Johnson Intern Program

Mary Agnes Rawlings, Program Director

The 2003-2004 Johnson Intern Year got off to a great start as Marsha, Katie, Chris, Tim, and Sarah arrived in Chapel Hill over the Labor Day weekend. The first few weeks were busy ones filled with welcome celebrations, parish introductions, commissioning ceremony, a pounding party in their honor, and endless days of orientation. I find the one common thread and comment heard most consistently from new interns is how overwhelming the whole process can seem!

In the past, Johnson Intern Program mentors helped ease the transition into the task of understanding such a large parish through meeting individually with an assigned intern on a regular basis. This year the mentor role has been renamed “parish companion.”

One of the reasons for this change came from feedback I received from the mentors themselves; some reported feeling uncomfortable being cast as a 'spiritually advanced' person. Most mentors felt more comfortable and saw their role as companions or resource persons for new interns. They especially liked the fellowship involved with meeting these young folks for coffee or a quiet walk around the block. I continue to receive positive feedback from interns on how their reliance upon this 'appointed parishioner' helps them feel supported and encouraged in the ministry work they do. Some interns have even introduced their whole family to their new-found Chapel of the Cross friends and the connections become a family affair!

Whether we call these parishioners 'mentors' or 'parish companions' makes little difference for it all boils down to the interns feeling the deep heartfelt experience of hospitality.

I would like to say thank you to the following parishioners who have graciously accepted responsibility for being a companion to a Johnson Intern for the upcoming year - Bob Milliken, the Rev. Bill Joyner, Peg Rees, Jennifer Hodgson, and Mary Lou Liverance. We thank you for your continued encouragement and support!