Jesuit Volunteer Corps
Spencer L (San Jose 2016-17) prays at orientation at camp st. francis
Spencer L (San Jose 2016-17) prays at orientation at camp st. francis

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Aspiring to create a more just and hopeful world, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps engages passionate young people in vital service within poor communities, fostering the growth of leaders committed to faith in action. 

Sam McGrath (San Diego 2014-15, Los Angeles 2015-16)
JVC Commissioning Mass blessing by JVC Staff during Orientation in California. (2017)
Abby Habein (Camden 2011-12) journals at Orientation 2011.

SPIRITUALITY

We believe in open and honest engagement with spirituality and faith. We strive to perceive God in others, practice personal reflection in daily life, discern and discuss the challenges of living faithful and just lives, and pursue deep attention to the common good.

Shrader and her JVC housemates in 2014 during a hike.

SIMPLE LIVING

We value opportunities to live a simple and practical life. We seek to maintain balance and perspective in the presence of consumerism, busyness, ambition, and materialism in our everyday lives and careers. We hope to understand the lives and resource constraints of the communities we accompany and serve, and we evaluate the human and ecological consequences of our choices.

Don't be chasing waterfalls, Belize JV photos from 2014
Casa Jane Adams Sacramento 2014-15 Jesuit Volunteers smiling during community night
Jesuit Volunteers serving internationally with JVC in Tanzania dance in community

COMMUNITY

We build intentional communities that broaden our perspectives and confront our boundaries. We practice methods of active listening, consensus building, and conflict resolution, and we value humility, self-reflection, and self-awareness. We are committed to developing mutual relationships across lines of difference, and we assume good will on behalf of those around us.

Jesuit Volunteer serving in San Antonio, Texas nursing a baby at their placement site

SOCIAL JUSTICE

We advocate for compassion, fair treatment, and structural change that addresses the root causes of injustice. We recognize and move to transcend personal prejudices, stereotypes, and presumptions. And we apply the Jesuit practice of discernment, analysis, reflection, and action as we address current social problems and their impact on human communities.

Fr. Greg Boyle talks with a Jesuit Volunteer before 2018 Orientation commissioning mass.

THE “JESUIT” IN JESUIT VOLUNTEER CORPS

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps draws inspiration and direction from the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers. Better known as the “Jesuits,” the order was founded almost 500 years ago by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who challenged others to live as “contemplatives in action,” balancing between reflective prayer and work for justice.

The Jesuit Volunteer experience frames full-time service within four inter-related values of the Jesuit tradition: Ignatian (Jesuit) spirituality, social justice, community, and simple living. Each value is reinforced through the use of foundational tools: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, The Autobiography of St. Ignatius, and contemporary Jesuit documents articulating a faith that does justice. 
 

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps welcomes all passionate, young leaders, regardless of their familiarity with -- or prior interest in -- faith, religion, Catholicism, or Ignatian spirituality. We simply ask that volunteers remain open to hearing and learning about Ignatian tools and principles and applying them where relevant.