Calling all high school students!

Support Rise
Rise is Saint Matthew’s Youth Group 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.

A Letter to Students

If I had to consider some of the most difficult times in my life, I would begin by saying high school. We start to ask ourselves these questions… “Who am I? What am I living for? Who are my true friends?” To be honest, most of those questions will come up again and again throughout our lives. What I’ve come to realize is that these questions become a lot more clear when we surround ourselves with beauty, truth, and goodness. When we live a life surrounded by friends and families who share the same values, have similar goals, and want to live a more joyful fulfilling life, our eyes become open and we begin to question, “What if there is more?” Even if we don’t know what that means, or which direction that will take us, that is the question where God begins to work more actively in our lives and within our hearts. Why do I bring this up? For so long people have said Youth Group is for Church kids, and yes there’s some truth to that. But the reality is this youth group is for YOU. Whether you’re a high school musician, athlete, dancer, artist, or just a student! This program is just for you! If you want to know more about WHO YOU ARE and who God is calling you to be, if you want friends that will challenge you and help you get to Heaven, or maybe you’re just questioning and it’s just you! Come as you are…Be open to receiving, because God wants to give you all the answers to your questions. He wants you to experience a joy and happiness that is everlasting! Come and see for yourself 🙂

God Bless you!
Frankie Tripodi

Quick Links

Diocesan Teen Programs
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 registration fee covers most of Rise’s expenses throughout the year, such as dinners, supplies, and resources for our meetings.

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 Antoinette 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 Frankie and/or click the “Volunteer Registration” link above.

Contact Information

Frankie Tripodi
Director of Youth Ministry
ftripodi@stmatthewtn.org