Youth at Grace Church

Young people are essential members of the Grace Church community. The program provided for youth, Journey to Adulthood, reflects the importance young people have at Grace. In its third year, Journey to Adulthood is offered to all 7th through 12th graders.

We invite you, the youth of Grace Church, to learn more about what Journey to Adulthood has to offer.

Journey to Adulthood

 Novia Scotia pilgrimage Journey to Adulthood is a program of spiritual formation for young people and takes the place of a traditional "youth group." Rite-13, for youth in grades 7-8, and J2A, for youth in grades 9-10, are sections of the Journey to Adulthood program and meet from 10:25 to 11:15 am on Sunday mornings in the youth rooms on the lower level. Young Adults in Church (YAC) is the section for youth in grades 11-12.

Rite-13 is intended to create an open atmosphere and a sense of trust through curriculum-based teaching and fellowship. A highlight of the Rite-13 program is the Rite-13 Liturgy which takes place during a regular Sunday service, and gives parents and the parish community a ritual in which to celebrate members of Rite-13 as young men and women.

The J2A group builds on the community that has been established among youth during Rite-13. J2A helps young people learn critical skills they will use in adulthood. The J2A section culminates in a pilgrimage that happens at the end of the two years of J2A.

The Journey to Adulthood program is coordinated by the curate, the Rev. Mr. Tom Murphy, and each section is led by two adults. Please contact him if you have any questions or are interested in hearing more about the program.

Confirmation Classes

 Preparing for confirmation is a spiritual journey that involves a large amount of time and preparation inside and outside of the classes. In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is not a requirement to become actively involved as a youth member of the parish and it is not the "rite of passage" that it was at one time. Thanks to the Journey to Adulthood program, Grace Church has a "coming of age" service and celebration for parish youth as they turn age 13. Therefore, youth candidates are urged to wait until completing 9th or 10th grade before beginning the classes, but it is possible to begin the classes if you are currently finishing 8th grade. All interested youth should speak to Deacon Tom.
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