Director’s Reflection: Amy W. Echeverria
In March 2007 I went to my first college fair looking for an intern to work in the Columban Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation ministry in Washington, D.C. I can still remember feelings of unease and uncertainty as I entered the school gym-turned-exhibit hall. I brought a few brochures which I had quickly made prior to the fair and a smattering of Columban Mission magazines. I was not sure whom I would meet, if anyone would want to intern with us, or how to proceed if anyone did express interest. By taking this proactive step in inviting students, I felt we were moving to another level.
CCAO at an Intern Fair
Much has changed in the past three years. As our programs have expanded our invitation has moved from local to national. Our programs have more structure and depth. Our materials are more sophisticated. The number of people who are engaged in mission with Columbans has grown.
Some things have not changed such as the conviction that part of Columban mission is extending the invitation to people to live their baptismal call to mission. Likewise, the response of people continues to be as enthusiastic as that of our first intern in 2005. This month we share with you the CCAO’s Fall Invitation schedule. If you’re in the neighborhood, please come and see us and bring a friend!
Ariel Presbitero – West Coast Outreach Associate
Summer is almost over, and the recruitment season is coming to life in full swing this fall. Fall is the busiest time for the CCAO to invite and recruit possible candidates for our Columban programs whether it’s for the internship program, exposure trips within and outside the U.S. or developing more connection for future Columban vocations for priesthood or lay mission. The CCAO is fired up with the spirit of invitation as a way of reaching out to those who may be willing to offer and dedicate their time and efforts with us this fall. The visits to campuses and universities, talking with students and teachers, is an opportunity to explore other possibilities and ways for them to develop their understanding of social justice issues in the light of faith and witnessing of the Gospel throughout the world. We also do info-sessions among young adults in various parishes and communities to establish connections and develop relationships among individuals with the view to invite them participate in some of our programs.
For more information about these events and our all of our mission programs and opportunities, please visit our Volunteer section or contact our office at: cccaoprograms@columban.org or 301.565.4547.
Bristol, RI
10/6- Providence College Internship Fair
10/26- Stonehill College Volunteer Service Fair
10/26- Boston College Volunteer Service Fair
10/27- College of the Holy Cross Volunteer Service Fair
Washington, DC
9/21- George Washington University Internship Fair
9/29- American University Internship Fair
9/30- University of Maryland Internship Fair
10/12- Georgetown University Options Fair
10/12- Catholic University of America Volunteer Service Fair
10/13- Loyola University Maryland Volunteer Service Fair
10/14- Catholic University of America Internship Fair
Fort Benning, GA
11/18-11/21- CCAO trip to SOA Watch Vigil
Chicago, IL
9/23-9/26- Roots and Wings/Raices y Alas, National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry Congress
9/30- DePaul University Volunteer Service Fair
10/5- Loyola University Internship Fair
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
11/5- St. John’s University Volunteer Service Fair
Omaha, NE
10/6- Creighton University Internship Fair
10/29 – University of Nebraska Omaha Internship Fair
El Paso, TX
9/17-9/22- Creighton University Alternative Fall Break Exposure Trip
10/28-11/2- Columban Mission Border Exposure Trip
Los Angeles, CA
9/9- Loyola Marymount University Community Service Fair
9/11- Religious Education Mini-congress, Orange County
10/2- Religious Education Congress, San Pedro
10/6- St. Mary’s College Volunteer & Intern Fair
10/6- Santa Clara University Internship Fair
10/16- Religious Education Congress, San Gabriel
It’s great to hear about all the recruitment efforts. We really need more missionaries and volunteers out in the field. Good luck!