We are bombarded every day with pessimistic messages about the state of our world. We hear about terrorist attacks, ecological disasters, and refugee crises.  I think, to a certain extent, we have all become numb to these news items. We want to make positive changes in our world but we do not know where to start or we believe that one person is not enough to effect change. I think we as Christians understand the Gospel message but often lack the tools we need to bring to life the Kingdom of God.  This is why I believe opportunities like Jesuit Volunteers Canada (JVC) are so important. 

              Jesuit Volunteers Canada is a Jesuit run organization that offers “a year of service”, live-in volunteering opportunity for young adults in Canada. This year or two (depending if the year is renewed) gives young men and women the opportunity to go deeper in their spirituality, to live simply, to act for others and to connect in community.

Opportunities like JVC give youth the opportunity to appropriate, in a meaningful way, the skills they need to put their values into action in their daily lives.  I think one of the best ways to effect change in our world is to focus on forming our young people. By empowering young adults and handing on to them Gospel values we are working to bring about the reign of God and to combat injustice in the long term.  Hearing about the Gospel message in religion class or catechism is not sufficient, these are not values that are learned in the classroom environment, these are values that are learned by experience. 

When youth are engaged in actively serving others, they have the opportunity to appropriate skills and habits that will be important influences in their lives. An opportunity to live a simple lifestyle in community is a life-changing experience. It affords youth the chance to grow affectively without the distractions of trying to find a job or studying for class.  Through serving the poor and marginalized, our young adults have the opportunities to explore what it means to identify with “Christ poor”.

Opportunities like JVC help our young adults to build inspiring and supportive networks that are invaluable resources as they grow and develop into the future leaders of our Church and society. Community is place where youth can be supported by their peers who share in similar values. This support is essential to living in a way that is counter-cultural. Authentic service is only possible when it is nourished by a life giving spirituality.  By meet regularly with an experienced spiritual director and having several retreats Jesuit Volunteers are able to deepen and explore their spiritual resources. 

We must be equipping young women and men with the skills and habits they will need to live the Gospel values in their daily lives. Take an active role in forming our youth and young adults by encouraging them to consider and then to engage in opportunities that will help them develop as prophets for our world.  Choosing to serve others is a vocation, a call from God.  Like any vocation it cannot flourish in a vacuum, it needs support and encouragement. Talk to your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours to encourage them to choose opportunities like Jesuit Volunteers Canada.