At Cristo Rey Boston, students are surrounded by a community that believes deeply in their potential. While teachers and staff guide them each day, there is another group that plays a powerful role in their journey. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is a network of experienced professionals who commit their time to service in nonprofit and educational settings. These volunteers bring to the Cristo Rey Boston community decades of valuable experience and a strong belief in the potential of students.
On Sunday, April 26th, the Ignatian Volunteer Corps community will gather for the Madonna Della Strada Award Ceremony. The Madonna Della Strada Award honors “lives that reflect the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor, and of working and educating for a more just society.” Among this year’s honorees is Jeff Thielman, co-founder of the Cristo Rey Network and former president of Cristo Rey Boston. His leadership and continued dedication to mission driven work reflect the same values lived out daily by IVC volunteers at the school.
IVC volunteers come to Cristo Rey Boston with decades of professional and life experience, a shared commitment to service, and a desire to give back. For many, this work represents not only an opportunity to support students, but also a continuation of a lifelong vocation.
For Tim McGillicuddy, a lifelong educator whose career spanned nearly 50 years, working at CRB has been both familiar and inspiring. Supporting first-year teachers and tutoring students, he witnessed the growth of extraordinary young teachers and the determination of students finding their voice in the classroom. “It has been a privilege,” he shares, “to be made a part of the CRB community, and a partner in their amazing work.”
Others, like Monica Friar, have found joy in returning to the classroom in a new way. After more than 25 years teaching high school math, she now works with students in small groups and one-on-one, helping them build confidence and understanding. “I really enjoy helping them unpack the mysteries of math,” she says.
For Mary Beth Sullivan, who spent over 30 years in Boston Public Schools as a speech and language pathologist, working with CRB students offers a meaningful new experience. One highlight was reviewing seniors’ college essays. “The essays were so thoughtful, honest, and creative,” she recalls. “The students were so appreciative and easily engaged in conversation.”
IVC volunteers also play a critical role behind the scenes. Mark Murphy, a recently retired attorney, supports the Development Office by researching grants and analyzing data to strengthen fundraising efforts. Reflecting on his first year, he describes the experience as “quite humbling and very rewarding,” adding that it has been “a constant reminder of the countless blessings I have been given and the importance of giving back.”
The partnership between Cristo Rey Boston and IVC is both longstanding and impactful. As IVC New England Director Dave Hinchen shares, “We have partnered with Cristo Rey Boston High School for 16 years, with more than a dozen volunteers serving in roles that support administration, teachers, and students.” Today, volunteers continue to make a profound impact on the school community, bringing with them valuable expertise, a strong commitment to service, and a deep belief in the potential of students.
As we celebrate our IVC volunteers this weekend, we are reminded that their impact is felt far beyond the hours they give. It lives in the confidence of students, the growth of teachers, and the strength of a community working together toward a common mission.
Click here to learn more about The Ignatian Volunteer Corps