Journey to Adulthood is a youth program for students in 6th-12th grades. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries, and both serious and playful activities to underscore the two guiding principles of the program: 1) manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God; and 2) adulthood must be earned. The program consists of three two-year segments.

Rite-13

The first two years (Grades 6-7 or 7-8) celebrate the individuality of each young teen and their creative potential, while exploring Biblical stories of God and God’s people. The Rite-13 Celebration of Manhood and Womanhood serves as a community-acknowledged rite of passage from childhood towards adulthood.

J2A

The next segment (Grades 8-9 or 9-10) helps teens create and understand the importance of Christian community as they develop critical thinking, negotiation, and other skills they will need in adulthood. The end of J2A is marked with a spiritual pilgrimage that is often a life-changing experience for the group.

YAC

The last phase, Young Adults in Church (YAC), encourages older youth to take on more adult responsibilities – both in their church and in their community. They are challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure. Older teens (11th and 12th graders) discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community.

St. John’s Church follows the Safe Church policies of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts