Chaplaincy Student Internship (2026–2027 Academic Year)

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026

The Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy Student Internship is a leadership and formation experience for students seeking to grow in faith, vocation, and community while participating in the life of the Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy (OCC).

This internship is designed for a small team of 2–3 students (undergraduate or graduate) from Carleton University and/or the University of Ottawa who are eager to take meaningful responsibility within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

This year, rather than filling predefined roles, interns will work together as a team (alongside the chaplain) to discern, shape, and lead the chaplaincy’s life and programming throughout the academic year.

What are the qualities of an intern?

Are you a Carleton or University of Ottawa student with…

• A passion for hospitality – meaning, you desire to help cultivate communities of belonging where Christian faith can be explored openly, with diversity and in dialogue?
• A willingness to reflect deeply on Christian faith?
• Capacity for initiative, ownership, and follow-through?
• A commitment to collaboration and team leadership to contribute to the life of the university?
• Openness to learning, self-growth, and discernment?

Are you a follower of Jesus Christ, who upholds the ecumenical Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds? (Hint: If you are a part of most major Christian traditions, the answer is likely “yes.” A simple search on Google and you can read the Creeds and discern for yourself.)

If that’s you, consider applying to the Chaplaincy Student Internship!

This internship is both formational and practical.

Interns will:

• Participate in a learning community focused on spiritual and vocational growth
• Share responsibility for the discernment, development, and leadership of chaplaincy initiatives
• Contribute to cultivating spaces of hospitality, dialogue, and spiritual exploration on campus

Formational Pillars

Formationally, the internship is grounded in nurturing three pillars of growth:

• Love God – You will familiarize yourself with the sweeping narrative of Scripture, theological reflection, and faith-based practices all as means to nurture your love of the Creator. (Focus months: July, October, January)
• Love Self – You will learn about yourself and your unique challenges and gifts, seeing self in light of the Spirit while nurturing your sense of vocation in the Church and the cosmos. (Focus months: August, November, February.)
• Love Neighbour – You will practice community care, campus engagement and foster an awareness of justice and mercy in order to nurture your Christlike love of others. (Focus months: September, December, March.)

Practical Responsibilities

Practically, rather than occupying fixed roles, interns serve as a collaborative leadership team. While responsibilities will vary depending on the year, interns can expect to contribute to areas such as:

• Hosting and cultivating hospitable spaces for conversation and community
• Supporting or initiating gatherings, discussions, or learning communities
• Engaging in outreach and relational connection with students
• Contributing to communication and promotion of events and initiatives
• Participating in the ongoing discernment of the chaplaincy’s direction and priorities

What is expected of interns?

• Weekly to bi-weekly team gatherings (formation, planning, and reflection)
• Regular one-on-one meetings with the chaplain
• Participation in a training and orientation day prior to the academic year
• Summer preparation (readings and online meetings), including Zoom meetings in July and August
• Active engagement in the life of the chaplaincy throughout the academic year (events, initiatives, and other engagements)

Individual intern responsibilities will be assigned based on each intern’s gifts, interests, and the needs of the chaplaincy and may shift throughout the year.

Time Commitment

A minimum of 3 hours per week to a maximum of 6 hours per week (depending on season and responsibilities). Prospective interns are asked to ensure they can prioritize their involvement with the internship in addition to their course load and other commitments.

Compensation

Interns receive an honorarium of $1000 per semester for the fall and winter semesters.

What’s different this year?

In addition to a smaller internship team with a larger time commitment, the specific shape of gatherings and initiatives in the chaplaincy (e.g., meals, discussion groups, or other forms of community and campus engagement) may vary from year to year. Therefore, interns will play an active role in discerning and shaping what is offered, in conversation with the chaplain and the needs of the student community.

How do I apply?

First, complete the application essay (instructions are below). Then submit the essay in .PDF format, alongside a resume to Ryan, the chaplain, at: chaplain@ottawacampuschaplaincy.org. Selected applicants may be invited to an interview.

Application deadline: May 8, 2026.

Application Essay

Write a 2–3 page essay (single spaced) expressing your interest in the internship. This is not a cover letter. Prioritize honesty - you do not need to have “arrived” somewhere to be an intern. In this essay we are looking for a sense of who you are and where you are on your journey.

Please avoid the use of generative Artificial Intelligence in writing this essay. We want to hear your heart and soul. Try your best, but do not sweat grammar and syntax too much, if that helps the essay stay you.

You may be creative in the essay, or express what you would like, but please include the following details:

• What is your school, your year of study as of September 2026, and your program?
• What are your future academic or vocational plans or hopes?
• Briefly share your journey of faith. What brought you to where you are today? How would you describe your relationship with or perspective on God or Jesus? Are there spiritual practices which are important to you?
• What is your role as an intern?
• What is the role of a chaplaincy on campus?
• Read the Apostles and Nicene Creeds. What is a Creed? In your own words, what do these Creeds express? Can you uphold the Creeds or do you have any hesitations? What does it mean to uphold them?
• Take a moment and read over Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy’s four core values (found on our website: ottawacampuschaplaincy.org). Which value resonates with you the most? What do these values look like in practice on campus?
• Why is this a good year for you to participate in this internship? What do you hope to contribute to the chaplaincy and what do you hope to receive from this experience?