Program Search Results

Goal of Program

The heart of Echo's mission is to form leaders to serve the Church. Echo holistically forms young adults to be ministerial leaders through a two-year, service-ministry apprenticeship/teaching placement, life in intentional community, human and spiritual formation, and a tuition-free M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. Echo participants spend two summers at Notre Dame studying for the MA, and two academic years (August through May) providing direct service to either Catholic parishes (through a variety of catechetical ministries, such as RCIA and Youth Ministry) or to Catholic high schools and middle schools (as theology teachers), all while living in intentional faith communities with other Echo participants.

Type of Placement

Participants are placed at Catholic parishes & schools in our partner dioceses. Parish apprentices work closely with a mentor while engaging in a wide variety of ministries ranging from youth ministry to social justice advocacy, and RCIA to multicultural catechesis. Theology teachers will teach junior high or high school theology and assist with extracurricular activities at the school, particularly those related to ministry and faith formation.

Service Area

Various partner dioceses and archdioceses in the United States and Ireland.

Service Length

1-2 years.

Program Size

Approximately 30 parish apprentices and theology teachers each year.  An estimated 55-60 apprentices & theology teachers will be participating in Echo between the two years.

Requirements

Fully-initiated members of the Catholic Church who have (or will complete) a bachelor's degree by June 2023; Six credits of theology.

Financial Arrangements

Full tuition coverage for the MA in Theology; full room and board coverage while at Notre Dame; rent-free housing in partner diocese and $15,000 per year stipend.

Living Arrangements

Echo participants live in intentional faith communities with other Echo apprentices or teachers (August - May). Summer housing is provided at Notre Dame in residence halls (June-July).

Training

Participants receive a Master's degree in Theology, along with comprehensive intellectual, spiritual, human-communal and professional-ministerial formation. On-site mentoring by an experienced ministry professional is integral to the program.

Application Deadline

December 1st (Fee-waiver deadline); January 10th (Regular deadline).

Start Date

First Week of June 2023