OUR HISTORY  Founded in 1973 by the Eastern Province of the Passionist Congregation (an order of Catholic priests and brothers,) the Passionist Volunteers were formed to bring a Passionist Presence and the spirit of their founder, St. Paul of the Cross, to communities in need. Amidst the nation’s economic turmoil in 2009, the Passionist Order could no longer afford to fund the lay program, but assisted in its rebirth as an independent 501 (c)-3 non-profit organization, PV Volunteers, Inc,.

OUR MISSION  Over the last four decades the program has evolved in many ways, but the vision remains the same as expressed in the PV Mission:

The PV Volunteers are an ecumenical community of diverse individuals, serving in the spirit of St. Paul of the Cross. By providing a service experience in a variety of settings, we respond to human need, form relationships and encourage change and growth both in ourselves and with those we serve.

The PV Volunteers seek to provide individuals with an opportunity to engage with others while doing service, living in community and deliberately taking time each day to reflect and share their experiences.

OUR VOLUNTEERS  PVs come from all over the United States and several countries with a wide diversity of backgrounds and spiritual expressions. Through their experiences in the program, the volunteers change and grow intellectually and spiritually. They are impelled to further action when they return to their families and their own communities. The local community in which the program works is changed as well, both by receiving pragmatic assistance and by the presence of the volunteers. The PV Mission, when put into action, truly enables us to “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 5:8)