| The Journey to Adulthood |
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The Journey to Adulthood is a complete youth ministry program of spiritual formation for youth. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries and both serious and playful activities to underscore its two guiding principles: 1. Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God. 2. Adulthood must be earned. Rite-13: The first two years (6th & 7th or 7th & 8th graders) focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite-13 liturgy (A celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this and a rite of passage form childhood towards adulthood. This group makes a mini-pilgrimage to Nightwatch at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City at the end of their second year. J2A: The second portion of the program (8th & 9th or 9th and 10th graders), engages youth with the skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. At the end of their second year together, the group participates in a weekend Urban Adventure. The youth also begin planning a pilgrimage together during this time. This experience is often the spiritual highlight of their youth.  |
