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Pictured: Graduates of the 2021 Seminary Class of The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Did you know that each year youth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints graduate from a formal Seminary program? Similar to Catholic catechism in function, the Seminary and Institute programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are formal, 'outside-of-regular-church', interactive teaching programs. First, they help youth understand the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Secondarily, students learn the principles surrounding what Christianity means to us as a people and society.
The Seminary program is designed for youth ages 14 to 18 (typically high school years), and students are enrolled in conjunction with their other activities. It lasts for nine months each year, and each local church unit will have a dedicated teacher. Over half a million high school-age students attend these classes around the world.
The Seminary program is not easy. It requires effort and dedication. Students are asked to attend early, usually at 6 a.m. before school. They may have to travel to a central location, which often requires them to wake up at 5 a.m. to prepare. Because the Church's primary function is to help people come unto Christ, the Church expects that those who study this path make a sacrifice to understand what this discipleship means. After four years of early mornings, reading, prayer, and study, a person may graduate from Seminary. While those who graduate may not initially understand the fruits of their efforts, the vast majority realize that the time and effort they gave to their spiritual education helped them to be better, happier, stronger, and more charitable people.
The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seated over sixty youth in 2021. Of those that were in the final year, eight are graduating. "I know the seminary program is an inspired program for the youth and will bless the lives of the youth as they grow in the gospel, " says Susan Thomas, Stake Seminary Supervisor.
In the final remarks of today's graduation ceremony, Jeff Quick, President of the Fayetteville North Carolina Stake, concluded with a message for the graduates to ponder the path of their feet, a reference from Proverbs chapter 4 verse 26. He emphasized the importance of being steadfast in the direction of good. "There are many places online that you can turn to for answers to life's problems, but the only real source of truth and direction comes from our loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ," said President Quick.
If anyone would like to know more about the Seminary program, please follow this link:
The Seminary graduation for the local units took place on June 6th, 2021, at the Fayetteville North Carolina Stake Center at 3200 Scotty Hill Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Paul McAlister
Stake Presidency First Counselor
Fayetteville North Carolina Stake
STYLE GUIDE NOTE: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.
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