On April 29, Father James Dixon, SJ and Father David Kelly C.PP.S. concelebrated Mass as part of the annual Ignatian Volunteer Corps Evening of Gratitude. Following Mass, Father David Kelly was honored with the Madonna della Strada Award in recognition of his work at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.

Carol and Tom Holden received the Ignatian Spirituality Award celebrating their years of service as IVC spiritual reflectors accompanying IVC volunteers on their journeys of service and formation. Michael Dougherty, President of Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart accepted the George Sullivan Magis Award on behalf of the school .

Mary McGinnity, Executive Director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps based in Baltimore, and Maura Rogan, Regional Director IVC Chicago, welcomed joyous families and friends of the honorees at a reception which followed at Ignatius House located on the LUC campus.The original founders of IVC Chicago, Bill Creed, SJ and George Sullivan along with the 2 IVC chaplains, Jim Dixon, SJ and Jack O'Callaghan, SJ joined the celebration.Jim Sweany, the IVC spiritual animator, his wife, Ferne and scores of current IVC volunteers, IVC alums, spiritual reflectors and agency partners were on hand.to celebrate.

Founded in 1995 by two Jesuit priests, IVC makes the difference in the lives of marginalized. The Ignatian Volunteer Corp provides men and women, 50 and older, opportunities to touch the lives of people in need by matching the talents and life experiences of volunteers with agencies serving the needy. Over 500 IVC volunteers serve in 20 cities throughout the country. Currently 60 IVC volunteers are serving in 49 schools, hospitals, shelters, community centers throughout the Chicago area.

For more information, http://www.ivcusa.org/chicago