Young Disciples FAQ

Where will I be staying while I am serving on the Young Disciples?

You will be staying in host homes and sometimes rectories. The parish is responsible for providing meals, whether your host home does this or another family. 

How will we travel to the different parishes?

The Diocese covers the cost of renting a minivan which is also covered under our insurance policy.

How can I afford to do this? Is there a stipend?

Yes, new missionaries will be given a stipend of $1,500 plus you can raise money on top of that. 

Where will training be held and how long is it?

Training is broken into two parts. The first portion of training is two weeks and is held at the diocesan pastoral center in Fargo. The second portion is the training camp, where training staff members assist and oversee the teams' first camp.

How old are the team members? Where do they all come from?

The team members range in age from 18 to 30. Most of our missionaries are from North Dakota and Minnesota, but we've had missionaries from all over the United States. We've even had missionaries from Slovakia, England, and Portugal.

Can I earn college credit?

Yes, several students have been able to count this program for credit. You just need to contact your university and ask if this will work in your field of study. Contact the program coordinator if you are interested in more information on how to apply.

Will I be working with different cultures?

Yes. We have several Native American Reservations in the state who ask for camps every year. 

Will I get to attend Mass every day and have time for prayer?

Yes, the majority of the camps will have Mass for the children every day. Other times you are able to go before camp starts. You will also have time for personal prayer and team prayer every day. You can think of this summer as a retreat. Yes, you will be busy with camps and meeting families, but the pillars of each day are prayer and the Mass. It is a great opportunity to step outside of your normal routine and give the Lord a summer to work more deeply in your heart and even discern your vocation.

How will I get to North Dakota?

You can either fly into Fargo or take the train or the bus. Once we know who is on the teams, we also will give out everyone's e-mails to see if people can get rides together. We will pick you up from airports, and/or train and bus stations. You just need to let us know when. You are responsible for the cost of getting to and from North Dakota and also for travel costs if you decide to go home for break.

Do I get to go home at all during the summer?

Once training starts we ask that team members be here for 10 weeks, but you do get to go home or on break for a week in July. It is usually over the 4th of July.

How long are the camps?

Each camp is four or five days long for about 6 hours a day. Saturday is the travel and set up day. On Sundays, the teams attend the weekend Masses to talk about Young Disciples (short announcement) and also to meet parishioners and to spend time with team or host families.