Welcome to the Benedictine Volunteer Corps (BVC)

Greetings, Johnnies. Or, as they might say in Kenya, “Habari zenu.” I have the utmost privilege of introducing (or for some, reintroducing) the Benedictine Volunteer Corps (BVC), a program that has transformed over 350 Johnnies since its inception in 2003. If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after graduation or felt the pull to do something bigger than yourself, then keep reading—this just might be your sign.

The BVC is not your typical post-grad opportunity. We don’t offer corporate cubicles or multi-level marketing schemes (thank goodness). Instead, we send St. John’s graduates to monasteries around the globe to live, work and serve alongside Benedictine monks for a full calendar year. It’s an adventure that’s equal parts spiritual journey, cultural immersion, service-orientation and personal growth. Our sites span from Newark, New Jersey, to Esquipulas, Guatemala, and even into East Africa. In this current 2024-2025 BVC Chapter, we have 20 recent graduates serving Benedictine monasteries worldwide.

The Benedictine Way

At its core, the BVC is rooted in the Benedictine values we’ve all encountered on campus: hospitality, community and service. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re a way of life. Whether you’re teaching English in Puerto Rico, assisting with community programs in the Mathare Slum in Nairobi, Kenya or living in residential halls with the Montserrat Choir Boys in Spain, you’ll be living out these values every day.

As someone who’s been through the program, I can attest: The BVC is as challenging as it is rewarding. I’ve spent hours in the Benedictine Eye Hospital working in their records department, teaching the brightest kids at St. Benedict’s Primary in Nairobi, Kenya, and spending time in the Mathare Slum, one of the most unimaginable living situations I’ve ever experienced firsthand. But I’ve also formed friendships that crossed language barriers, shared meals that I’ll never forget, visited places I never thought I’d see and realized that service is less about what you give and more about who you become in the process. As Father Morris, a Jesuit monk, wrote in his book titled “Forever Ruined,” “Once a volunteer, never again in your life could you ignore the plight of people living on the margins.

”Where in the World is BVC?

The BVC currently has volunteers in 10 sites across four continents. From the lush landscapes of Rwanda to the serene monasteries of Rome, our volunteers take on roles as teachers, administrators, healthcare workers, coaches, gardeners, carpenters and even IT troubleshooters. Volunteers assist Benedictine monasteries, addressing key areas that need an extra hand and immersing themselves for 365 days in the work of the monks.

Each site has its own unique rhythm, culture and set of challenges. In Guatemala, volunteers might work with children who’ve never seen a library. In Nairobi, Kenya, they’re helping street kids through Alfajiri Street Kids Art. In Tabgha, Israel, volunteers assist with running Beit Noah, a retreat center for handicapped Palestinian and Israeli kids who come together to share special moments.

Why BVC?

You might be wondering, “Why should I join the BVC?” Fair question. Let me answer it with another question: When was the last time you felt truly alive? When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered something new about yourself? When was the last time you did something bigger than yourself for someone else?

Volunteering is facing a nationwide decline. According to a recent Forbes article, volunteer rates have dropped by 7% since 2019, with the pandemic reshaping how and why people give their time. A similar trend was highlighted in America Magazine, which noted a 20% decline in formal volunteering in the U.S. between 2019 and 2022. Organizations like the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Peace Corps report similar struggles with recruiting younger generations. Many cite reasons such as burnout, financial pressures and a general uncertainty about the future.

These trends are concerning for me, and I want our colleges to continue being a beacon of service that extends beyond Collegeville and into places in need of a hand and a warm smile.

But here’s the thing: The moments when life feels hectic might be the exact moments when stepping back to serve makes the biggest difference—for others and for yourself. In fact, programs like the BVC offer something unique: the chance to integrate service with reflection and a deeply supportive community. It’s not just about giving your time; it’s about finding purpose and meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming.

The BVC isn’t just about the people you serve; it’s about the person you become. It’s about finding purpose in places you’ve never been and learning lessons you’ll carry for a lifetime. Plus, let’s be honest: It’s a pretty great conversation starter at job interviews. (Nothing beats, “I once helped teach middle school math in Hanga, Tanzania.”) The BVC is unlike many volunteer programs as we send volunteers to monasteries cost-free to volunteer. In exchange for a year of service, we handle the flights, stipends, cost of living and health insurance to ensure serving others is at the forefront of your priorities.

What’s Next?

If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore the BVC further. Starting this month, the BVC will begin sharing stories of current volunteers who are serving across the globe in The Record. These updates will offer a glimpse into the lives of volunteers like Joe and Peyton in Guatemala, or Ian and Evan in Rwanda, and the incredible work they are doing. If you’re interested in seeing these stories, along with other stories from around the world, and learning more about the program, sign up for our monthly newsletter here:

https://bvcnews.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

It is not too late to see if the BVC is a program that fits into your post-graduate hopes and dreams. The BVC has been recruiting since September, and our search for more committed volunteers is ongoing.

I’m happy to share stories, answer questions or simply help you figure out your next step. Because at the end of the day, the BVC isn’t just about sending volunteers out into the world—it’s about bringing the world back to St. John’s.

So, Johnnies, what’s next for you? Will it be a desk job in Minneapolis? Grad school in the Twin Cities? Or could it be something a little more…Benedictine?

Let’s talk. Who knows? This might just be the beginning of your greatest adventure yet and the most life-changing experience you’ve ever endured. That is how it was for me.