Register for Rise
A Letter to Students
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.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Teen Opportunities: Peer Team

Calling all high school students: We want you to be a part of our peer team! This team is completely made up of students who desire to use their talents to serve their friends and community for the greater glory of God. Members will have opportunities for service hours, additional formation, and making memories that will last. There are a few different crews that make up our team, so there is something for everyone! Click the buttons below to learn more about each group on the peer team, and please prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to say yes. Parents, please encourage your student to consider leading by example by signing up to volunteer for one of these groups. If you are interested in joining the peer team, please contact Antoinette Hanning at ahanning@stmatthewtn.org.

This group is made up primarily of juniors and seniors who desire to grow in servant leadership. They will have opportunities to directly minister to their peers by giving talks, leading small groups, helping plan retreats and more. 

This group of teens focuses on growing our community in various ways and supporting the Youth Minister. Members of the Peer Support Crew are asked to commit to at least 2 hours a month.

Tasks include:

  • Creating social media posts
  • Writing Bulletin reflections
  • Giving Parish announcements
  • Helping to plan events
  • Organizing the occasional storage closet
  • Writing thank you cards

This group of teens focuses on serving their peers through their God-given musical talents. They will help to lead praise and worship for Adoration nights and retreats when available.

This group of teens helps to serve the Saint Matthew’s community by supporting our Liturgical Ministries. Opportunities include, being a lector, choir member, hospitality minister, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, altar server and sacristan. Responsibilities vary depending on the role and training is offered for each one.  

Adult Opportunities:

We are seeking adult volunteers from the parish to assist the Rise Youth Group and serve the high-school-aged youth of our parish throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to serve on our Core Team and Support Team. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Antoinette Hanning at ahanning@stmatthewtn.org.

Youth Ministry Core Team:

Our Core Team consists of a group of adults who feel called to be missionaries for our youth. Core Team members will have their feet on the ground, serving directly at our weekly Rise Nights and other youth group events. Responsibilities include helping the teens feel welcome, leading small groups, participating in games and prayer, etc. This is an important responsibility, and we are seeking individuals who truly feel a desire to serve. All adults of the parish are invited to prayerfully discern joining the Core Team. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining this important team, please contact Antoinette Hanning.

Core Team members must:

  • Be over the age of 21.
  • Have a love for Jesus and the Catholic Church.
  • Have the desire to serve the youth of our parish.
  • Have a commitment to be a missionary and serve as a Christian role model.
  • Have a willingness to lead prayer, small groups, and talks.
  • Commit to attending our weekly Rise Nights.
  • Attend at least one Rise retreat throughout the year.
  • Participate in Core Team meetings twice a month (subject to change).
  • Complete the Diocesan Safe Environment training and follow the guidelines.

Youth Ministry Support Team:

We are seeking adult volunteers to assist with various logistical duties throughout the Rise season. Our Support Team consists of four groups: the dinner crew, snack crew, chaperone/transporation crew, and the administrative crew. Rise cannot operate without the support of this team helping with all the little details. Whether you are a parent or a college-aged student, there is truly a need for your gifts! For more information, contact Antoinette Hanning.

Dinner Crew:

  • Provide food for at least one Rise Night a semester.

Snack Crew:

  • Provide extra snacks/treats for at least two Rise Nights.

Chaperone/Transportation Crew:

  • Lend your eyes and seats in your car for select events.

Administrative Crew:

  • Support the Youth Minister in various office tasks at least twice a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rise is Saint Matthew’s Youth Group for students in high school. It meets 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 may be opening and closing in prayer, while others 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 who 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.

Contact Information

Antoinette Hanning
Director of Youth Ministry
ahanning@stmatthewtn.org