Ignatian Volunteer Corps San Diego, CA
In September 1995, two Jesuit priests, Jim Conroy, S.J. and Charlie Costello, S.J., gathered a small group of retired men and women to form the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), an organization that combines service to the poor with a unique process of spiritual reflection. IVC provides men and women age 50 and above with meaningful opportunities to serve others. IVC also provides membership in a faith-sharing community united by a desire for spiritual development in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Kathleen Murphy Spreen Christenson brought IVC to San Diego in 2001 after her experience serving as a volunteer in New York City. Since that time IVC San Diego has expanded to provide service corps members in agencies from North County to East County and the central San Diego. They are connected to agencies that welcome their talents and experience and they become an integral part of the partner agencies as they work with the staff to address the social and educational needs in the community.
IVC Volunteers are supported in their service journey and Christian faith by a unique reflection program which is rooted in the Jesuit tradition of Ignatian spirituality. Service Corps members meet monthly to share about their volunteer experiences, to discuss spiritual readings, and to deepen in their life of faith.
IVC San Diego is one of 21 Regions of IVC USA.