Pathways to Purpose Grant Supports Faith-Based Internships and Interfaith Learning

A new grant is providing expanded opportunities for Emmanuel students to connect with communities of faith, through both internships and events.

Emmanuel College was recently awarded a two-year NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) grant for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith. Awarded by the Council of Independent Colleges, the grant supports students who are exploring their vocation and purpose.

"Emmanuel College is dedicated to educating the whole student," said Vice President of Mission & Ministry Fr. Federico Cinocca. "Vocation is an important piece of that process; it's where the student's gifts and desires intersect with the world's needs. We are deeply appreciative of NetVUE for supporting these experiences for our students."

The funding will help cover housing and necessities for students who intern with religious organizations over the summer.

"This is a great way for students to connect with faith communities and explore their vocation," said Associate Director of Mission & Ministry Sofia Estrada-Hannigan. "Often these experiences are underpaid and under-resourced; this grant helps us build a bridge to those experiences."

The grant will also support a series of interfaith dinners this fall, which will be organized by the students at the faith-based organizations they interned with.  The idea is that students will “share back” by inviting their peers and also take on a leadership role by facilitating dialogue on religion, vocation, and public life. 

Registration for the first community meal, Oct. 1 at the Grace Community Church, is open now. Click here for more details or to register. 

Three Emmanuel students participated in the program over the summer:

Angelina Bellizzi '28, a nursing major who interned at the Cathedral of St. Paul Episcopal Church on the Boston Common. Her work focused on ministering to the homeless through events, serving meals, and the Ministry of the Steps, where members of the church would greet pedestrians passing by on the common.

"This summer definitely changed me as a person," said Bellizzi. "Every day there was a new person and a new story…I was happier after working there, just from being around the people and their positivity."

Ana Victoria Acedo del Olmo Martinez '28, a biology major who interned with the Grace Church Community, a Progressive Emergent Christian Community in Roxbury. She contributed in a variety of ways over the summer, helping with Sunday School and liturgical tasks, and also helping to rehabilitate rural dwellings in Maine as part of a community service project.

"I learned that no matter what gifts you have, you're always able to give something to your community," said Martinez. "Helping people who were having difficult times and seeing how that is handled was a growth experience for me."

Poula Fahmy '28, a biology major who interned with IKSCON Boston, an International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple. Fahmy's primary project at the temple was helping to organize a festival. He chose the temple primarily to learn about a faith different from his own.

"I think when you're introduced to different beliefs you tend to think more deeply about your own," said Fahmy. "Not only does it make your belief stronger, but it also influences the way you approach people who may view the world differently than you."

The contributions of the three interns were recognized at a special Mission & Ministry recognition dinner in late August. In introducing the students, Estrada-Hannigan said she was mildly surprised to see that all of the applicants were majoring in health-related fields. Having met regularly with the students over the summer to reflect on their internships, she was confident the experience will help them develop a deeper perspective on the people they'll work with in healthcare.

"These students are really special, not only because of their academic achievements and ambitions…but most of all because of their hearts," said Estrada-Hannigan.

About NetVUE:
A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. Financial support of NetVUE comes from a combination of membership dues and the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.