Calling all high school students!

Support Rise
RISE is the Saint Matthew Youth Ministry program open to all high-school-aged students who desire a place to breathe. This world is crazy, and we often find ourselves going a mile a minute with everything. Rise Youth Group is an opportunity to not necessarily slow down, but rather intentionally get to know God, ourselves and others. Our group doesn’t exist to just sit around the entire time; we play plenty of games and sports, enjoy delicious food and ultimately build community. Additionally, we help teens truly grow in their relationships with Jesus through talks, discussions, prayer nights, the sacraments and retreats.

Quick Links

Volunteer & Background Check Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Rise is Saint Matthew’s youth group for students in high school. We meet most Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the parish conference center to play games and sports, learn about our Catholic faith, discuss how it plays out in our everyday lives, and build true fellowship with one another. If you are new to Rise, be sure to check in with us before you come to ensure we are not off-campus hiking, canoeing, or laser-tagging. This youth group exists for high school students to grow together in holiness, grow closer to Christ, and ultimately, become the man or woman God destined them to become.

While each night might look a little different, most nights will include a provided dinner, games/sports, an engaging talk on an important and relevant topic, time to discuss the topic with each other and discern how it relates to their everyday life, and, of course, prayer.  Some nights this may be opening and closing in prayer, while other nights may involve praise and worship and/or Adoration in front of Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. 

The intellectual formation students receive in Catholic schooling is a noble and necessary investment.  At Rise, however, we go beyond the knowledge of our faith into engaging and responding to how to live our faith in today’s tumultuous world. Rise is the place for teens to meet other like-minded students, normalizing holiness, encouraging one another, and going deeper into their faith. Their formation from Catholic school will serve as a great foundation for them to build community and grapple with the challenges they face as a Catholic teen in today’s world. 

Whether a brand new member is a rising freshman or a senior in high school, every teen who comes to Rise will be welcomed as Christ. Undoubtedly, building friendships, community and belonging takes time, but we will always strive to facilitate an environment where these friendships can form effortlessly. If your son or daughter has had a difficult experience and/or has not felt welcomed, please contact Frankie directly so she can ensure an immediate solution to his or her experience.

Interested in joining our Core Team?

The youth group would not be successful without your help! If you are interested in getting involved, there is always a need for more Core Team members to help in youth ministry efforts. Between setting up each night, assisting with food, or showcasing your soccer skills, your involvement is both needed and appreciated. For more information, contact Michaela and/or click the “Volunteer Registration” link above.

Contact Information

Michaela Miller
Director of Youth Ministry
mmiller@stmatthewtn.org