Youth – Saint Joseph's Episcopal Church

The Youth Program is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where young people can explore their faith, apply Christian scripture to real-world situations, and build lasting fellowship.

Guided by the scriptures of the bible, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages spiritual growth, compassionate action, and meaningful connections. Through worship, serviced, and shared experiences, we empower our youth to live out their faith in everyday life, fostering a deeper understanding of Gold’s love and grace in the world around us.

For Questions about the Youth Program, upcoming events, or activities, please contact, Justin Oommen, justin@stjoesweb.org

Youth Program Curriculum

Rite 13

For grades six and seven, the two years of Rite 13 focuses on recognizing the gifts God has given us, celebrating our creative potential, and learning to interact as a community of faith. The program introduces Bible study, prayer and service projects.
Activities: Lock-In

For Questions regarding Rite 13 Contact: Katie Poquette, katie@stjoesweb.org

J2A Journey to Adulthood

For grades eight, nine, and ten, who have graduated from Rite 13, J2A is a two year program where teens learn and practice six basic skills of adulthood: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research & information management, partnership and leadership. The end of the second year of J2A is marked by the group designing and going on a Holy Pilgrimage.
Activities and projects (Urban Adventure, Pilgrimage, Ropes Course, etc.)

For Questions regarding J2A, Contact: Justin Oommen, justin@stjoesweb.org

4WARD

For youth in eleventh or twelfth grade, the last two years of the Journey to Adulthood program are referred to as 4WARD. Students are encouraged to accept more adult responsibilities and to contribute their time, talent and treasure in ways that support the ongoing work of the church. Teens write a personal credo of beliefs and rely on their trusted group of peers as they explore their faith more deeply and struggle with the details of transitioning from teenager to young adult in today’s world.

Activities: Diocesan Youth Activities
Weekly fellowship meetings and discussions
Monthly fellowship dinners outside of church

For Questions regarding 4Ward, Contact: Justin Oommen, justin@stjoesweb.org

ST. JOSEPH’S ACOLYTES

Acolytes are such an important part of our worship service that I would like to invite youth from 6th grade who may be interested in becoming a beginning acolyte to consider this ministry to serve our Lord in this very special way. Our youth in 6th grade and above are eligible to serve as acolytes. Acolytes are trained to serve at God’s altar in various roles: banner bearers, crucifers, torch bearers. They will serve on a rotating basis with training at 9 am on the Sunday they are scheduled to acolyte. Student Acolytes miss Sunday School / Youth program on the Sundays they acolyte.