Applications are now being accepted for the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team for 2019-2020! 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!
What is the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team?
 
The Discipleship Team is a leadership team of high school youth (grades 9-12) in the Diocese of Worcester that is designed to provide opportunities for personal spiritual growth, equip members with skills for missionary discipleship within their own parish communities, and give teens leadership opportunities in Diocesan middle school events and programs.

Who can be on the Team?
 
The Discipleship Team is designed for high school youth from parishes around the diocese.  Each parish has the opportunity to nominate up to 2 youth who exhibit qualities of leadership, are active in their Catholic faith, are active in their parish community through youth ministry or other ministries, and are willing to deepen their faith and witness to the gospel.

What is the process of joining the team? What is the cost and what paperwork is required?
 
Below are links to the following appointment/application materials:

Overview
Parish Appointment Packet
Youth Application Packet

Parishes who are nominating youth must submit the appointment form and Priest recommendation form to the Youth Ministry Office by Friday, June 14th. Youth Application Packets are also due by Friday, June 14th. After applications are reviewed, individuals will be notified of their acceptance and will attend the kickoff retreat on August 17-18 at the Immaculate Conception Retreat Center in Putnam, CT.
 
Cost of the program is $125.00/participant. Cost includes the retreat and materials for the year. The fee, release forms, and any outstanding paperwork will be due at the retreat.

What is the format of the program?
 
The program starts with a retreat that will focus on aspects of prayer and discipleship through personal witness. The teens will be placed into small group 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 Diocesan middle school youth events in two ways. All members will be asked to help with the Diocesan Middle School Rally. Each member will also help with at least 1 of the 4 Middle School Amplify nights.

*All dates and locations for the retreat and meetings can be found in the Youth Application Packet

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 certainly 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.