Dear young people, like the first disciples, follow Jesus! Do not be afraid to draw near to him, to cross the threshold of his dwelling, to speak with him, face to face, as you talk with a friend (cf. Ex 33:11). Do not be afraid of the”new life” he is offering. He himself makes it possible for you to receive that life and practise it, with the help of his grace and the gift of his Spirit. Pope St. John Paul II
RNow Youth Discipleship
RNow Youth Discipleship was created to help empower the youth of our Diocese to see that they have a crucial role within their Catholic faith, that is not meant for the future but Right Now.
The RNow Youth Discipleship is a training program born from the former Christian Leadership Institute (CLI). This takes the vision of the Christian Leadership Institute and discipleship training to make a year round model for post-confirmation youth, that will empower their purpose within our Catholic faith, right now. RNow is for youth in 9th-12th grade in the Diocese of Fall River, and designed to provide opportunities for personal spiritual growth and equip members with skills in leadership, project management, and missionary discipleship.
The team is made up of youth from all five deaneries. RNow Youth Discipleship will have the opportunities throughout the year to help plan, be a sound board for research and development, facilitate events for younger students, organize peer lead ministry at the parish level, and create a service project opportunity at their schools. Taking the vision of the CLI and mission of missionary discipleship creating a merge called RNow. As the Jubilee year approaches, it is important that we reassess and reinvigorate our efforts to empower, uplift and equip the youth.
Apply Here
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diocesan Youth Discipleship Team?
The Discipleship Team is a program for youth in 10th–12th grade in the Diocese of Fall River, designed to foster personal spiritual growth and equip members with skills for missionary discipleship. The team is made up of youth from across the Diocese and begins the year with a retreat together. Throughout the year, members participate in regular meetings, receive formation, build community, and take part in opportunities to serve and evangelize—especially among younger students.
Who can be on the Team?
The program is for high school youth (10th–12th grade) from parishes and schools in the Diocese who are actively living their Catholic faith and striving to grow as Christian disciples in their parish and school communities.
What is the format of the program?
The Discipleship Team is built on four pillars: Prayer, Community, Formation, and Evangelization. Over the course of the program, members will form friendships with peers, deepen their Catholic faith, be empowered to share the Gospel, and have opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ through prayer and the Sacraments.
What is required?
Commitment is essential. The program meets twice a month (on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday) for a total of 20 meetings per year, plus 4 regional retreats.
Applicants must be able to attend at least 15 of the 20 meetings and 2 of the 4 retreats in order to participate.
How does the Discipleship Team live out the Four Pillars?
- Prayer: Learn and grow in personal prayer, with regular opportunities for Adoration, Confession, and Mass.
- Community: Build lasting friendships and be supported by peers who share your faith journey.
- Formation: Deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith through dynamic teaching and discussion.
- Evangelization: Serve others through leading Diocesan youth nights [Merge Nights], giving witness talks, assisting at Diocesan Regional Confirmation retreats, and taking faith into your parish, school, and community.
What is a Merge Night?
Merge Nights are Diocesan youth nights planned and facilitated by the Discipleship Team. They combine relational ministry, small group discussions, and personal witness, creating a welcoming environment for teens from across the Diocese to grow in faith together. As part of the Team, members will help design the evening’s flow, lead prayer and activities, share testimonies, and build connections with peers from other parishes. Merge Nights are one of the primary ways the Team lives out the pillar of Evangelization. The Merge Nights take place on 4th Wednesday of the Month.
How do I sign up?
Apply online: https://form.jotform.com/yyafamily/rnow-youth-discipleship
Deadline: September 30, 2025
SAVE THE DATES:
MEETINGS Wednesdays 6:00 pm – 9:00pm Cathedral Camp | REGIONAL RETREATS: Saturdays 10:30 am – 5:00pm | ||
2025 October 8th & 22nd November 5th & 19th December 10th & 17th 2026 January 7th & 21st February 11th & 25th March 11th & 25th April 8th & 22nd May 13th & 27th June 10th & 24th | 2025 November 22nd Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich, MA December 20th St. Teresa of Calcutta School New Bedford, MA 2026 January 10th St. John Neuman E. Freetown, MA February 28th St. Ann Parish Raynham, MA |
RNOW NEWLETTERS
POWERED BY: RNow Youth Discipleship
Get ready to experience the Merge Night – a fresh, high-energy youth event powered by RNOW Teens (the Diocesan Discipleship and Leadership Team). This is your chance to come together with other high schoolers for a night of community, prayer, and tons of fun.
What’s Merge Night?
It’s where parishes, Steubenville Conference registrants, and YES! participants (both past and future) unite for one powerful encounter. It’s all about merging passion, faith, and excitement in an unforgettable way. This is a moment you don’t want to miss!
Details:
🗓 SAVE THE DATES
2025
October 22nd
November 19th
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Cathedral Camp, 167 Middleboro Rd, East Freetown, MA 02717
📍 Who: High School Teens (Grades 9-12 only)