WHAT IS ARISE?
ARISE! Is a youth ministry that uses performing arts and music to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus. We want to teach children and teens to walk with Jesus in their daily lives, while giving them room to explore and grow their creative talents.
WHAT WE DO
ARISE! leads children and teenagers to Jesus with both humor and depth. We do this primarily through songs, performances, drama, and faith-filled encounters.
Children, teens, and adults work together as a ‘’mobile Church,’’ bringing the Gospel wherever God sends us. The Bible and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are the foundation of all we do.
We equip young people in their faith and in their daily life. Our team members serve out of love for Jesus and for the young people entrusted to us. Quality honors God - this is the motto we live by.
ARISE! is also a family. We offer a home where everyone is welcomed, encouraged, and supported. We try to be flexible and attentive to each situation and to the needs of Christian upbringing.
OUR VISION
GET TO KNOW GOD
At the heart of our mission is this: that children and teens come to know God personally and grow in a living relationship with Him
EXPLORE YOUR TALENTS
Every young person is gifted. We want to help them discover and develop their creative and practical talents in a joyful, faith-filled environment.
EXPERIENCE TOGETHER
Faith is something we live together. Through rehearsals, outreach, service, and community-building, we create a place where kids and teens can belong.
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS
We want to go out and bring the Good News of Jesus to others through music, drama, testimony, and joyful Christian witness.
EVERY DAY WITH JESUS
ARISE! encourages a lifestyle of discipleship - learning to walk with Jesus every day, in everything we do.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ARISE
ARISE! KID
Participant with ARISE!
“Arise means a lot to me because I get to have a really deep friendship with the Lord. I love doing the musicals and games, and I get to know Jesus better. I really have time to be with Him, and I have a deeper relationship with God.”
ARCHBISHOP HEBDA
Archbishop of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
‘‘It was spectacular! Through the eyes of the disciples traveling with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, the troupe brought to life through music and dance the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses in a delightful way that revealed real biblical depth. The little children who came for the performance were enthralled (as was their bishop).’’
ARISE! TEEN
Participant with ARISE!
“I love ARISE because we get to do super fun, imaginative musicals and learn about God at the same time. I’ve gotten to meet some of my best friends through this program and I’ve grown even closer to God through prayer, adoration, and the musicals.”
KATIE & JOEY LARSON
Parents of ARISE! participants
“What a blessing for our kids to have the opportunity to develop their talents in music and actings, as well as growing in their faith. Arise has fostered their creativity, given them confidence, and has greatly helped them to grow closer to Jesus.”
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
ARISE strives to be a safe community where everyone—both children and adults—can interact with one another in a healthy and positive way.
This means that, as an organization, we have implemented measures to prevent inappropriate behavior and to address any incidents. All staff members aged 18 and over sign our guidelines on appropriate boundaries and professional conduct each year. All of the ARISE staff is VIRTUS trained.
In addition, all volunteers are required to obtain a criminal background check. We actively encourage open discussion of these topics and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
All volunteers who interact with minors or vulnerable adults are required to complete and
maintain safe environment credentials through this Archdiocese. The requirements include a
criminal background check, signing a Code of Conduct, and completing safe environment
training.
Re-credentialing is required every three years. To ensure completion of the
requirements before volunteering, or to confirm your status, contact Annabel Riley (Parish
Director and Safe Environment Coordinator): 651-489-8825, ariley@maternityofmary.org.
Francisca Suijkerbuijk
Francisca is our big leader! With her love for youth and the arts, she leads our team with dedication, and her big heart for Jesus. She is also our artistic director and teaches us all things music!
Tim O’Brien
Tim is the newest addition to our team. He has a passion for youth ministry and a love for theater. Always up for a game or a chat, he is dedicated to giving our kids and teens an encounter with Jesus!
Alanna Restifo
Not only does Alanna take beautiful photos, but she also lights up every rehearsal with her joy and encouragement. From photo cards to playbills, her creativity helps bring our productions to life.
THE TEAM
Willemijn Suijkerbuijk
Directing or acting, Willemijn can be found on or in front of the stage! She uses her dance training to ensure that all of our performances are full of energy. With a big heart for youth and Jesus she loves to serve with us!
Stephen Brewer
Stephen brings his love for Jesus to the stage. And he doesn’t just use his gift for acting with ARISE!, he also loves to share a talk or a testimony to inspire our youth in their walk with the Lord!
Fr. Andrew Brinkman
Fr. Andrew is our spiritual advisor. Not only does he make sure we all have the opportunity to attend adoration, mass, and receive confession, but he also loves to give us teachings and have good, heartfelt conversations with us!
Katherine Wall
Katherine is the creative force behind so many of our costumes, always working hard to make us look our best on stage. Her talent doesn't stop there… she's also known for baking some of the most delicious treats!
YOU?
Are you interested in joining our team? We are in need of (young) adults to keep this ministry running. Do you love performing arts, crew work, outreach, and/or leading ministry times? Come join us!