Echo is a dynamic, two-year graduate service program at the McGrath Institute for Church Life that forms dynamic young adult leaders in evangelization and catechesis. Echo Parish Catechetical Ministry: Echo holistically forms young adults to be ministerial leaders through a two-year ministry apprenticeship, life in intentional community, human and spiritual formation, and a tuition-free M.A. Echo apprentices spend two summers at Notre Dame, and two academic years (August through May) providing direct service to Catholic parishes through a variety of catechetical ministries (such as RCIA, Youth Ministry, Adult Faith Formation, Social Justice Ministry), all while living in intentional faith communities with other Echo apprentices. The primary work of these Echo participants is as theology teachers who contribute to a school’s mission of Catholic faith formation, both inside and outside of the classroom. Echo theology teachers participate fully in the comprehensive formation program offered by Echo, including pursuing a Master’s degree in theology and appropriate pedagogical preparation for the teaching placement. Occasionally, Echo theology teachers are placed either full-time or part-time in high school campus ministry positions.
