CJ Smith Internship Program
Serve the Church.
Support Your Education.
Grow as a Leader.
The CJ Smith Internship Program is a paid internship for college students who want to live out their faith in practical ways while gaining hands-on experience working with youth.
This isn’t busywork or a résumé filler—it’s a chance to grow as a leader, build real skills, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of middle and high school students across Southern Indiana.
What You’ll Receive
$6,000 education stipend paid directly to your college or university
Up to $500 gas reimbursement for travel to ministry events
Meaningful, hands-on experience working with middle and high school youth
Professional mentorship and supervision from experienced ministry staff
Transferable skills for careers in ministry, education, healthcare, counseling, social work, and more
This internship is designed to support your education and help you grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Who Was CJ Smith?
CJ Smith was a young Catholic leader from Starlight, Indiana whose life was marked by faith, service, and courage. As an active youth leader at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, CJ made a lasting impact simply by how he showed up for others.
After losing his battle with cancer in 1975, CJ’s family and friends chose to honor his legacy by supporting young adults who share his heart for service. The CJ Smith Internship Program exists to invest in college students who want to explore careers—or callings—that positively impact youth.
Interested in CJ’s story? Read an excerpt from his journal.
Who This Internship Is For
The CJ Smith Internship Program is a great fit if you:
Are an active, practicing Catholic who wants to serve the Church
Enjoy working with youth or feel drawn to supporting them
Are pursuing a degree or training in a helping field (including ministry, education, counseling, social work, healthcare, and related areas)
Want a summer (or semester) that is purposeful, relational, and impactful
Want hands-on experience instead of sitting behind a desk
Are open to doing a little bit of everything: planning, leading, creating, organizing
Students from any major and any year of college are encouraged to apply. Future ministry professionals are welcome—but not required.
What You’ll Do
Time Commitment: 30 hours per week (360 hours total)
Timing: May–August (based on academic schedule)
Students attending college locally may start earlier. Priority consideration is given to applicants available to begin by early April to help with spring athletic ministries.
Location: Office at Mount St. Francis + ministry events throughout Southern Indiana and metro Louisville
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As a CJ Smith Intern, you will work closely with Catalyst Catholic staff and parish partners to plan and carry out ministry experiences for middle and high school youth. We will work with you to lean into your strengths and stretch you to learn new skills.
Responsibilities might include:
Helping plan and implement retreats, service programs, mission experiences, prayer opportunities, and community-building events, such as:
Faith In Action summer mission trip
Track meets and soccer games
Summer Daze middle school service program
Theology on Tap summer speaker series
Middle School Monthly
Confirmation Retreats
Catalyst Gala fundraising night
Building relationships with youth through small group leadership and personal interaction
Creating content and graphics for social media (Instagram & Facebook)
Taking and editing photos and videos at events
Assisting with day-to-day middle school, high school, and athletic ministries
This role offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow in multiple skill areas. No two weeks look exactly the same—and that’s part of the fun.
Support & Formation
You won’t be doing this alone. Interns:
Report directly to Michelle Fessel, Director
Receive consistent guidance, feedback, and support from staff
Take part in intentional formation and reflection throughout the internship
Are encouraged to grow in confidence, leadership, and professional skills
Eligibility & Expectations
All CJ Smith Interns must:
Be an active member of the Roman Catholic faith in good standing
Be willing to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church in word and action
Be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited college, university, trade school, or apprenticeship program
Be working toward a degree or certificate of any level
Have access to a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to travel
Be organized, dependable, and able to meet deadlines
Have basic familiarity with Mac computers and Google programs
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline
Two internships are offered each year
The application includes several open-ended questions and requires thoughtful, written responses
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with Catalyst Catholic staff
This is a one-time internship and is not renewable
Ready to Apply?
If you’re looking for an internship that blends faith, leadership, creativity, and real responsibility, we’d love to hear from you.
Questions? Contact us at michelle@catalystcatholic.org or 812.923.8355 — we’d be happy to talk with you about whether this internship is a good fit.