Our Youth Programs

Youth at St. Andrew’s are on a Journey to Adulthood. In the fall of 2000 we began using this six-year program from Leader Resources. The core messages underscored are 1) manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God and 2) Adulthood must be earned. The program contains three two-year segments:

Rite-13

• Youth in 6th & 7th or 7th & 8th grades
• Focuses on celebrating the individuality of young persons and their creative potential
• Liturgy for the celebration of Manhood and Womanhood is the community expression of this

J2A (Journey to Adulthood)

• Youth in 8th & 9th or 9th & 10th grades
• Youth are taught skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood
• Youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment. Pilgrimage serves as an opportunity to use newly acquired skills, as well as marks a seal on their spiritual journey
• Preparation for Confirmation takes place

YAC (Young Adults in Church)

• A mentor-based program for teens in 11th & 12th grade
• Young Adults discern and carry out a ministry within the church or in the larger community
• Vocation and development of a personal credo are emphasized
• An outward action-oriented project is sought in the form of a mission trip or activity

Our first J2A group (now YAC) took a pilgrimage to the Holy Heart of Northern New Mexico in June, 2003. Seven pilgrims experienced desert spirituality and found God in new and different places. Our second group travelled to Northern California in June, 2005.  Here they experienced great diversity and cultures.  And in June 2007, twelve teens made a pilgrimage to New England where the pilgrims traced their Anglican roots in America.

A culture is quickly establishing itself at St. Andrew’s where pilgrimage is used as a vehicle to identify one’s true self.  Teens report having a deeper sense of the sacred in their lives as a result of the pilgrimage experience.   This is a grace from God that cannot be minimized. Many members of the parish support this effort through their enthusiasm, prayers, fundraising and love.  

Fellowship for youth is also an important part of their experience. All young people in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to take part. This group meets on Sunday afternoons and evenings throughout the year. They plan events such as: lock-ins, hikes, camping trips and pool parties. They spend time in the undercroft, sharing and caring for one another. They serve the church by assisting in parish activities like, hosting coffee hour, providing child care, serving as acolytes and lectors, organizing the Shrove Tuesday supper and much more. All youth are welcome to join the fun and bring a friend!

Calendar of Events

Click HERE for the current list of scheduled Youth Activities