FWS Synodal Fellow
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Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA, US
Summary
The Synodal Fellow facilitates inclusive dialogues and discernment processes to promote synodal practices within campus and faith communities. They are responsible for building partnerships between the college and local parishes while coordinating SCHEAP initiatives.
Job Description
Position Title: Synodal Fellow
Department: Mission and Ministry
Location: St. Joseph Hall (SJH) 337
Supervisor: Anna Ryan-Bender
Program Overview
The Synodal Fellow program is part of SCHEAP (Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia), a collaborative initiative among Catholic colleges and universities, Newman Centers, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Through a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., SCHEAP supports student leadership and ministry by preparing young adults to promote synodal practices of participation, communion, and mission within their campus and faith communities.
Synodal Fellows work closely with the Office of Mission and Ministry to develop, facilitate, and evaluate programs that encourage dialogue, active listening, discernment, and collaboration. Fellows play an important role in strengthening connections between the College, local parishes, and the broader Church while fostering meaningful engagement among young adults.
This position offers opportunities for leadership development, project management, spiritual formation, and ministry experience.
Responsibilities
Synodal Fellows will:
- Facilitate Conversations in the Spirit (CIS) by creating welcoming and inclusive environments that encourage respectful dialogue, active listening, and shared discernment.
- Develop advanced facilitation and conflict resolution skills to guide meaningful conversations.
- Build relationships between the College community and local parishes to strengthen collaboration and engagement.
- Partner with campus and parish leaders to plan and implement synodal initiatives that resonate with young adults.
- Promote the principles of synodality through programming that encourages participation, collaboration, and shared decision-making.
- Assist with the planning, coordination, and evaluation of SCHEAP initiatives and events.
- Develop strategic planning, project management, organizational, and leadership skills through program participation.
- Complete required self-assessments and program evaluations.
Program Expectations
Participants are expected to:
- Attend three annual formation experiences:
- An overnight retreat in September for goal setting.
- A one-day formation session in January focused on synodal leadership.
- A one-day reflection and planning session in late April or May.
- Serve approximately 10 hours per week from the last week of January through the first week of May 2027.
- Design and facilitate two synodal encounters each semester in collaboration with the Office of Mission and Ministry and/or partner parishes.
- Participate in bi-monthly SCHEAP planning meetings and Synodal Fellow meetings.
- Contribute to Archdiocesan-wide synodal initiatives and events.
- Complete ongoing reflection and program assessment activities.
Qualifications
Applicants should:
- Be a currently enrolled Chestnut Hill College student in good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Demonstrate an interest in leadership, ministry, service, and community engagement.
- Possess strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Be able to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, parish leaders, and community partners.
- Demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to the mission of the program.
