The Diocese has again renewed our license for all parishes and missions to have free access to the Rite 13, Journey to Adulthood (J2A), and Young Adults in the Church (YAC) materials from Leader Resources. If you are unfamiliar with these materials, or haven’t looked at them for awhile, please take advantage of this offering.
The materials are rich, packed with prayers, discussion points, and activities. They are flexible enough to support either a more formal A to Z timeline, or a less linear, modular
organization.
Rite-13 is a two year sequence, grades 6-7 or 7-8 that celebrate “the individuality of each young person and their creative potential.” It concludes with a Liturgy which celebrates passage from childhood towards adulthood. Rite-13 materials include a book of lesson plans (339 pp.), a Liturgy guide, bulletin inserts, and certificate.
J2A materials address the next two years emphasizing individual and community growth and honing critical thinking skills. At the end of J2A, the youth plan and experience a pilgrimage, which many identify as a meaningful spiritual marker in their lives. J2A materials include a book of lesson plans (290 pp.), a Pilgrimage manual, a coordinator’s manual, and preparation materials.
YAC is a mentor-based program for grades 11 and 12. It encourages youth to discern their ministry within church or in community. “Vocation and development of a personal
credo are also emphasized.” YAC concludes with a rite of passage sending the youth into the world, to live their baptismal covenant. Materials include a YAC Mentor Manual and the YAC sessions workbook (140 pp.).
There are robust supplementary materials for leaders which include sample planning calendars, annotated movie and book guides, and a collection of background readings on the history and theological underpinnings of the program.
Is your interest piqued? Less than half of our parishes have used these materials, and some of that contact information is reported to be out of date. If you need assistance
finding your parish information or setting up a new account through the website leaderresources.org, please feel free to contact the diocesan offices. Form to register with Leader Resources.
Originally published in the Sept/Oct Seek newsletter.
Tags: Christian Education, Resource, Youth
