St. Christopher's Journey to Adulthood (J2A)

St. Christopher's Episcopal Church

J2A - The Journey to Adulthood

Christian formation is a lifelong process. The Journey to Adulthood program gives young people a firm foundation on which to build. It is divided into three phases: Rite 13 (Grades 7-8), Sojourners (Grades 9-10) and YAC (Young Adults in Church - Grades 11-12 - program). Additionally, there are a variety of other opportunities for youth to participate in church activities.

The Journey to Adulthood program was developed over a ten-year period by parishioners at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church in Durham, N.C. The curriculum was written by two parishioners, Amanda Millay Hughes and David E. Crean. The Rev. C. Thomas Midyette 11, Amanda Smith and the Rev. William 1. Roberts, Jr. contributed original ideas and key concepts which were incorporated into the program. Development was funded, in part, by a grant from the Episcopal Church Foundation. The information in this brochure was taken from promotional materials produced by Leader Resources, the originators of The journey to Adulthood program.

What is The Journey to Adulthood?
A parish program for young people between the ages of 11 and 17 which:

provides a liturgical frame for their experience in our modern culture
celebrates their individuality and their creative potential
instructs them in the skills required for their successful adult participation in the church community and in society

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Leadership

It is based on two key concepts: manhood and womanhood are gifts from God and adulthood must be earned, and and the Journey to Adulthood includes in-depth exploration of the four realms of: self, sexuality, spirituality, and society.

The three phases of The Journey to Adulthood program:

Rite 13 (Grades 7-8) (schedule):

assists the young people as they take the first steps away from their families into their own lives
includes a liturgical celebration of the gift of manhood and womanhood when they are 13
stresses the group as community encouraging friendship
creates a safe place to explore new ideas, new interests and new abilities

Sojourners (Grades 9-10) The Sojourner program and schedule:

blends action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living
teaches six basic skills to prepare them for adulthood: active listening, assertion, research/information management,
negotiation, partnership and leadership
invites the young people to make a holy pilgrimage together following the second year
offers the young people the opportunity for Confirmation
acknowledges the young adults as equipped for new levels of responsibility

YAC (Grades 11-12) - Young Adults in Church are: (program)

guided by adult advisers as they use Scripture, reason and the tradition of the Church to begin a lifelong pilgrimage in their faith
encouraged to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and the local community
challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure

Other Opportunities for Youth

Youth Group: Each of The Journey to Adulthood groups meets regularly, apart from church school, for other activities. Occasionally the three groups meet for shared events. Adult leadership is provided by the group leaders and volunteer chaperones.

Mission Trip: During the first year of the two year cycle, all three groups will participate in a mission trip where they will share a service project.

Pilgrimage: In 2004 the Sojourner group made a holy pilgrimage to Ireland where they walked in the footsteps of the ancestors of our faith. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to encounter God and to experience the world beyond our own front door.

Confirmation: Confirmation should be a mature decision made by spiritually equipped young people. In its proper context it is neither a rite of passage nor exit ritual but a chance for the young people to confirm that which was said for them and to them at Baptism. Preparation for Confirmation is given the second year during the Sojourner phase of The Journey to Adulthood program.

Vestry Liaison Members of The Journey to Adulthood classes are invited as vestry liaisons and regularly attend meetings and report on the work of our youth to the vestry and the work of our vestry to the youth.

Youth Choirs and Acolytes: Beginning in the second grade, children are given an opportunity to learn about worship and the tradition of the church. The choirs sing regularly on Sundays and at special events. Acolytes serve on a rotating basis at the 10:30 a.m. services.

"You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul...Teach them to your children, talking about them when you an at home and when you are away, when you & down and when you rise ... so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied ... as long as the heavens are above do earth. - Deuteronomy 11:18-21