The two years of Rite 13 are fun - games are played, they laugh a lot, and they learn a lot. Matters are treated in a light-hearted way, but that does not mean that serious matters are avoided. Among other things, the class deals with prayer, with the ways they see and encounter God, with possessions and their importance in our lives, with trust in God in a faith journey together. Perhaps more than anything else, all activities are geared to build community among Rite 13 participants, to establish trust and safety, to remind young people again and again that this is their church, and that they are safe and welcome within it. Rite 13 is structured to build a foundation of principles and memories.
Memories are important in structuring a community.
The Christian faith, like any other religious tradition, is rooted in a heritage of shared memories. Rite 13 provides a balance between physical activities - rope courses, CROP walks, ski trips, hikes and general romping around, and a slow and steady exploration of the development of personality and faith. These contact hours are divided between Sunday morning sessions focusing on the exploration of fith and personality, and afternoon and weekend sessions which focus on physical activities, movies, diocesan events, and service in the community. Copyright 2001 Trinity Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.