at their year of service and to share stories, moments, or experiences that impacted them. Some of those reflections follow. Thanks to all who contributed to this article:

"I was struck by the genuine compassion towards our clients by the staff, the earnestness of the students in our ESOL classes, the gratitude of our new citizens, the sacrifices and dogged determination of immigrants seeking better futures for themselves and their families - all evidenced every single day. In the moment, it was all in a day's work, but upon reflection, it was extraordinary" (Jane, Rian Immigrant Center ).

"The staff at Saint Francis House are true heroes, continuing to work at the risk of their own health. They are security guards, guest engagement liaisons, housekeepers who are not making big salaries, but they are so joyful and loving to the guests they serve. They exemplify Christ's teaching of laying down one's life for one's friends and are a true inspiration to me" (Rosemary, Saint Francis House ).

"I enjoyed the monthly meetings and hearing other people's stories and thoughts. This gave me food for thought. It was nice to be with people who are still working to make the world better... who are still 'getting their hands dirty' doing what needs to be done" (Helen, Sophia Academy ).

"I would like to comment on the teacher for the ESOL class that I am helping... he relates to his students not just as an English language teacher, but a friend, someone who cares about them as real people, with dreams and fears and unique histories and untold futures. His devotion and basic goodness is an inspiration to me that God's is near" ( Larry, Genesis Center ).

"Sheila from Casserly reached out to Bill from A Faith That Does Justice (AFTDJ) to research how their program was teaching students. A Zoom meeting was established.... Aaron and Mary Ellen (from AFTDJ) were supportive and asked the right questions about Casserly's program and provided some resources to explore. The meeting was a life-affirming, positive experience. People from one agency sharing their time and experience to assist another program, an act of generosity, in these challenging times" (Mary Beth, Casserly House ).

"I have been truly touched by two mothers of the students I have tutored during this pandemic. They continually express their gratitude for any assistance we can give to their children. One mother has spoken to me of her fears as she continues to work her job at Dunkin Donuts to support her family. She is fearful that she could bring the virus home to her children. Her love for her children was so evident as we spoke..." (Sheila, Casserly House ).

"I am just constantly impressed by the strength of recovering addicts to fight their way back to life and their reliance in God" (Kevin, Ignatian Spirituality Project ).