High schoolers earn and learn at same time

Matt, for example, spends his weekday afternoons helping out at Bethesda House, a day shelter where people can enjoy refreshments, use puzzles and games, or simply relax in a hospitable setting.

Beth also works at Bethesda House, as well as at a food pantry; the Job Center, where people can learn about employment and training opportunities; and Damien Center, for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Young interns

Both teens are reaping financial and spiritual benefits through a summer internship program co-sponsored by St. John's and the Schenectady Inner City Ministry (SICM), an ecumenical partnership of 53 congregations in the Schenectady area offering numerous services for local residents.

Although Jewish and Protestant congregations have participated in the summer internship program -- now in its eighth year -- St. John's is the first Catholic parish to get involved, according to Pat Obrecht, community liaison for SICM.

As summer interns, teens perform "missionary work" in SICM's various programs and facilities, thus gaining experience in several capacities.

"We're really trying to give them the flavor of all the different kinds of services we provide for people," Ms. Obrecht said.

Catholic participation

St. John's decided to get involved last spring after Laetitia Rhatigan, director of faith formation, mentioned that SICM offered such internships. Notices were placed in the parish bulletin advertising the positions for students between grades 10 and 12.

Although several students expressed interest, only two were chosen to work during this first summer. More students may be hired in the future if St. John's remains involved and additional funds become available, according to David Rollins, parish coordinator of youth ministry.

These summer internships help to fulfill the justice and service component of the comprehensive youth ministry program established for parishes in the Albany Diocese, Mr. Rollins pointed out. And while Matt and Beth do earn money for their work, their summer internships also enable them to live out their Catholic faith in ways they might not otherwise experience.

Opening eyes

"The idea, for the young people, is to show them that their faith is something more than just putting time in on Sunday morning," Mr. Rollins said. "It's a really different kind of summer job; and if you approach it with the right attitude, you'll really learn a lot. It will open your eyes."

Ms. Obrecht agreed, saying that the summer interns aren't simply seeking income when they work for SICM.

"These young people are coming to us for more than just the work experience," she said. "We feel that many of them are trying to put their faith into action."

Your move

Matt, 16, spends weekday afternoons at Bethesda House, distributing food, socializing and playing friendly games of chess with visitors. He is surprised at how well some of his opponents play, and he often squares off against a man named James, who tries to teach him the finer points of chess rather than beat him every game.

Although Matt was a bit nervous when he started working there, he now feels quite comfortable among the visitors, whom he describes as friendly and upbeat.

"Everyone has the best attitude they can possibly have," he said. "It's a good place for me to work. It's really opening up my eyes to how it is for a lot of people."

Positive impact

Matt loves working as a summer intern because he sees what a positive, lasting impact he has upon others -- to a greater extent than he would in most summer jobs.

"You get a better feeling because you know you're helping people out. You can see the effects of what you're doing," he said. "You know that you're really helping out people who need your help."

He believes that the lessons he is learning as a summer intern will have a long-term effect upon him, as well. "I feel it's helping me grow as a human being, and it's not just something you'd consider a normal job," he said.

Practicing her faith

For Beth, 17, a summer internship seemed to be an interesting way to make money and practice her Catholic faith at the same time. She has performed a variety of tasks this summer -- working at the food pantry, distributing leaflets about the summer meals program, and visiting the Damien Center -- but her favorite part of the job is spending time with the folks at Bethesda House.

"It's just interesting there. You get to talk to a lot of people. It's fun," she said.

Regardless of where she's working, however, Beth considers her duties to be opportunities for living out her Catholic faith. "You probably think about your faith more when you see different situations," she said.

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