Mary Magdalene Cohort
Introducing FutureChurch’s Inaugural Young Women’s Group: The 2026 Magdalene Cohort
FutureChurch is thrilled to announce that 2026 will be the inaugural year for a new young women’s* group called the Magdalene Cohort! All women with an interest in theology, ministry, and/or faith-based social justice and who are in their junior or senior years of undergraduate studies are encouraged to apply. In order to provide a personal experience for each member, the cohort will be capped at 12 participants. Applications are due on or before December 19, 2025.
*FutureChurch is an open, welcoming, and inclusive community. We welcome all who seek a more just and inclusive Church—whether you find yourself connected to, on the margins of, distant from, or questioning your relationship to institutional Catholicism. Furthermore, we celebrate the image of God reflected in every person and embrace the diverse and beautiful ways women, non-binary, and gender expansive people live into and express their embodiment of that image of God.
What is the purpose of the Magdalene Cohort?
First and foremost, the Magdalene Cohort is a relationship-building opportunity. Not only does it provide the opportunity to learn and grow with like-minded peers, but it will also intentionally connect participants with both mentors and experts in the fields of theology, ministry, and faith-based social justice.
In addition to relationship-building, through this year-long program, participants will have the opportunity to grow in four distinct interest areas: theology, faith-based social justice, ministry, and spirituality. The program will culminate in a project of each participant’s choosing, chosen and crafted in collaboration with their mentor.
What is the goal of the Magdalene Cohort?
In a field that has so often been dominated by men, the goal of the Magdalene Cohort is to encourage, support, and celebrate young women on their theology, ministry, and justice journeys.
What is the time commitment of the program?
Participants will meet from 7-9pm ET on the third Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Each participant will also be required to meet quarterly with their individual mentor, and participate in the Magdalene Cohort retreat in Cleveland, Ohio July 10-12, 2025.
How is the program structured?
Part I: Jan 21, February 18, March 25: A Tree Has Strong Roots: Theological Foundations
Like a tree with strong roots, the program begins with theological foundation. For our first three zoom sessions. participants will meet with a theologian who will share their expertise in their areas of interest. These sessions will give participants the opportunity to engage with the expert, ask questions, and solidify their theological foundations before continuing on with the program.
Part II: May 20, June 17, July 15: One Tree, Many Branches: Faith-Based Social Justice
Like a tree with many branches, our world was created with beautiful diversity. However, not all identities are treated with equity. During these three sessions participants will meet a faith-based expert who is rooted in social justice. Participants will take a deep dive into social justice issues that inflict our world today.
Part III: September 16, October 21, November 18: Blossom and Grow: Ministerial Applications
The fruit of a theological foundation and a passion for justice is a pastoral heart. Throughout this segment of the program, participants will dialogue with professional ministers and learn of the fruit of their ministries.
April 15, August 19, December 16: Water the Soil: Pause and Reflect
After each part of the program concludes– and before the next one begins– participants will gather for pause and reflection. This spiritual grounding is the lynchpin of the program, as it allows the seeds that have been planted to be watered and, eventually, to grow.
Capstone Project: Seed Scattered and Sown
In addition to the 12 virtual group sessions, four times throughout the year participants will meet for a virtual “coffee” with their assigned mentor. These discussions will provide unparalleled opportunities to build relationships with women who have vocations in theology, ministry, or faith-based social justice work. With their mentor’s guidance, each participant will discern a capstone project to be the culmination of their work in the Magdalene Cohort.
Magdalene Cohort Retreat: July 10-12, 2025
Though the Magdalene Cohort is primarily a virtual experience, halfway through the program we invite all participants to gather in Cleveland, OH for an in-person retreat. During this retreat we will have the opportunity to meet one another in-person, to grow our connections with one another, to reflect on the experience so far, and to brainstorm the direction of our capstone projects. While this retreat is offered at no charge to participants, each participant is asked to cover their own transportation to the event.*
*If transportation costs are an issue, financial assistance is available. Please contact Russ at russ@futurechurch.org to discuss options.
Program Calendar at a Glance:
Ready to Apply? Download the application HERE!
All applications and resumes listing relevant experience are due by December 19th.
Questions? Reach out to FutureChurch Program Associates Olivia or Martha at olivia@futurechurch.org or martha@futurechurch.org.