Sunday, Oct. 25 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Parish Hall/Zoom (bit.ly/STJNmain) -
Our October 25 Forum highlights two signature St. John’s youth programs, the J2A Pilgrimage and CAMP JOY*. As our youth share, I encourage you to consider the difference between pilgrimage and mission trip, and the important, complementary, and distinct role each plays in faith formation for teens, as well as for seekers of any age.
Offered every two years, our J2A Pilgrimage is the culmination of a multi-year “Journey to Adulthood” program encompassing self, society, and spirituality. The pilgrimage itself begins on the first day of the two-year “J2A” class in that program. Weekly Sunday morning meetings lay the groundwork for pilgrimage as the group builds cohesion, develops its covenant, serves in the community, reaches consensus on pilgrimage site, and prepares for confirmation. This Sunday, you will join the group toward the beginning of their second J2A pilgrimage year. In summer 2027, pilgrims head to the Swiss Alps to pursue God’s presence through the wonder of God’s creation. You will hear all about the finished product next fall; this Sunday you are invited to join pilgrims in the process.
Offered each summer, our CAMP JOY mission trip is a one-week, intensive experience of tent camping and repairing homes near Berkeley Springs, WV. Youth from 12 years to 12th grade serve residents experiencing economic need, while also building relationships with fellow St. John's friends and teens from diverse communities. This past summer, our St. John’s team removed hundreds of pounds of debris while building and repairing decks, accessibility ramps, landings, and staircases.
Both programs provide teens unique ways to seek and explore their faith. In the pilgrimage, we emphasize being (seeking God’s presence); in the mission trip, our focus is doing (serving God’s world). Both are critical components of mature faith. As you join youth on Sunday, I encourage you to consider where you find life-giving opportunities both to be and to do.
Thank you to the committed adults from within our community who lead our youth, and to the entire parish for your ongoing support of St. John’s rising generation!
Questions? Please use the form below to contact our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, Dawn Molloy.
*Christian Appalachian Mission Project Joining Other Youth
Connect with us!
Complete this form to connect with CYF Director Dawn Molloy.