NYIP's interns deepen their understanding of themselves and their work by participating in many levels of support and formation. We have found that intentional community and vocational discernment are nurtured when work, home, and faith are integrated and shared.
Interns share Dinner three evenings a week with Rev. Kooperkamp's family, and guests representing diverse urban ministries. One evening a week is devoted to theological discussion based on carefully selected readings. Monthly, the interns meet together with the NYIP Coordinator to explore their personal and collective experiences, using art-making and discussion formats. The NYIP Coordinator also visits each intern bi-weekly at their worksite, for an hour of individual support and discernment. At Orientation and then on quarterly Retreats throughout the year, interns are invited to engage in personal and spiritual reflection, to absorb and integrate the year’s experiences.
One Retreat is in conjunction with other Episcopal Internship programs from around the country. Interns also participate in social events and service opportunities with similar programs throughout the greater New York City area. These are just a few of the ways our interns meet seasoned activists and like-minded friends through shared connections and networks.
Most importantly, NYIP's interns work together to give the year shape and meaning. Starting at Orientation, interns make collective decisions and develop their community covenant, considering activities such as Community Dinners, Community Meetings, Group Worship, rotating leadership roles, and participation in New York City's vast cultural resources.
This is a year for people who want to share in the intensities of urban life, whole-hearted service, and deep personal reflection. Interns live and work among people experiencing complex deprivations and injustices. The year has the potential to challenge and stimulate interns in many aspects of personhood. For interns and those around them, support and fellowship can transform hardship into satisfying effort and redemptive joy.