On the Way

Why am I doing JVC?

With my departure fast-approaching (December 2nd!) I have been thinking more and more about my reasons for committing to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps program. I find myself in a different mindset as compared to when I signed the dotted line in March, but the essential draw remains the same; I desire to live out God's will in a way that sheds light on new cultures, breaks down unjust barriers and spreads the Gospel's message of peace & love.

Each of these things are meant to be a two-way street. I intend to share about my experience of culture as I soak in that of Tanzania. I hope to erode biases and fears of my own as I work toward justice and education in my volunteer work. I look forward to witnessing and being witness to Christ's transformative love. The chance to live and grow in Tanzania is once-in-a-lifetime, but moreover I believe this opportunity was offered to challenge the way I look at the world, my relationships, and my place therein.

A Pilgrim's Journey

For the last six weeks I have been experiencing the world in a way I never thought possible. Using trains, planes, ships and bikes I've been visiting family and friends in all corners of Europe: Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Italy, and now Spain. I wish words could describe the depth and beauty of these visits; each person and place I've encountered has taught me so much about myself, the world, and how God can be found in all things.

The final leg of my journey will be in northern Spain along the route of St James, a pilgrimage known as El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I will start walking in León along the "Camino Frances"--the "French Way" which begins in St Jean, France--and walk 300km/190miles to the Santiago Cathedral where the apostle James rests. This website gives an overview of the El Camino's ancient history and tradition, which is steeped in Catholic devotion, outdoor adventure and trusting in God's providence.

Why am I walking El Camino? 
Since hearing about the pilgrimage from friends who have completed it, I have had the desire to see what the social, physical and spiritual elements of being a pilgrim are all about. Sure, I have travelled in Europe, South Africa, the Philippines, and the United States but never before have I been "on the road" alone and completely dependent on the generosity of others and the grace of God.

There are three prayer intentions that will be at the forefront of my mind as I walk, pray, listen and witness God's love. First is for the happiness and health of all. This may seem too general, but it really is my wish that everyone can have the opportunity for a life that is fulfilling, joyful, healthy and safe. Too many people are oppressed by conditions that are beyond their control; war, racism, hunger, sexism and lack of quality education are examples of how injustices keep people from living happy and healthy lives. Regardless of our background or faith tradition, we can agree that happiness and health are things everyone deserves. I pray especially for people who have walked El Camino before me, people who are sick, and people I have wronged.

Second, I pray for my relationships with my friends, family, and my girlfriend Sara. All of these relationships are built on love and trust, and I pray that they can continue to grow despite my distance from home. Two verses have reminded me lately to believe in God's ability to maintain relationships regardless of barriers of time and space. The first has always been close to my heart but was refreshed when it was read at Mass last week, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). The second is just as classic but equally powerful "faith, hope and love remain...and the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor 13:13). These verses remind me that the foundation of my relationships--faith, hope & love--are the same foundation of Christ's strength which can help us bear, believe, hope and endure all things.

Third, I pray for the JVC program and especially the community in Dodoma, Tanzania. I can hardly wait to enter the community of housemates, parishioners, students, teachers, neighbors and friends that will shape and transform me over the next two years. I know I will have the opportunity to teach and spread God's love but I pray that I can be just as open to being taught and evangelized. I pray that my students know how much I care about them and that I can be a channel of peace and love to everyone I meet.

Join me on the Journey

I hope you can accompany me in praying for these intentions as I make my spiritual journey toward Santiago. You will certainly be in my prayers and I invite you to message or email (rknotttza14@gmail.com) me with any specific prayer requests you may have. And along with your prayers I would appreciate any donations toward my fundraising goal ($3,333). As JVC's fundraising philosophy notes (see last post) donations by friends and family are ways for you to be part of my experience as a Jesuit volunteer. The donations are used to support us volunteers and the programs (schools, churches, ministries) where we work. This is where you can find my fundraising page. Thank you so much for your prayers, support, love and donations; it's people like you that make this crazy life an absolute joy.

