An announcement on Friday, December 14, from the First Presidency changes the timeline of when children and youth complete Primary, move from one class or quorum to the next, and attend the temple for the first time—and for when young men may be ordained to priesthood offices. These changes are effective in January 2019.
These announcements stem from a “desire to strengthen our beloved children and youth through increased faith in Jesus Christ, deeper understanding of His gospel, and greater unity with His Church and its members,” a letter from the First Presidency states.
Beginning in January 2019, children will complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and the Beehive class or deacons quorum as age-groups, not on their individual 12th birthdays as they have in the past.
In addition, young men will be eligible to be ordained to a priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16, and youth will be eligible to obtain a limited-use temple recommend beginning in January of the year they turn 12—based on their “individual worthiness, readiness, and personal circumstances.”
According to materials released by the Church, ages for ordaining young men to priesthood offices are not “doctrinally mandated” and have, in fact, varied throughout Church history. (See Frequently Asked Questions.)
In a Facebook post Friday, President Russell M. Nelsonsaid: “Though these adjustments lead to some significant logistical changes, I encourage you to focus first on the spiritual benefits.
“Our youth and children are among the best the Lord has ever sent into this world. They have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation! We must do our part to help them realize their potential.”
“The Savior is directing His Church,” said Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President. “He knew this change was coming, and He inspired it for this group of 11-year-olds, who are ready for new assignments and for increased opportunities to serve. He knows the capabilities of His sons and daughters. We have complete confidence in them. How grateful we are for revelation!”
Progressing together
Currently, when children turn 12 years old, they begin attending Young Women or Young Men and they return to Primary for classes or have the option of attending a youth Sunday School class. In 2019, the Valiant 11 Primary class will be discontinued and, in January, all 11-year-olds will attend Sunday School together.
“This will be a much easier transition for classes to move forward together rather than children leaving Primary one at a time throughout the year,” said Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President.
An announcement on Friday, December 14, from the First Presidency changes the timeline of when children and youth complete Primary, move from one class or quorum to the next, and attend the temple for the first time—and for when young men may be ordained to priesthood offices. These changes are effective in January 2019.
These announcements stem from a “desire to strengthen our beloved children and youth through increased faith in Jesus Christ, deeper understanding of His gospel, and greater unity with His Church and its members,” a letter from the First Presidency states.
Beginning in January 2019, children will complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and the Beehive class or deacons quorum as age-groups, not on their individual 12th birthdays as they have in the past.
In addition, young men will be eligible to be ordained to a priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16, and youth will be eligible to obtain a limited-use temple recommend beginning in January of the year they turn 12—based on their “individual worthiness, readiness, and personal circumstances.”
According to materials released by the Church, ages for ordaining young men to priesthood offices are not “doctrinally mandated” and have, in fact, varied throughout Church history. (See Frequently Asked Questions.)
In a Facebook post Friday, President Russell M. Nelsonsaid: “Though these adjustments lead to some significant logistical changes, I encourage you to focus first on the spiritual benefits.
“Our youth and children are among the best the Lord has ever sent into this world. They have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation! We must do our part to help them realize their potential.”
“The Savior is directing His Church,” said Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President. “He knew this change was coming, and He inspired it for this group of 11-year-olds, who are ready for new assignments and for increased opportunities to serve. He knows the capabilities of His sons and daughters. We have complete confidence in them. How grateful we are for revelation!”
Progressing together
Currently, when children turn 12 years old, they begin attending Young Women or Young Men and they return to Primary for classes or have the option of attending a youth Sunday School class. In 2019, the Valiant 11 Primary class will be discontinued and, in January, all 11-year-olds will attend Sunday School together.
“This will be a much easier transition for classes to move forward together rather than children leaving Primary one at a time throughout the year,” said Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President.