For Youth

Grades 6-7:

Rite-13 (from the Journey to Adulthood Program) – This two-year program celebrates the individuality of each young teen and his/her creative potential, while exploring Biblical stories of God and God’s people. A foundational piece of this program is a special Rite-13 liturgy that serves as a rite of passage from childhood towards adulthood (akin to a bar- or bat-mitzvah) and is celebrated by and amidst the congregation in the spring. Meet the teacher, Allison Harmon.

Grades 8-9:

J2A (from the Journey to Adulthood Program) – This two-year program picks up where Rite-13 leaves off and helps teens create and understand the importance of Christian community as they develop critical thinking and other skills they will need in adulthood. The end of the first year is marked by an “urban adventure”/outreach experience and/or an overnight retreat. The end of the second year is marked with a spiritual pilgrimage, planned and executed by the group, that is often a life-changing experience for all involved. Meet the teachers, Stephanie and Allen Brizee

 Click here for 2019-2020 J2A curriculum.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a rite of passage in the Episcopal church, a sacrament celebrated in the presence of a bishop that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood.  The class and the sacrament get their name from the action of confirming the promises that were made for a child at his or her baptism.  The confirmand is prepared for this transition at Redeemer, usually when he or she is 15 years old, by taking part in twice a month class on Sunday mornings, serving the church through being an acolyte, choir member, or Sunday School helper, and completing a community service project.  The experience is summarized in a portfolio of collected responses, which are presented in the spring with other confirmands at a community meal.

Confirmation FAQ’s

• If I have a daughter/son going into high school that is already in J2A, how can I possibly get them confirmed also? Easy!  We’ve designed the scheduling so that youth can easily participate in multiple Redeemer activities.  For example, since J2A meets only on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Sundays of the month, the young woman/man above would attend class on those Sundays and then would be available to acolyte, sing in the choir, or help with Sunday school on the 2^nd and 4^th.

• What happens if I sign up late for Confirmation class? That’s ok!  We’ll have a second cohort that starts in January for anyone in this situation, and they will do their Redeemer service work during the 1^st and 3^rd  The only exception to this rule is that J2A participants MUST take confirmation the entire year.   We will make sure all youth and families are aware of this from day one.

• When should my daughter/son get confirmed? The diocese recommends that the youth is 15+ at the time of the ceremony.

• What does the portfolio project consist of? Finding an interest, doing some work and then thinking about it in the context of your being and faith. Projects typically take a half day to full day on-site work and then some thoughtful reflection that you will present at the retreat during confirmation weekend.

• Are there any actual class meetings for Confirmation? Yes, beginning in January, the 11:15 debriefing will run until noon and include the classroom portion of the confirmation process.