Come Join The Fun Of Seminary and Institute

2022 brings a new year, and with it a new semester for Seminary and Institute of Religion (S&I) classes. Youth find socialization with their peers along with a warm environment to learn of Christ, His principles, and His ordinances which bring happiness and the spirit into their lives. As they delve into a study of the scriptures, they find a strength and support from each other as well as instructors who are concerned for these youth’s spiritual growth.

Barrigada Stake President Fredivic Nicerio oversees the S&I program in Micronesia, Guam, and the NorthernMariana Islands. Senior missionary couple, Elder and Sister Read, are serving in the Micronesia Guam Mission to support the S&I classes and the Pathway’s program.The Church’s objective for S&I classes is to “Help youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare themselves, their families and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven.”

S&I exists to help youth and young adults to understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ to help them qualify and prepare for the blessings that await them. President Nelson taught that gathering Israel is the most important work in the world and that anytime we do anything that helps anyone to make and keep their covenants with God, we are gathering Israel.

During 2022, children, youth and adults in the Church are encouraged to study at home the Bible's Old Testament, which predicted and prophesied of the coming of the Savior, of His life, and of His Atonement. In March of 2019, S&I aligned their curriculum with Come, Follow Me. This study will be supported in Primary, Sunday School and Seminary, simplifying scripture reading assignments across the board in the church. It assists parents and Church leaders in helping youth and young adults increase their faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. This is done by supporting a home-centered study of the scriptures and the words of living prophets and other Church leaders. Parents are needed to be involved in helping students attend and stay on track.

Seminary is a worldwide, four-year religious educational program for youth ages 14 through 18. It is operated by the Church but is open to teenagers of all faiths. The institutes of religion program of the Church provide religious education for young adults ages 18 to 30+.  President Nicerio said “Attending Seminary or Institute will help you draw closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ. When we participate in these programs, the Spirit will wax strong, and you will discover power that will begin to flow into your lives. As you study the scriptures, it will help you discern between good and evil. You will find greater power to resist temptation and avoid deception. As you “make time for the Lord” as one of your New Year’s resolution this year and “Let God Prevail in your lives” by choosing to attend Seminary or Institute, it will increase your ability to Hear Him.”

Elder & Sister Read are seminary supervisors in the Guam Stake.  They teach Institute classes in Guam on Thursday evenings in person at the Barrigada Chapel. Institute classes are available in Pohnpei, Palau, Chuuk, and Yap as well, with a Chuukees online class soon.

The Reads also teach a Book of Mormon Pathways class online which is 45-minutes on Thursday nights at 9:15pm. Students in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and in Guam and Micronesia may enroll. Through the Pathway Program, BYU-Idaho and Seminaries and Institutes provide a pathway to higher educational opportunities to young adults, regardless of where they live or where they may ultimately receive their degree. Additionally, adults beyond Institute age may also participate at a local Stake Center. Pathways invites all those that participate to “come unto Christ” by providing a well-balanced educational program focused on perfecting the Saints spiritually, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Elder and Sister Read tell of two young adults who were baptized and immediately were welcomed by the other member students who helped to get them involved in institute. Sister Read recalls how they “Started with 5-6 students. Now there are over 15 students attending.  They are beginning to bond together and bloom. 

Kaeyla, an institute student, says “My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith was strengthened, I grew a much stronger understanding of what obedience is to Heavenly Father. I learned that no matter how hard it may be for me to do something, if the Lord commands me to do it, I will do it.  He tests us to see if we are willing to choose him over the things that are dear to us. That has helped me understand that I must listen and do what Heavenly Father commands me to do even though it is hard, even when we may not understand the reasons for his commands.”

Member youth look to embrace all those, members or not, who will come whether for socialization, religion or for some great refreshments. Contact your bishop or leaders for the location, time, and format of Seminary and Institute classes where you live, as well as for information on the Pathways  program. Looking forward to seeing you in 2022!