Youth

Young people are essential members of the Grace Church community. Many young people perform in our choirs, serve as acolytes and contribute in many other ways to the life of Grace Church and the surrounding community. The program provided for youth, Journey to Adulthood, reflects the importance young people have at Grace. Journey to Adulthood is offered to all 7th through 12th graders.

Journey to Adulthood

Young people are essential members of the Grace Church community. Many young people perform in our choirs, serve as acolytes, usher, and help with the children’s programs. We are blessed to have a large group of talented, dedicated young people -- many of whom have grown up at Grace -- bring their musical, spiritual and leadership gifts to the work of the church. The program provided for youth, Journey to Adulthood, helps our youth gain a strong understanding of their own spirituality and deepens their faith in. Journey to Adulthood is offered to all young people in Seventh through Twelfth grades.

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 on most Sunday mornings between 10:25 and 11:15. The Rite 13 group meets on the lower level and the J2A group meets on the second floor of the Old Rectory. Young Adults in Church (YAC) is the section for youth in grades 11-12. YAC meeting schedules will be announced in our weekly parish newsletter, Grace Notes.

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. In the past J2A pilgrims from Grace Church have visited holy sites in Canada, England and California.

The YAC group provides a safe and fun place for our young men and women to support one another – and to be supported – as they face the major life transition of high school graduation. They spend some time reflecting on their experiences, sharing their hopes and fears for the future, and making room for God in their lives.

The Journey to Adulthood program is coordinated by the Curate, the Father Scot McComas, and each section is led by two adults. Please contact Fr. Scot if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the program.