December 2, 2021
The Generative Power of Darkness
I recently heard Advent referred to as a celebration of the return of light. Yet, I feel called to Advent as an experience of the generative power of darkness, the divine feminine. During Advent, Mary carries this experience for us as she prepares for her son’s arrival. We too are invited to that mysterious place that requires patience, faith, and vision to rest there. The question is, can we stay awake in the womb? Can we remain present, vigilant, and nourishing of the creative opportunity for new life and the return of the light? Or, out of fear, boredom, or mistrust, do we fall asleep and miss the gifts? 
Advent can help us to be more conscious and intentional of the creative darkness we live into all year. We can sharpen our sight in the dark, aspire to live in love not fear, and remind ourselves to stay alert. We contemplate the gifts we carry to the world through our own spiritual womb, bringing nourishment to what we carry, as Mary did for Jesus. If you allow for a conscious gestation of the light in the darkness, then your light will carry loving, healing gifts to the world. 

Reflection: 
  • What wants to birth? 
  • What is already blooming? 
  • How are you staying awake and preparing for new birth? 


~ Karen Beal
JV EnCorps Program Manager 
Virtual Event
Advent Prayer Gathering
Please join us for our 2021 community Advent Prayer Gathering on Tuesday, December 14 from 5-6PM PST.


We look forward to seeing you there!
We're Hiring
JV Recruiter
We are hiring a full-time, temporary (4-month) Recruiter. The Recruiter will travel to schools and events to meet prospective JVs. Applicants can be based anywhere in the United States.
Spread the Word
JV Priority Deadline: January 11
The first priority deadline to apply for the JV program is January 11. Do you know someone who may be a good fit? Help us recruit the next cohort of passionate JVs by telling them about our program and sharing our website.
Jesuits and Boarding Schools: Truth, Reconciliation, Responsibility
Fordham University is hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, December 7 to highlight not only the history of Jesuit institutions and sexual abuse, but to ask how we can confront and handle this history and its many legacies in the present. This event will bring together leaders from the Jesuit Conference and Red Cloud Indian School, a Jesuit-run Indigenous boarding school engaged in a Truth and Healing process. Register here.

Watch Keynote Speaker Presentations from Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice
During November 6-8, various JVC Northwest staff members joined over 1,000 others in Washington, D.C. for The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ). The inspirational and informative event hosted a variety of passionate speakers working for justice. Visit Ignatian Solidarity Network's website to see videos of the keynote speakers.
Have an opportunity to share? Send it to pgerigscott@jvcnorthwest.org.
Job Opportunity
Environmental Program Manager
Archdiocese of Seattle
Seattle, WA
Job Opportunity
Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Advent Retreat
Deepening Kinship on the Journey

This virtual Advent retreat hosted by Discerning Deacons will feature inspiring voices from the Catholic community, including FJVs Claire Hitchins (Yakima '15-16 and of JVC Northwest Orientation fame), Molleen Dupree-Dominguez
(Detroit '99-00), Bridget Deegan-Krause (Bend '91-92), and Lizzie Berne DeGear (Juneau '97-98). It includes: 
  • 3 Sunday afternoon sessions with inspiring worship, great music, dynamic preaching, and optional small group sharing 
  • Fresh content emailed weekly to help you go deep on your Advent journey 
  • The opportunity to connect with a discerning community seeking to engage in the wider synodal process unfolding in the Church   
Find more opportunities on our website: jvcnorthwest.org/opportunities-and-resources/
Where has your FJV journey led you? Send life updates to pgerigscott@jvcnorthwest.org.
FJV Suzanne Maggio has just published her second memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago. The book traces an inward journey launched by a 500-mile trek, and addresses themes of spirituality, service, and friendship, among others.   

“My JV experience has remained a constant light in my life and, as was true in my first book, the experience of my year as a JV played a significant role in my Camino journey as well.” -Suzanne Maggio (Great Falls, MT ‘81-82)
We acknowledge and honor the Clackamas People as the traditional inhabitants of the land upon which our office resides and this newsletter is published. We pay respect to Elders both past and present. We are committed to deepening our knowledge and perspectives of this land's history as the first step toward a future of justice and understanding. To learn more about the history of where you live, visit Native-Land.ca.