Peace & love,
-Ryan-

Hello & Info

Hello Friends! I will be posting more soon as I prepare for my departure as a Jesuit Volunteer but for the meantime here is some information about the Jesuit Volunteer Corps,  the school I'll be working with, and the importance of my fundraising efforts in the broader picture of the program. Please read below and check out my fundraising page here: Send Me To Serve--Ryan Knott
A Brief History of JVC

The seeds of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps were planted in 1956 when Fr. Jack Morris, S.J., and the Sisters of Saint Ann formed a partnership to open the Copper Valley School for Native Alaskan children. A small group of college students began serving the native people at this school, forming the first JV community. Five decades later, more than 13,000 Jesuit volunteers have served tens of thousands of individuals and families at hundreds of sites around the world. They’ve worked tirelessly for social justice, while exploring their spirituality and faith through a framework of Catholic, Ignatian values. In 2009, four regional Jesuit Volunteer Corps offices and Jesuit Volunteers International united to form JVC. Bringing together groups with shared history, values, and mission, this merger gives us additional resources and capacity.
Domestically, Jesuit Volunteers serve full-time for one or two years in non-profit organizations and schools, working in direct service, advocacy, and community organizing. There are currently 325 Jesuit Volunteers living and working in 39 cities in the United States and there are 50 Jesuit Volunteers serving in six nations: Belize, Chile, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Peru, and Tanzania.
Internationally, JVC responds to requests from works of the Society of Jesus, the local Church, and other organizations seeking to alleviate poverty. Jesuit Volunteers are sent to live, work, and learn with and among poor people as teachers, social workers, and pastoral ministers.

http://www.jesuitvolunteers.org

St Peter Claver High School--Dodoma, Tanzania

School Motto: to learn, to love, to serve.

Our school is meant to develop young men and women to become leaders in every aspect of life in Tanzania (government, business, education, religion, etc.). As a Catholic school
sponsored by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), we also consider it our duty to form young men and women to be “beholders of God’s grace,” to see how God’s love is active in the world — and to respond to the divine love in service to God and service to humanity.

http://www.stpeterclaverdodoma.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvLHQ4tXxs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVHSxBlyyZA

Fundraising for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps

“Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.”

—Henri Nouwen

The Spirituality of Fundraising

In order to run the JVC program this upcoming year, JVC needs $4.1 million.

WHY?

1. 1)  It makes volunteers' experience possible; flights, training, housing, food, etc
   
2. 2)  It allows domestic agencies to save somewhere around $20,000 a year, since volunteers work for a fraction of what would be paid to a regular, salaried employee. International agencies save even more. 
3. 3)  Do the math. With about 260 domestic placements a year and 50 international 
4. placements, JVC saves local non-profits and schools over $6 million dollars EACH year. This means that agencies are able to spend more money helping the people they serve.
   

Where does the money come from?

• ●  Society of Jesus: $170,000
  
• ●  Assessment fees and health insurance, paid 
• by agencies: $2.33 million
  
• ●  Parishes, foundations, volunteer fundraising
• through Send Me To Serve, and individual gifts: $1.58 million

What does that money actually pay for?

•   Each Jesuit Volunteer is supported by staff members who journey with each community throughout the year; provide support, advice, and encouragement; and work with our partner agencies. JVC also has staff members dedicated to recruiting, website management, fundraising, FJV relations, finance, and administration. Together, the entire JVC staff works to support our agencies and volunteers and ultimately support those that these agencies and volunteers serve. The staff needs salaries and benefits, which costs $1.85 million.
  
•   We spend another $1.73 million on volunteer support. This includes providing retreats, visiting each of you in community twice during the year, and administering your health insurance and FJV programs.
  
•   Another $100,000 is needed for things like sending recruiters to college campuses, developing marketing materials, maintaining the website, and printing applications and magazines. 
•   Finally, $370,000 is spent on running our office. Rent, computers, photocopies, phones, fundraising efforts, etc. can become costly. 

THANK YOU for reading and offering your prayers and support!

peace & love,
-Ryan-

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