Youth Formation

The transition to the teenage years is marked by the gift of a Bible to our graduating 5th graders, which our clergy present during the Sunday morning service in their honor. We celebrate the Rite 13 Liturgy for our younger middle school students and then move them to the Journey to Adulthood curriculum (J2A) as they prepare for high school. St. Luke’s youth are encouraged to question and ponder theology, not only on Sunday mornings, but at Episcopal Youth Community (EYC), the J2A Pilgrimage mission trips such as Alaska or Appalachia, and parish and Diocesan retreats. Our youth also come together with even the youngest children of St. Luke’s to take part in an annual week of Vacation Bible School during the summer which many have described as “legendary!” When youth turn 16 years old, we invite them to take part in the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation. The classes leading up to the public reaffirmation of their faith and Baptismal Covenant provide a forum for a deeper exploration of what they believe and why. Welcoming questions and doubts, these discussions are led by lay educators and clergy, and deepen as our youth become Young Episcopal Adults – a journey which culminates in a celebration of faith during Sunday morning worship. On one Sunday in May, our graduating high school students are recognized during the service, and one or two seniors are chosen to preach the homily as we all celebrate their growth and lives in Christ.