Catholic Parliamentary Internship
Young Catholics making a difference in the public square
A year's intensive experience of political and social action in a spiritual context
The Catholic Parliamentary Internship scheme, now in it’s fifth year, will provide eight recently graduated Catholics with an intensive experience of political and social action in a spiritual context.
Three interns will be placed with Christian MPs at Westminster, one with a working Peer, two with Christian MEP’s in Brussels, one with the Cardinal’s Public Affairs Office at Westminster and one with the Catholic Education Service Policy Office. All internships will run from September 2008 - July 2009. All internships involve:
• A programme of talks, meetings and visits arranged by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
• Regular opportunities for prayer, reflection and spiritual guidance with a trained spiritual companion. Attend individually guided retreats at the start & conclusion of the programme to reflect on the internship experience and future plans.
• Visits to the Vatican, European institutions (for London interns) and Westminster (for Brussels interns). Parliamentary interns also visit the constituency of the MP / MEP they are working with.
• Regular contacts with a member of the Bishops’ Conference to ensure all the practical aspects of the internship are progressing well throughout the year.
London-based interns join part-time MA students for one evening a week during the autumn and spring terms at Heythrop College, University of London for modules on Catholic Social Teaching and Foundations of Christian Ethics. (Equivalent studies for Brussels based interns).
Interns are selected on the basis of ability and potential to gain most benefit from this unique experience. Financial support is provided which will fund accommodation, living and travel costs for the duration of the internship.
Candidates for Brussels internships will be required to demonstrate good working knowledge if French.
All applicants must be UK citizens.
Closing date for applications: 3rd March 2008
Assessment Centre: 4th and 5th April 2008 (you are only required to attend one day only)
Internship Commences: September 2008
Internship Ends: July 2009
The internship programme grew out of the 1996 bishops’ document The Common Good and the Catholic Church's Social Teaching and seeks to affirm politics as an important and valuable vocation. It also encourages Christians who want to create a better society through public service.
