Christian Education for Youth
Journey to Adulthood Program
The Journey to Adulthood program is a four- or six-year program that was developed in the 1980s at St. Philip’s Church, Durham, NC, as an Episcopal version of the Jewish bar and bat mitzvah ceremony to celebrate the journey to man- and womanhood, the biological state that is a gift from God. St. James’ started to offer the Journey to Adulthood Program in the late 1990s. It is offered as a four year program consisting of two two-year segments called Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood (J2A). In addition, the program has been modified to allow for participation of youth new to the parish. Our sturcture provides for incorporation of post-confirmation youth as full adult members in the life of the church.
The four year Journey to Adulthood Program concludes with a Youth Pilgrimage
Rite 13
Rite 13 is the first two years of the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program. Students around the age of 13 are welcomed to join this class to: learn how to go to church; use and understand the Book of Common Prayer; appreciate some history of the Episcopal Church and St. James’; and strengthen their skills in prayer, faith, relationships, service, and more. Rite 13ers are encouraged to begin to take roles within the church, particularly as acolytes.
The curriculum of Rite 13 is intended to inform each student’s decision to confirm his or her baptismal covenant at the end of the second two years, the J2A portion. The individuality and creative potential of each young teen is celebrated and blended in the peer group that represents the future of the congregation and the Church. Midway through the second year, Rite 13ers and their families and friends have a special ceremony within a church service to mark their progress and declare their new status as young teens.
The group concludes their two years with an Urban Adventure, one overnight in a city not their own, to participate with youth from other parishes in a religious program and a group planned trip into the city with opportunity to experience an urban environment.
J2A
J2A is the second tier of the program and immediately follows completion of Rite 13. J2A focuses on the acquisition of skills and vocabulary to prepare and empower students to participate in the adult community of the Church. J2A is also designed to educate and support youth to allow them to make their own decision regarding Confirmation, helping those who choose Confirmation through the process and showing those who do not that they are still welcomed members of our church community.
Upon completion of J2A, the youth are viewed as adult members of our church community and are invited to take part in the adult education program or to volunteer as teachers for our Christian Education programs. If confirmed, they can also serve in a leadership capacity as per the Canons of the Church.
Youth Group
The St. James’ Youth Group is open to anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 (or entering Rite 13 class). The SJYG and Rite 13/J2A work closely together to ensure a cohesive experience of worship, education, service and fellowship.
Click here for information on St. James' Youth Group Activities.
