Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team for 2021-2022! If you have any high school teens in your parish or school who are committed Catholics, looking to grow deeper in their faith, and willing to share their faith with their peers then they are perfect for this team!
1. Parish Nomination Form - The parish Youth Minister, DRE, or other youth leader completes this form to nominate a teen from their parish.
Parish Nomination Link
2. Youth Application - This form is completed by the youth. After nominating, the youth ministry leader must send them the link to the application.
Youth Application Link
3. Priest Recommendation - This is a very brief form that must be completed by the pastor, parish administrator, or associate pastor. If it is a school nominating, the form may be completed by the chaplain, principal, or the teen's parish priest.
Priest Recommendation Link
Cost of the program is $150.00/participant (Scholarships available, see below). Cost includes the retreat and materials for the year.
*If money is an issue, please contact the youth ministry office to discuss other options. We do not want money to be the reason someone cannot participate so if that is an issue, we can work with you.
The program starts with a retreat that will focus on aspects of prayer and discipleship through personal witness. The teens will be placed into discipleship groups that will meet throughout the retreat as well as throughout the year functioning in a support and accountability role. Following the retreat, the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team will meet once a month for prayer, fellowship, and ongoing formation in missionary discipleship.
The teens will also assist in planning the annual Diocesan Middle School Rally in the spring and are invited help out with other Diocesan middle school events. Team members who have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation may also help with Diocesan confimation retreats but that is optional.
Schedule of Meetings and Events
Discipleship Team Retreat: August 13-15
Monthly Meetings Dates: Second Thursday of the Month from 6-8:30pm
@St. George in Worcester
September 9th
October 14th
November 11th
December 9th
January 13th
February 10th
March 10th
April 21 (3rd Thursday)
May 12th
Middle School Rally Planning Days:
Saturday, January 8th, 9am-noon
Saturday, February 26th, 9am-noon
Diocesan Middle School Rally: March 20, 2022
What is the role of the Parish/Youth Ministry Leader?
The overall goal of the program is to establish young missionary disciples who are able to witness the gospel to other youth in an effort to draw them into the life of the Church. The role of the parish youth ministry leader is to walk with these individual(s) and support their role as missionary disciples.
Throughout the program, the Youth Ministry Office will maintain close communication with the parish youth leader and parents as to what is covered during the retreat and meetings. Parish youth ministry leaders are always welcome, but not required, to attend any meetings.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Tim Messenger at 508-929-4360 or by email at tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org.