Christian Formation...


The Teenage Youth Program
Purpose:
To equip the youth with the skills and the spiritual maturity needed to face courageously and responsibly the transitional yars of adolescence.

Name:  Journey to Adulthood (J2A) Youth Program
Day and Time:  Sundays; 1:00 p.m. -  3:00 p.m.

Facilitator: The Rev. Fr. Bonney and Adult Leaders

The Youth Program of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas offers a weekly spiritual formation opportunity for all teenagers, ages 11 through High School.  The group meets on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  In the first hour they have lunch and socialize, and the second hour is dedicated to Christian formation instructions that occasionally involve watching and discussing movies. The curriculum used is The Journey To Adulthood by Leader Resources) and is based on two concepts: manhood and womanhood are gifts from God (for ages 11-13), and adulthood must be earned (for ages 14-18).  The entire curriculum offers the teens the opportunity to explore and discuss four areas of their lives: self, spirituality, sexuality, and society, within a caring and loving environment. The program culminates in the senior high year with the Afro-centric Rites of Passage instructions and ceremony for graduating students, to prepare and mark their transition from youth into young adulthood.

In addition to the weekly Christian formation forums, the youth also get the opportunity to offer community service (such as, AIDS Walk), make educational and entertainment trips/outings, and play games (basketball, darts, table tennis, etc.).