What sorts of field placements exist? How often do students engage in field education?
One of the distinctive features of Notre Dame’s M.Div. program is that students serve in field education placements during all three years. This allows students to increase the breadth and depth of their ministerial experience through three different placements. This variety of experience is further enriched by good supervision and mentoring. During the first year, placements generally center on a position dealing with the corporal works of mercy or some type of social service ministry. Typical 1st-year placements include ministry to the homeless, hospital or nursing home chaplaincy, or hospice care. The second year typically finds students striving to improve their facility in articulating the faith. Many become involved in RCIA, marriage preparation, or catechesis. Finally, third year students serve in an increased leadership role at a field placement, often in campus ministry or parish adult faith formation. During all three years field education placements usually require between f
