Discernment Process
We realize the importance of developing a comprehensive application and preparation process for the sake of applicants as well as the continuing development of the Program in Chile. There is a substantial time commitment required of the Holy Cross Associates for the Chile journey. We want to share a few suggestions which we hope will be helpful to you as you discern your next step.
We encourage you to look at other programs of service in the U.S.A. and also in Latin America and other countries overseas. This exploration will help clarify your own thinking and will be useful in discussions with parents, friends and interviewers at a later date.
Talk to resource persons who might help you think through your motivation and come to a clearer understanding of life in Chile, beyond the particular program of the Holy Cross Associates. We suggest that anyone interested in the Chile program contact HCA staff or former Chile Associates who would be happy to share their experiences in the program with you, along with many Holy Cross religious who are knowledgeable about the program in Chile.
There are also resource materials available through the HCA Office. These include audio and video cassettes, past Newsletters, letters from Associates, descriptions of the Preparation Program, slides and pictures, history of the Holy Cross Community in Chile and other materials.
Preliminary Inquiry
Informal and formal discussions on the Chile program can take place at any time to help in one's discernment process.
Intent to Apply Notification
Those interested in applying to the Chile Program for the 2006-2008 years must declare their intent to apply by November 4, 2005. This is done to let the HCA Office know of your intentions, as well as to set up interview and psychological evaluations for each applicant. Written intent or a telephone call is requested. At this stage, an essay question, developed specifically for overseas applications, will be provided to the applicant; this is in addition to the standard application materials. Also, the applicant will be provided with the name of a former volunteer from Chile, with whom the applicant can informally discuss issues and concerns that he or she might have.
Written Application Materials
The HCA Office has a packet of application materials which is available for those interested in writing the formal application. There is a comprehensive questionnaire for the applicant. There are also required letters of recommendation.
Interview Process
The interview process for Chile is lengthy and involves a number of steps. After completing the written application materials, a formal interview will be conducted at the Holy Cross Associate Offices at the University of Notre Dame. The applicant is responsible for his/her travel to and from the University; lodging can be provided at no cost to the applicant, if needed.
An interview team will conduct this interview with the applicant. Among the major areas of concern which will be covered are level of maturity and development emotionally, spiritually and intellectually; expectations concerning personal and community prayer; sense of self as a Catholic lay missioner; and expectations concerning return to the U.S.A. after completion of the Program.
Psychological Screening
Each applicant must participate in a two part screening at the University of Notre Dame Counseling Center. The first appointment consists of completing psychological tests and a background information form. The second appointment is a structured clinical interview with a member of the University Counseling Center staff.
Individual Interviews
Each applicant will have an individual interview with a small group of staff and individuals familiar with overseas mission work. These interviews will take place during December and January, at the Holy Cross Associates offices.
Decision and Invitation
The Holy Cross Associates staff will consult with those who conducted the interviews in the process of making the decision of who to invite into the Program. When this process is completed the HCA office will notify the applicants of acceptance/non-acceptance into the Preparation Program.