Ignatian Volunteer Corps of San Diego

05/22/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate two outstanding IVC San Diego members!

Patrick Corrigan and Penny Richichi were recently honored at the North County Philanthropy Council's Volunteer Awards Celebration as Volunteers of the Year alongside nonprofit volunteers from across the region.

Patrick serves as a Project Lead with FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope) through Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, offering compassionate accompaniment and support to individuals attending immigration hearings at the federal courthouse.

Penny serves as an Educational Enrichment Assistant at Coastal Roots Farm, where she supports hands-on learning and community engagement.

Each was recognized for going above and beyond in their service, offering not only their time, but a deep generosity of spirit to those they accompany. Their commitment reflects the heart of IVC’s mission and the powerful impact of faithful, consistent presence.

Join us in congratulating Patrick and Penny!

05/21/2026

This year, IVC San Diego began a new partnership with St. Madeleine Sophie's Center in El Cajon, and already the impact has been meaningful.

In our recent newsletter, IVC Member Marianne Zundel reflects on serving as a Garden Volunteer at SMSC, where small acts of care have helped maintain a beloved gathering space for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The clients’ welcoming comments and smiles - that is the best,” Marianne shares.

Read the full story here!

In its first year of partnership with IVC San Diego, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon has already become a place of meaningful connection and impact. IVC Member Marianne Zundel serves as the Garden Volunteer, helping to create a welcoming and accessible environment for the individuals ser...

05/20/2026

What does it mean to create community through presence, listening, and compassion?

In our latest newsletter reflection, IVC Member Patty Graham shares how her second year serving in the Chaplaincy program at Father Joe's Villages has deepened her understanding of kinship, dignity, and accompaniment among San Diego’s unhoused community.

Read her moving reflection here!

Now in her second year with IVC San Diego, Patty Graham serves in the Chaplaincy Program at Father Joe’s Villages, under the direction of Deacon John Roberts. Father Joe’s Villages is the largest provider of homeless services in the region. Through Patty’s ministry of presence and accompanimen...

05/18/2026

We are so saddened by today’s horrific shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and share prayers for all those impacted by this tragedy.

05/15/2026

What a wonderful Evening of Gratitude! We are so thankful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the incredible honorees, corps members, partner agencies, and supporters who make our mission possible. It was an evening filled with joy, reflection, community, and deep appreciation for all that has been accomplished together this year.

Thank you to everyone who attended or donated to help make the evening so meaningful and memorable.

You can view the full photo gallery from the event here:
https://nicoleantonacciphotography.pixieset.com/ivceveningofgratitude2026/
**Photos are courtesy of Nicole Antonacci Photography

04/17/2026

A few months ago, members of IVC San Diego traveled on a pilgrimage to Los Angeles to visit Homeboy Industries and Dolores Mission. Read about our inspiring day here!

On a trip to Los Angeles in early January, IVC San Diego members had the opportunity to step into the vision of cherished belonging – not through reading or reflection alone, but through encounter. A group of 17 participants traveled by bus from San Diego to Los Angeles for a day-long pilgrimage t...

04/16/2026

Check out this story from our most recent newsletter highlighting the work of IVC Member Jim Chodzko at Kairos House, a ministry sponsored by the The Roman Catholic Diocese of SAN DIEGO that provides transitional housing, recovery support, and other re-entry services for those transitioning out of incarceration.

Thanks, Jim, for the ways you are accompanying Kairos House residents with your spirit of kinship.

Fr. Greg Boyle reminds us that kinship is not about fixing problems, but about standing with one another in love. That vision comes alive each week at Kairos House in San Diego, where IVC San Diego Corps Member Jim Chodzko accompanies men who are rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Through l...

04/10/2026

Tickets are going fast, but it's not too late to register for our Evening of Gratitude, IVC San Diego’s annual celebration and fundraiser honoring our service corps members, partner agencies, and friends who make our mission possible.

It’s an inspiring evening that blends community, storytelling, award presentations, and gratitude – with the opportunity to support our work and sustain our impact in the year ahead. All proceeds from the event directly support IVC San Diego’s service and spiritual formation programs. If you can't attend, please consider making a tax-deductible gift.

We are incredibly grateful to our Event Sponsors:

Impact Sponsor:
- Mercer Advisors

Ambassador Sponsors:
- Lucy & Steve Howell
- St. Paul's Senior Services
- Maria Torretto Gaughan with The Seaman Team - San Diego Home Specialists

The Evening of Gratitude is IVC San Diego’s annual celebration and fundraiser honoring our service corps members, partner agencies, and friends who make our mission possible. It’s an inspiring evening that blends community, storytelling, and gratitude – with the opportunity to support IVC’s ...

04/03/2026

Grateful for our most recent monthly gathering and two special guests: Fr. Hung Nguyen, SJ from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and Claire DesHotels from our partner agency Ignatian Spirituality Project (all the way from Chicago)!

It’s wonderful anytime we can cross paths with our Ignatian collaborators.

03/31/2026

A highlight of last week was my site visit to St. Mary School, Escondido to meet with Principal Emily Silady and IVC Member Chris Horning. This is our first year in partnership with the school, and it was great to learn about the positive impact Chris has made as a Reading Support Teacher. Chris brings her experience as a teacher, along with her warmth and patience, to give extra support to students who may be struggling. We are grateful for all the ways that Emily and the team at St. Mary have welcomed her with open arms, and for Chris's consistent and caring presence at the school!