Understanding Orita: An Initiation into Christian Adulthood

Orita is an African word from the Yoruba tribe meaning crossroad, symbolizing the convergence of meaningful alternatives. The Orita ritual aims to instill young individuals with a sense of responsibility for their moral conduct from a Christian perspective. The process involves workshops for 16-18 year-olds, supported by parents, church, and the community. Ritual requirements include exploring the Black experience, managing budgets, community service, career exploration, relationship guidance, Bible study, and executing the Orita ceremony. Additionally, recommendations involve engaging in educational opportunities, discussing love and relationships, and understanding personal finances and social responsibilities. Orita serves as a bridge for youths to transition into adulthood with purpose and guidance.

• Orita
• Christian adulthood
• Ritual
• African culture
• Youth development

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1. Orita An Initiation into Christian Adulthood by Donna Fair Conn & William Conn Email : Orita@franktfairfoundation.org

2. Orita Meaning Orita African word from the Yoruba tribe which means crossroad or where two ways converge . In a true sense, the convergence of two meaningful alternatives is what choice is all about. 2 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

3. Purpose for the Orita Ritual To impress upon young persons their responsibility for their moral conduct from a Christian perspective. 3 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

4. Orita Age / Support Originally for 16 year olds only Parents/ Guardians support is needed Ages 16 18 could benefit from Orita workshops Church Support Orita for both young men and young women Community Support 4 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

5. 7 Orita Ritual Requirements Understanding the Black experience in America Managing the family budget Community Service Exploration of career and educational opportunities Relationship and Love/ Behaviors Bible Study and Reflection Preparation and execution of the Orita Ceremony 5 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

6. Recommendations for Orita Requirements Black experience in America (Supported by: Parent/Church Workshop) Meet with older persons in church / community, listen and learn from their experiences. Read books and magazines on the Black experience and discuss with parents Roots Managing Family Budget (Parent) - Pay the monthly bills - Do the grocery shopping - Research cost of apts, homes in local area Community Service (Parent/Church/Community) - Feeding the homeless, etc (SSL) - Activities needed in the church and community 6 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

7. Recommendations for Orita Requirements cont d Career and Educational Opportunities (Parent/School/Church) Talk with High School guidance counselors Visit College institutions Talk with people in your field of interest Research your interest and what types of careers relate to your interest. Relationship and Love / Behaviors (Parent/ Church Workshop) Communication Male Female relationships, Dating, and Marriage Self Control / Anger Management 7 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

8. Recommendations for Orita Requirements cont d Bible Study and Reflection (Church/Parent) Understanding the Old/New Testaments Rewrite or do skit of a parable of Jesus in contemporary language The Good Samaritan ( Luke 10:25-37) The Wise and Foolish Maidens (Matthew 25:1-13) The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) Preparation and Execution of Orita Ceremony Develop Program (Scriptures, Speakers, Invited Guest, etc) Secure commitment of Participates Display of Lessons Learned from Orita Requirements Dates, Time, Refreshments, etc. 8 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

9. Parents Role Encourage youth to attend and participate in Orita workshops. Discuss with youth what they did in the workshops. Ensure youth documents in written, video, or artist fashion lessons learned. Email Orita facilitators requirement is complete. Essential to Requirement #2 Managing Family Budget. 9 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

10. Orita Facilitators Role Develop or ensure interactive workshops for youth for each requirement. Solicit persons to participate and help in workshops For example, Seniors for share experiences in Requirement 1, Pastors for Bible Study / Reflection in Requirement 6, etc. Ensure agenda is completed for each workshop and lead the workshops. Responsible for communications to and from parents and youth regarding Orita. 10 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

11. Orita Workshop Agenda Sample Prayer Attendance Sheet Review the Orita Requirement (ie. Family Budget) Do the Workshop/ Guest Speaker(s). Discuss take away or lessons learned from the workshop. Review any actions items for next time. Prayer 11 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

12. Orita Kick Off Field Day (recreation ministry) obstacle course (maze choice theme) Relays Basketball teams Events - youth with parents, youth against parents T-shirts Provide water Bookstore can sell snacks Registration can continue at Orita Field Day. o 12 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024

13. References Fair, Frank T. , Orita for Black Youth. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press http://books.google.com/books?id=6cwDAAA AMBAJ&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=orita+ebony +magazine&source=bl&ots=b1ioOOIJFA&sig= 0_rk1gHQ9xeUrPF4fIlpz5m15xc&hl=en&sa=X &ei=xOb- UL68NM6u0AHIkYDQDg&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA 13 Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9/16/2024