In the fall, youth ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa will be taking a new direction that aims to engage a broad spectrum of youth throughout the diocese. More information about that plan will be coming in the months ahead, but part of this change in direction is also the ending of the Youth Internship Program (YIP).
The program began in 2016 and was focused on providing quality internships to about 12 youth from across the diocese each year.
Bishop Shane Parker thanked Donna Rourke, youth animator for the diocese, for the wise and sensitive leadership and mentoring she gave to the young people in her care. “When I became Bishop, Donna quickly ensured that I was brought into the orbit of the interns, and I was struck by how she seemed to be both present and invisible—and always seemed to find the right balance of leadership, which set a very freeing tone for the interns and me as I answered their probing questions.”
Photo: The Ven. Chris Dunn
He added that he was also struck by “the positive energy Donna exudes and by her firm belief in the ministry she was doing. That conviction contributed to the key successes of YIP and certainly touched the lives of interns over the years.”
Reflecting on her role, Rourke said, “The privilege has been mine to manage and coordinate this program, working with the 102 incredible young adults who applied, were interviewed and discerned their gifts for YIP.”
The program involved a tremendous amount of collaboration, and Rourke thanked all those who participated in the program in a multitude of capacities. “Thirty-two of our amazing clergy have participated either as part of the faith formation team, in a leadership session, or as a mentor, supervisor or member of the advisory committee. We have had some of the most gifted facilitators deliver leadership sessions and work placements have included: 18 parish placements across our diocese, Carleton University, UOttawa, KAIROS, PWRDF, Citizen for Public Justice, the All My Relations Circle, L’Arche, Ottawa Police Services, youth division, the national planning team for CLAY, Centre 454, food banks, the Royal Ottawa, Extendicare, and Habitat for Humanity.”
She extended her heartfelt thanks to “our funders, the dream team [the Rev. Ross Hammond, Susan Farrell, Roger Soler with collaboration from Leslie Giddings and the Rev. Arran Thorpe and advice from Archdeacon Mark Whittall], Bishop John Chapman, the advisory committee, our faith formation team, leadership facilitators, incredible mentors, workplace supervisors. “Thank you for helping me to accompany these amazing young people. Thank you for caring for them and about them and for supporting this programme. We could not have done it without you.”
She had a special message to all of the interns. “Thank you for participating in YIP. Everyone one of you taught me something and has made me a better person. Remember, you are loved, you are needed and you have many gifts to offer the world. You are so important in my eyes and more importantly in God’s eyes! You are, exactly the way you are, absolutely one of God’s masterpieces!”
As YIP co-ordinator, Rourke has poured her heart and countless hours and effort into making each intern’s experience a positive and transformative one. As a testament to that, Crosstalk has received many tributes to the program and to Donna. We only have space to quote from some of the messages from participants, but we hope these excerpts will convey the essence of the love expressed.
Robert Woods
YIP helped me see how my faith can inform my engagement with my community through my work with All My Relations. I learned the valuable skills of responsibility, clear-communication, and an openness to others. I know that I now have a strong foundation to be able to embody my Christian spirituality in my future career(s).
Donna is the reason for the beautiful and powerful character of YIP that has been witnessed in our church. She truly cares for the personal, spiritual, and career development of all the youth in the church.
Olivia Pelling
I first came across YIP and met Donna Rourke, the amazing woman spearheading it in 2016. At the time, I was a new volunteer youth ministry leader at St. Helen’s Anglican Church in Orleans. Donna came to tell us about YIP….We immediately had youth interested. Every year following, we had youth sign up to participate in this transformative program. Seeing the immense growth in the five youth who …participated,,,. I knew that YIP was a deep fruit-bearing program. Two of the St. Helen’s youth who participated in YIP went on to become further involved in youth ministry and all hold dear their time spent with YIP and with Donna.
Isabel Macfarlane
As an intern with the original YIP cohort back in 2016, it’s amazing to think of how many young people have received invaluable work and life experience through this program. My time as a YIP intern with KAIROS Canada was instrumental in helping me determine what to pursue in university and was a fantastic learning opportunity. Donna’s exemplary leadership made for an accessible, engaging experience, and her work will surely have a lasting impact on the lives of former YIP participants.
Calum Douglas
Through YIP, I met friends and mentors with whom I still communicate today. And I learned and refined skills which have served me well in my continuing university career. I will fondly remember the YIP retreat in autumn 2019, hurriedly learning songs on the guitar to play around the campfire.
Alexis Udechukwu
Donna’s dedication, passion, and mentorship have not only shaped the program but have also equipped us with invaluable life skills essential for adulthood.
Through YIP, I’ve gained practical skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership….The connections I made as an intern three years ago have grown into friendships and professional networks that continue to improve my personal and professional life.
Sydney Sharpe
YIP has given me opportunities and opened doors for me that wouldn’t be possible without it. It has given me a new perspective. YIP came to me when I was going through a hard time and gave me a community and a sense of belonging. Donna has been a pillar of the program and my life for the time that I’ve known her. She has given me the hope, support and strength to make the next step in my journey.
Emily Walker
The Youth Internship Program (YIP) … has been a meaningful, soul-nourishing, and educational opportunity for everyone involved….The program’s design including education sessions, the choice of a career or spiritual mentor, weekly check ins, supportive supervision, a dedicated prayer team to pray over concerns, and an eight-month work placement selected based on each individual intern’s skills and interests was the foundation of the program’s incredible success. However, the most impactful part of YIP was the community created around it.
I was a YIP intern at the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) where I worked with their youth council bringing the idea of a social justice podcast series to life….
As a first-year student at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, my time at PWRDF still comes up on almost every job application. [It] allows me to prove demonstrated interest in social justice, crafting compelling narratives, and public speaking….
[Donna] is a fantastic listener, always has sage advice, and names all of the good and beautiful things inside you making them burn even brighter…. Ultimately, she embodies the love of Christ in every virtual, physical, and in-between space she occupies.
Maritsa Odabashian
Donna’s leadership style is remarkably personal and professional, deeply resonating with every participant. Her direct involvement with us, her genuine interest in our stories and her commitment to our individual growth have been nothing short of inspirational. Professionally, Donna has a unique ability to unearth and cultivate each participant’s strengths, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and seize new opportunities with confidence…. This program has been pivotal in shaping my aspirations, including my journey towards medical school, by instilling in me the confidence and skills needed to pursue my dreams.
Stay updated on diocesan led youth activities here: https://ottawa.anglican.ca/what-we-do/programs-partnerships/youth-activities-programs/
Christ Church, Bells Corners — Deanery of West Ottawa