St. Dominic Savio Internship Program
The St. Dominic Savio Internship Program is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati with the mission of forming, equipping, and coaching the next generation of parish evangelists, catechists, and staff.
The Program places university students in local parishes, the pastoral center, and apostolates for internships in the areas of evangelization, catechesis, communication, and administration.
Internships will:
- Provide practical ministry experience for university students
- Provide an opportunity for vocational discernment for university students
- Be offered for college credit at partner universities
- 2026-2027: University of Dayton & Xavier University
- Provide professional mentorship for parish staff assigned as Site Supervisors
- Provide parishes an opportunity to train and mentor future staff
Connect With Us
[email protected]
Student Requirements
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate university program
- Be in good academic standing with the university
- Be in good standing with the Catholic Church
- Work an average of 20 hours per week during the internship period
- Complete all coursework or assessments associated with the Program
Apply to be an intern here.
Site Requirements
- Assign a Site Supervisor with approval from the CNE
- Participate in pairing process for interns and internship sites
- Provide a work experience that is no more than 25% administrative tasks
- Provide weekly mentorship for interns
- Participate in monthly mentorship with the CNE
Apply to be an internship site here.
Program Details
- Intern applications will be open annually from February – May
- Internship Site applications will be open annually from March – May
- Internships will last 30-weeks, beginning in August and ending in May
- Interns will work up to an average of 20 hours per week
- Interns will be paid $15.00 per hour
- Interns will be employees of the CNE and subject to all applicable human resource, financial, and ethical policies of the Pastoral Center
- Internship Sites will provide an email account and any other necessary materials for the intern to complete the internship
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my parish or organization become an approved Internship Site?
Your parish or organization should complete the Internship Site application above. The CNE will contact the potential Site Supervisor to participate in an interview or to decline the application.
Once an Internship Site and Site Supervisor is approved, the parish or organization will participate in the pairing process for interns and complete the Partnership Agreement upon an intern being assigned.
What is the program fee for approved Internship Sites?
The program fee for approved Internship Sites for the 2026 – 2027 school year is $7,500. This fee does not apply until the Partnership Agreement is signed by the Internship Site and the CNE, with payment to be scheduled with the CNE. A $1,000 refundable deposit will accompany the Partnership Agreement.
What are the qualifications for a Site Supervisor?
The Site Supervisor should be a full-time employee working in the internship area assigned by the CNE. She or he should have at least three years’ experience in their current position and must be approved by the CNE.
What are the responsibilities of a Site Supervisor?
The Site Supervisor will coordinate and supervise the daily tasks of the intern, provide weekly mentorship for the intern, participate in monthly mentorship with the CNE, and complete all associated evaluation forms.
How will interns be paired with internship sites?
The CNE will interview and hire interns each spring and work with Site Supervisors each summer to pair interns and internship sites. Internship Site Applications and conversations with potential Site Supervisors will additionally be used throughout the interview and hiring process.
Will my Internship Site receive an intern every year?
We cannot guarantee Internship Sites will receive an intern every year but will prioritize placement at previously successful Internship Sites. Internship Sites will be selected based on number of interns hired, location of internship sites, and mutual interns in areas of internship.
Can I have the same intern return next year?
Yes! Interns may return for a second year if she or he continues to meet the student requirements, mutual interest exists between the Internship Site and intern, and the internship experience received a positive final evaluation.
Can my intern work more than 20 hours per week?
No, interns may not work more than an average of 20 hours per week. Flexibility may be exercised week-to-week based on schedules and with prior approval from the CNE.
Can my intern work less than 20 hours per week?
Yes, interns may work less than an average of 20 hours per week. This should be agreed upon by the Site Supervisor, intern, and CNE as part of the Internship Agreement.
Will interns work through their school breaks?
No, interns will not typically work during Christmas break, spring break, or other breaks. Changes to this arrangement may be agreed upon by the Site Supervisor, intern, and CNE as part of the Internship Agreement.
