IVC regions are sponsoring two events well worth attending in October. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we are able to join them. IVC Minneapolis/St. Paul and IVC New York/Northern Jersey/Long Island invite us to join them virtually.

Space is filling up fast, so don't miss your chance to join IVC Minneapolis/St. Paul for this thoughtful dialogue between Jim Martin, SJ, (America Magazine/The Jesuit Review) and Rev. Jim Wallis (Sojourners/America's Original Sin) on "Racism: A Thoughtful Dialogue on the Christian Response to Racial Injustice", Wednesday, October 21, from 12-2pm (EDT). Space is limited. registration is free but required. Register here.

One week later, Wednesday, October 28, from 7-8:30 (EDT), live from New York City, Father Martin returns to lead a timely discussion on “Election 2020: Catholic Conscience, the Candidates, and the Common Good." IVC New York/Northern New Jersey/Long Island is pleased to host this important presentation just prior to perhaps the most critical election in our lifetimes.

Joining Father Martin are distinguished guests John Carr, Founder and Director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, Barbara Lee, longtime IVC Service Corps member and retired US magistrate judge, and Eric Van Nostrand, former staff economist and advisor to the Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Click here to learn how to register.

The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice is a virtual event this year. It runs from October 19-26. Attending the Teach-In this year costs $50, roughly about half the usual in-person rate. More content has been added. Registrants receive nine months of access to all content.

Mike Mothes, IVC Northern Virginia Regional Director writes: "Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN), responsible for putting on this annual event, is becoming a stronger and stronger partner with IVC each year. IVC is helping to round out the family by making the gathering much more inter-generational."

For more information about the Teach-In click here.

From the ISN website: "More content. More connections. October 19-23 will offer professional development tracks, evening speakers and networking, and daytime content geared toward high school classrooms. October 24-26 will follow the traditional Teach-In format with 40+ dynamic speakers, breakouts, prayer and liturgy, and advocacy."

Towards the end of a volunteer year, we ask IVC Service Corps Members to reflect back on their year, and, if willing, share a story that touched them, stayed with them.

Sometimes the story shared seems to have no obvious good ending.

Thank you to Larry Loh for sharing this experience at Father Bill's & MainSpring (Larry is pictured in the rear in the accompanying photo, teaching at a second assignment, the Genesis Center in Providence):

"I don’t know how you would/could use this story. But it’s a recent experience that touched me.

"A homeless person appeared at Father Bill’s place the other day not too long ago, apparently being 'dropped off' by another shelter. He had with him bags and bags of ‘personal belongings’ and he was filthy from head to toe. He reeked of urine. He wanted to stay overnight, and, more urgently, to use the bathroom. He seemed intelligent and coherent but perhaps suffering from some mental illness.

"If nothing else, he was a 'hoarder'. Unfortunately, what he hoards were mostly dirty clothes, rotting foods, and other garbage. The nurse took a look at him and later on told us that he had ‘garbage’ stuffed into his clothing and taped to his body. Of course, the case worker determined that Fr. Bill’s couldn’t take him because he had too much 'stuff' with him. The cook in the kitchen barred him from the dining room. Instead, we offered him a bag lunch, which he was reluctant to accept because he indicated that he did not eat meat and/or certain cheeses.

"The staff was sympathetic and resourceful but eager to find a place that would take him. Many thought he belonged in a hospital. In the end, he apparently moved on, on his own. Nobody knew where to.

"What haunts me is: how do I love a person like him? Where does he belong? Society regards him as trash. No one wants anything to do with him. So what is to become of him? There must be many more like him. Besides prayers, what more do we have to offer them? Sorry. I wish my story could be uplifting instead of so depressing."

Though our new IVC year has begun, there are some positions available for late applicants. If you are interested in exploring some of these options, please contact us right away. Openings include the following:

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Lawrence has a variety of needs still unmet. Nursing, teaching assistance, and tutoring positions are available.

Worcester opportunities include grant-writing with the Matthew 25 housing program (Staff Fred Enman, SJ, and IVC volunteer Tom Lucci survey the work needed in the photo above).

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 Dartmouth.

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. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Springwell, based in Waltham, needs more drivers to deliver food to homebound elders. Hearth, Inc. has concierge positions open at its Olmstead Green facility in Dorchester.

In Providence, the Urban Collaborative school (UCAP) is asking for a volunteer to assist with classroom work and in other areas of the school.

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.