JPCatholic Launches Study Abroad Program with NET Ministries Ireland

John Paul the Great Catholic University is pleased to announce a partnership with NET Ministries Ireland, providing a unique “ministry abroad” experience for students interested in evangelization.

This fall, several students will travel to Ireland and participate in evangelistic outreach through NET. Founded in 1981 in Minnesota, NET Ministries (“National Evangelization Teams”) sends out teams of Catholic young adults around the United States to put on retreats for high school and middle school students. NET has since expanded with sister organizations around the globe, including a program in Ireland.

Participating students will prepare with an intensive online summer course from NET, training them for the program. They will travel to Ireland from late August until Thanksgiving. Depending on which team they are assigned to, they’ll participate in evangelistic outreach like parish retreats, street evangelization, and a coffee shop ministry. Their work with NET will count for credit at JPCatholic and serve as a practicum.

JPCatholic’s President Dr. Derry Connolly is originally from Ireland, and has been a board member on NET Ireland for a number of years. “I am very excited with this partnership with NET Ireland which provides the opportunity for JPCatholic students to be part of their evangelization efforts in Ireland, which desperately needs it today,” he said.

Genevieve Pride is a junior participating in the program this year. “Coming from a big Irish Catholic family, I immediately knew I had to chase after this opportunity for NET Ireland,” she said. “I have always been very passionate about mission work. Our world today especially needs proclamation of the gospel and fire for faith and truth. I can’t wait to meet others in this mission, reach souls, and serve the Lord abroad!”