The Journey to Adulthood Program

The Journey to Adulthood Program is a national ministry program of spiritual formation for young people. It balances Bible study, prayer, and serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person during the passage from childhood to adulthood. Leaders model the faith and remind young people of the ever-present love and mercy of God.

There are three two-year segments of the program: Rite-13, J2A, and YAC. Breakfast Club and SHY are two groups that have been incorporated into St. John’s program to serve the needs of 6th graders and 12th graders during alternate years. Here’s an example of how it works:

Fall 2008

6th and 7th graders began Rite-13

8th and 9th graders began J2A

10th and 11th graders began YAC

12th graders (who completed YAC last year) are in SHY

Fall 2009

 6th graders will be in Breakfast Club

7th and 8th graders will be in 2nd year of Rite-13

9th and 10th graders will be in 2nd year of J2A

11th and 12th graders will be in 2nd year of YAC

 Fall 2010—a new cycle, similar to 2008, begins 

Youth Leadership Information

The youth program at St. John’s is supported by the leadership of the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone, Associate for Children and Youth, and by the Youth Ministries Commission.

Youth Ministries Chair: Amy Tich

Vestry Liaison: Elisabeth Beekman

Journey to Adulthood Groups

Breakfast Club: A program for our 6th graders “waiting in the wings” as they get ready to start Rite 13 the following year. One of the primary goals as part of this program is to build community.

Rite-13: The first two years (6th & 7th or 7th & 8th graders) that focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. We celebrate a special Rite-13 liturgy in the context of Sunday morning worship to honor each young person and mark their rite of passage from childhood to adulthood.

J2A: The middle portion of the program (8th & 9th or 9th & 10th graders), engages youth with the skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. The youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment.

Confirmation

It is during this time that we incorporate exploration and discernment regarding the youth’s decision to be confirmed.

YAC (Young Adults in Church): This is a mentor-based program that helps older teens (10th & 11th or 11th & 12th graders) discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community. Vocation and development of a personal credo are also emphasized. A final rite of passage sends them out into the world as ambassadors of Christ.

SHY (Senior High Youth): 12th Grade program occurring every other year when the Seniors’ older Journey to Adulthood partner-class has gone off to college or the workforce. Our Seniors will have their Credo service this year.

College Connections: College students remain connected to St. John’s with regular care packages from church, GodSibb mailings, and communications from a “guardian angel” (parishioner), as well as get-togethers during breaks.

DOVE

Discovering Our Vocation Everyday (DOVE) is an aspect of our youth ministry intended to guide youth in identifying their individual gifts and to seek life choices based upon those gifts. Through spiritual guidance, guest speakers, mentors and mission trips, DOVE is primarily woven through the YAC program.

Discovery Weekend

Discovery Weekend is an annual spiritual retreat for middle School students. The weekend is orchestrated by high school students and adult parishioners, providing a special opportunity for diverse segments of the parish to get to know one another. It is a highlight at St. John’s for youth and adults.

Quick Youth Links

+ Rite-13 Page

+ J2A Page

+ Confirmation

+ YAC Page

+ SHY Page

+ DOVE

+ College Connections

+ J2A Pilgrimage

+ Retreats Upcoming Youth Events