Spend a week at Marian University growing in faith, leadership, and purpose. The Missionary Disciples Institute equips high school leaders to serve boldly, love deeply, and live as missionary disciples in their communities.
Do you know any rising sophomores - rising seniors in high school who are passionate in their faith and a leader amongst their peers?
Dive into a “Track” and discover how God has uniquely created you to lead and serve others.
Grow through daily prayer, worship, and authentic Catholic community.
Return home with a concrete Mission Plan to impact your school, parish, and community.
The Missionary Disciples Institute (MDI) is a five-day summer experience for rising sophomores through rising seniors who want to deepen their faith, discover their purpose, and grow as leaders. Live on Marian University's beautiful campus alongside 84 high school students from across the country who share a desire to follow Christ and make a difference in their communities. Through prayer, authentic friendships, inspiring speakers, service, and hands-on leadership formation, you'll be challenged to recognize your unique gifts and leave with a mission to bring Christ's love back to your school, parish, and community.
Dive into a particular way Christ calls us to minister to others: Praise, Teach, Preach, Serve, Pray, Search, Partner.
“Prior to MDI, I did not think much about how we are the ones offered to God on the altar at Mass, along with the bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Jesus. We are the Body that is present in the form of bread and wine, and so it is important that we as disciples serve one another, for the one who we are actually serving is Jesus. —MDI Participant”
Games, Hikes, Activities, and friendships.
Mission Planning, Theological Reflection, Service Immersion.
“MDI helped me discover my gift of leadership. I realized I enjoy coming up with ideas, bringing people together, and encouraging others to get more involved in our faith. It also helped me realize that I can see myself becoming a leader in the Church and helping others grow in their faith.” – MDI Participant
"There is so much I have gained through MDI and my time invested in it. I would say the experiences I had at MDI were beyond life changing and cup filling. I gained newfound insight, shaped values, and connections I never want to lose. I have matured as a person through faith and wisdom, but still grasping onto that childlike faith I experienced. I gained confidence in sharing my faith, grown as a leader, and built a stronger relationship with the Lord. The time I have invested there has proven to paid off being back in the world today, I am still on fire for the Lord, spreading the gospel, going to my chapel frequently and NOT ashamed to spread the gospel as a Missionary Disciple." —MDI Participant, 2025
Once you have submitted your application, we will review it and contact you.
Do you know a high school student who fits these categories? You can nominate them here!
