Letter to parents of youth from church headquarters

This message was sent via email to parents and youth ages 12–18, 23 October 2024.

---

Dear sisters and brothers,

We have received a letter from Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the commissioner of the Church Educational System, that we have been asked to distribute to the parents of all youth ages 12–18 in our ward. This letter is attached as a PDF to this message, but for your convenience we have included the text of the letter below.

The Church Educational System operates:

• Seminary: religious classes for high-school students in grades 9–12
• Institute: religious classes for college students and other young adults, single and married, ages 18–30
• Church-owned colleges and universities
  • Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah
  • BYU–Idaho
  • BYU–Hawaii
  • Ensign College, a business school in Salt Lake City, Utah
• BYU–Pathway Worldwide, which allows individuals, particularly older adults, to complete a college degree online at low cost

I invite you to read this letter, review the information with your youth, and consider how the Church Educational System and its programs — beginning with seminary during high school — can support your child’s education and spiritual growth.

Sincerely,

Dustin Tyler Joyce
Bishop, Jamaica 1st Ward

---

22 October 2024

Dear Parents:

Thank you for your support of seminary. More students are participating in seminary than ever before in the history of the Church! This past year we have introduced a new seminary curriculum that includes Life Preparation lessons. Some of these lessons are about education and how to succeed in school.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “education is a religious responsibility.” Given your important role as a parent, I want you to know that all youth and young adults have a place in the Church Educational System (CES).

As youth transition to post-high school learning opportunities, CES should play a vital role in their development. BYU, BYU–Idaho, and other Church schools provide an environment that is both spiritually edifying and academically strengthening. BYU–Pathway also offers an affordable and accessible option regardless of location.

Whether attending a Church school, another institution, or no school at all, everyone can access spiritually based courses through institute. President Nelson has promised, “Attending institute will help you to live the gospel and to feel more joy—right now. If you want to know the truth about who you really are, attend institute.”

I invite you and your child to sign up to receive personalized information from the various CES schools and institute options by visiting CES.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

No matter where your child pursues their education, please help them involve the Lord in their learning and educational journey. Part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is continuing to become spiritually and temporally self-reliant.

May the Lord bless you in your parenting efforts.

With Appreciation,

Elder Clark G. Gilbert
Commissioner, Church Educational System