Parishioners ages 11 through 18 gather in a safe place for fellowship and an exploration of their faith. Activities range from Bible study to sledding in a context of acceptance and respect for others. SPY is engaged with the following educational programs:
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) - The Poverty Learning Project is in the context of the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program. J2A is the program of Christian Spiritual formation for parishioners of SPY age 11 to 18 which focuses on a person's journey from childhood to adulthood in a Christian context. Part of being an adult is to have empathy with others. Through a series of activities the SPY will discover their capacity for empathy and explore ways to use that capacity in the life of St. Paul's and the larger church. For example, SPY might participate in local initiatives to alleviate hunger and poverty as a Rite 13 Student (grades 7 and 8). Then as a Journey to Adulthood Student (grades 9 through 12) they would explore the experiences they have had through Bible study and reflection, and then share with other SPY their responses. Finally, as a way to mark the end of their journey, the Young Adult Christians (summer of their High School graduation) embark on a pilgrimage to encounter the person of Christ at a holy site.
The skills that SPY learn through the J2A program will not only make them more faithful Christians, but better persons in society as well.