Rite-13

So God created humankind in God’s image...

“Manhood and womanhood are free gifts of God; adulthood is a privilege to be earned.”

– The Rite-13 Curriculum

Students enter the Rite-13 class as they go into the 6th grade, and continue in the second grade.  Centered around the themes of self, society, service, and spirituality, the Rite-13 program invites our emerging young adults to question and explore what it means to be made in the image of God, male and female.
Over two years, Rite-13 participants discuss images of God, what it means to be made in the image of God, how having God in our lives influences our decisions, and what kind of responsibility we have to our neighbors as disciples of Jesus Christ.  By drawing on the biblical stories and the traditions of the Episcopal Church that they have been learning in prior years, Rite-13 participants explore the place of prayer and the spiritual life in their own lives.

Upon turning 13 years old, members of the class will take part, as a group, in a special Blessing ceremony, scheduled in the Spring of each year, which recognizes that these young people have left childhood behind and are on their way to becoming adults.  In this ceremony, children are blessed by their parents, parents are blessed by their children and the entire congregation makes a promise to these young people to recognize they are “holy, blessed and wonderful.”
As a recognition of their growing maturity, Rite-13 members are asked to take on additional roles and responsibilities in worship at Christ Church, and are also encouraged to think about and explore their gifts for ministry in service, outreach

Parents are requested to sign a permission slip available from the teachers so that classes can occasionally meet off-site at the local Dunkin’ Donuts.   As with other Church School classes, this group re-joins their parents for the communion portion of the service at the passing of the Peace.