Young Disciples

The teams put on summer camps, family nights and teen nights as requested by parishes. Teams proclaim the Gospel through catechesis, small group activities, music, drama, puppets, and games. When possible, daily Mass and Reconciliation are also provided.

Financial Arrangements: 1/2 funding from Diocese, 1/4 funding from parishes, and 1/4 from sponsorship. Team members are asked to raise at least $250. Whatever is raised above $250 is returned as a stipend. Team members also receive all training, all meals, all lodging and all transportation between sites. They start with 3-weeks of training in prayer, Scripture, doctrine, morality and ministry skills. In addition, they will receive a basic catechetical certification, a lasting foundation for a life of service, and friends who will care for them with the hope of heaven.

Living Arrangements: Generally speaking, teams stay in host homes. Team members never are assigned to a host home alone. There are always at least two team members. Occasionally, teams stay in rectories. Meals are provided by the hosting parish. Teams stay in one town/parish for one week, Saturday afternoon to the next Saturday.

Service Length: The term is approximately 10 weeks from mid-May through the end of July.

Service Area: We are currently serving the rural parishes and Native American reservations of North Dakota. We also serve several parishes Minnesota and one in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Requirements: 18 to 30 years old. Love to work with elementary children. Energetic. Creative. Team worker. Able to travel in a van.

Training: Receive 3 weeks of training in prayer, Scripture, doctrine, morality and ministry skills. 15 hours are spent on doctrine/Scripture, 15 hours on prayer, and 15 hours on methodology. The third week is spent doing a camp under the supervision of the Young Disciples Teams staff.