Like many communities following the COVID-19 lockdowns, rebuilding social networks among new university students and young adults has proven to be a challenge. Located just less than a kilometre from Carleton University, Trinity Anglican decided to engage university students and young people in Old Ottawa South with more intention. Initiatives included YA discussion groups, renovating and re-launching Trinity House as an intentional faith community, adding a new worshipping community (4pm Connect service), and hiring a student & YA coordinator who has overseen the development of weekly faith studies at Trinity and on-campus, monthly YA meals, YA social events, and more.
These initiatives have been successful, with more than 100 students and young people participating with Trinity parish in various capacities. However, with 31,000 students at Carleton University, it can be estimated there are at minimum 1% of students to which Trinity would be a life-giving faith community. On that account, there still rests (at minimum) 210 students with whom to connect.
Trinity’s next step to intentionally engage students and YAs is the launch of a Student Internship Program for the 2025-26 academic year. Trinity will be hiring up to four post-secondary students and recent graduates wanting to engage and develop their faith and leadership skills. Interns will obtain valuable hands-on experience in student ministry leadership, event planning, communications, spirituality, and professional interpersonal skills. The program consists of faith formation and leadership development sessions led by Archdeacon Mark Whittall and members of Trinity parish and community, as well as four hours per week of practical placement at Trinity Anglican.
Interns will work with Trinity Pastor and Carleton Chaplain the Ven. Mark Whittall, Trinity YA coordinator Rebecca Cowal, and TYA ministry team. There will be an honorarium of $1000 per semester for acceptance into and successful participation in the program. Interns are expected to worship regularly at Trinity and be a visible part of our community and campus ministry.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to Trinity’s Student Internship Program, please visit trinityottawa.ca/pages/student-internship-program to download and complete the application. Applications submitted to [email protected] by April 21, 2025 will be given priority.
In addition, Trinity is accepting applications for Trinity House, their intentional faith community, for the 2025-26 academic year. Trinity House application information can be found at trinityottawa.ca/pages/trinity-house.
