Alliance for Catholic Education
At Notre Dame, we’re surrounded by opportunities to succeed: academically, professionally, and socially. But what about opportunities to grow in trust? To embrace discernment? To practice reliance on grace instead of control?
That’s what makes the Frassati Internship so valuable. It doesn’t just help you build a resume. It teaches you how to build a life of faith-filled purpose, even in the marketplace.
One of the most powerful themes I’ve encountered through my Frassati placement is the message of “No Second Tunic,” a call to radical trust drawn from the Gospel and embraced by my partner organization, the Archdiocese of Detroit. When Jesus sent out the Apostles, He told them: “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic…” (Mt 10:9,10).
The second tunic is more than an extra layer of clothing. It’s a symbol of self-protection, comfort, and control. It reflects the impulse to rely on ourselves rather than on God. But Jesus calls His followers to travel light, placing their trust not in security but in Him. That same call echoes today.
As a Frassati intern, I’ve come to see how easy it is to cling to backup plans: the safe internship, the flashy title, the neat five year plan. But the Frassati experience challenges us to let go of the second tunic and instead pursue formation, service, and spiritual depth.
Here’s why you should say yes:
1. It strengthens your faith in action
Frassati grounds your daily work in prayer, reflection, and Catholic social teaching. But more than that, you get to see the tangible impact your work has on advancing the Church’s mission. Whether you're helping with accounting, analytics, communications, finance, or IT you come to understand how the Church operates on a much deeper level: spiritually, structurally, and pastorally. Your efforts are not abstract as they directly support ministries that bring Christ to others.
2. It clarifies your calling
You don’t need to have your next summer, internship, or five year plan figured out. Frassati invites you to let go of that pressure and instead trust deeply in God’s plan. Through mentorship, community, and formation, you begin to ask the right questions, not just about what you want to do, but about who you’re called to become. The experience creates space to discern without fear, knowing that God is guiding each step.
3. It sharpens your skills with purpose
This internship offers real-life experience and professionalism that will serve you in any future career. You’re entrusted with meaningful responsibilities, not just busy work. Your contributions support real needs and make a noticeable difference within the organization you serve. Along the way, you’ll develop both practical business skills and a deeper understanding of how your work can be rooted in mission and vocation. This internship is for students who are ready to trust. Like the early disciples, who went out with only one tunic, you’re invited to follow God into unknown territory, confident that what He provides will be enough. If you're seeking a summer that forms your faith, deepens your discernment, and builds your skills, leave the second tunic. Apply to Frassati!
