Arising from the Sullivan Family Saints Initiative in the McGrath Institute for Church Life, the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints (SUS) Fellowship forms Notre Dame undergraduate students as leaders in the study and spirituality of the saints. Each year, approximately six fellows are chosen through a selective application and interview process according to their leadership potential, research interests, and desire for spiritual growth.
The fellowship begins in the spring semester of year 1 and concludes at the end of the spring semester in year 2. Applications are accepted and reviewed during the fall semester of year 1, with fellows named by the end of the calendar year. All current freshmen, sophomore, and junior Notre Dame undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they are returning to Notre Dame in the following academic year. Students may apply while abroad and may also serve as fellows while studying abroad.
The fellowship consists of three main parts:
Study: Fellows will study the prayer and charity of particular saints. This begins with a 1.0 credit course in the spring semester of year 1. Study continues for the fellows as each selects one or a small group of saints to research and understand in greater depth through the summer of year 1 and into the following academic year.
Pilgrimage: Each fellowship cohort will make an international pilgrimage together, along with Prof. Leonard DeLorenzo and a chaplain. The aim of the pilgrimage is to become immersed in the cultures that gave rise to particular saints—cultures which these saints, in turn, renewed and enriched. The pilgrimage takes place immediately following the spring semester of year 1.
Leadership: The ultimate aim of the SUS Fellowship is for the fellows to become leaders of other undergraduate students in praying and serving with the saints. Each fellow will recruit, form, and lead a group of undergraduate students for an entire academic year (fall 1 to spring 2). The groups will meet regularly to pray together in the manner of a particular saint or group of saints. The groups will also engage in direct charitable service several times each semester in a manner common to the patron saint(s) of the group.
Timeline:
· September 30, 2024: Applications are available
· October 28, 2024: Applications are due
· November 4 – December 6: Interviews with selected applicants
· By December 11: Fellowship offers extended, wait list created
· By December 18: Fellowship cohort finalized
· Spring 2025: Meetings and 1.0 credit course as fellowship cohort
· May 10 – May 20/21, 2025: Pilgrimage to France (Paris, Chartes, Lisieux, Tours, Lourdes)
· Fall 2025 – Spring 2026: Form and lead the saints groups of prayer and charity
Benefits:
· Fully funded international pilgrimage (not including personal spending money, some meals, and tips)
· 1.0 theology credit in spring of year 1
· $500 stipend for successful completion of the fellowship
Responsibilities:
· Complete 1.0 credit theology course and all other assigned readings, research, meetings
· Participate fully in the May 2025 Pilgrimage to France
· Recruit students for 2025–2026 Saints group
· Plan and lead 2025–2026 Saints group, including weekly prayer and regular charitable service
· Complete a final report and reflection paper for the fellowship, due May 2026
Questions?
· Please contact Prof. Leonard DeLorenzo at 574-631-2915 or delorenzo.2@nd.edu
Co-sponsored by Campus Ministry
