Porters

A formation and internship program for students

The Holy Cross Chaplaincy Porters Program is a year-long program for a small cohort of students who take on real responsibilities in the life of the chaplaincy while also being mentored and trained. The program is built around four pillars: Prayer, Community, Study, and Mission.

THE FOUR PILLARS

Prayer. Each intern leads one office per week in the Daily Order of Prayer and recruits and trains other students to fill the roster. This is an opportunity to pray on behalf of the whole community of Catholic students on campus.

Community. The interns eat lunch together with the formation team once a week (coordinators + theologian in residence). The lunch is split into two halves, starting with community building and good questions then moving to a discussion on a formative topic.

Study. Each intern joins one prescheduled “Ora et Schola” block per week, chosen from several options. These study blocks are punctuated by prayer and intended to be an opportunity for them to practice sanctifying their field of study at university.

Mission. Each intern takes several hospitality shifts per week in the chaplaincy. They also work together to plan one event per month. Additionally, each team member meets 1:1 with the Team Leader every 3-4 weeks.

Together these commitments come to roughly nine or ten hours a week, with some room for flex hours.

COHORT SIZE AND COMPENSATION

This year, the Cohort is beginning with 2 students from Saint Mary’s University who will be joined by a Team Leader.

TERM, ELIGIBILITY, AND SELECTION

The internship runs for the full academic year, September through April, with one intake per year. Any registered student at Saint Mary’s University may apply so long as they are not already serving in leadership or participating in intensive formation through another organization (this internship will function best if the student is able to give full attention to it). Selection is by written application and a discernment interview with the Program Coordinator and Campus Ministry Coordinator.

WHAT INTERNS RECEIVE

Each intern receives:

Formation and mentorship: structured accompaniment and real training in leading prayer, hospitality, and events, from the team leader and the Coordinators.
A named leadership role in the chaplaincy: responsibilities that build up the life of the community and give them practical leadership experience
A reference and certificate on completion: usable for graduate school, employment, or ministry applications.
Compensation: pay equivalent to the average wage for student interns on campus

TEAM LEADERSHIP

The cohort is led by a paid team leader. This is a separate role, held by a recent graduate or young adult and supervised by the Program Coordinator. The team leader is the main point of contact between HCC leadership and the interns, accompanies the cohort through the year, and works alongside them. The role is ten hours a week.