Since 2002, St. Martin’s has been using “Journey to Adulthood” as its integrated Christian Education and Youth Group program for youth in Middle School and High School. The program was designed by St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham, North Carolina.

The title "Journey to Adulthood" comes from the premise that girls and boys become women and men simply as they age. This is a gift from God. However, in order to become contributing adults in the community, young people need to learn the traditions and expectations and information. This is the “Journey to Adulthood.” As Christians, this includes learning about our Lord Jesus Christ, about the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit, and about ways of using and sharing these gifts.

The youngest group is called Rite 13, as each young member of the group will turn age 13 during his or her time in the group. This fall or 2010, the group will be comprised of our sixth and seventh graders. A year from now, the group will continue to stay together as a unit.

The middle group is called J2A (short for “Journey to Adulthood”). This fall (2010), the J2A group will include those in grades eight and nine.

It is the J2A group that makes two trips as a part of the curriculum. At the end of its first year (spring of 2011), the J2A group will make its Urban Adventure to a nearby city. In the past, the cities have included New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Ottawa. The destination for 2011 has not yet been determined.

The major J2A travel is the pilgrimage at the close of the second year (summer of 2012). Again, the destination has not yet been determined. In 2006, 2008, and 2010, the pilgrimage was to the Holy Land – a life-changing event for our youth, walking in the footsteps of Jesus. The links below will connect you to reports and photos from those pilgrimages.

The oldest group is the YAC group (for “Young Adults in Church”), comprised of those in tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. We also have a couple of local college students who participate in YAC. Here, the focus is on serving. How do we now, as young adults, serve the Risen Jesus Christ in the world and in the life of the local congregation?

If you have youth in Middle School and/or Senior High, we invite you to be a part of our “Journey to Adulthood” program. Contact the Church for more information, or contact Fr. Earle at padreking@aol.com.