J2A Years and Confirmation

In January, our current crop of Rite 13 candidates will transition to the second two years of the J2A program. It is a bit confusing but the second two years goes by the same title as the program as a whole. They enter two years of "J2A". How will these two years differ from the first two?

First, there are subtle differences that have been taking place all along. The lessons take on more difficult discussions; they are more responsible for what happens in the lessons. They will take part in more giving and less getting. This Fall has included service for the church community (working the chicken barbecue, fall festival) and outreach (CROP and PAL). Our youth are truly young adults and much more ready to take the reins then we commonly believe. J2A gradually hands them the reins.

But the J2A years also have two potential outcomes. One is the road to confirmation as a full member of the Episcopal faith. The other is a pilgrimage - a trip designed with special spiritual significance. I emphasize 'potential' because in J2A, confirmation is an informed decision rather than an act of rote memorization encouraged by parents. Truthfully, our youth will have much better tools to make an informed commitment to the faith walk than most of their elders did when they were confirmed.

Confirmation must still include the same understandings of the church and its beliefs that previous confirmations have had. These are added to the J2A program by Fr. Doug or by leaders with his guidance. The applicant for confirmation is an 'understanding' applicant.

Thanks for tuning in.