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Priesthood Quorums

The finest opportunity for spiritual growth among the young men and boys in the Church is through the medium of the Aaronic Priesthood. Every boy and young man who is worthy-and nearly every boy can be trained to merit it-may receive this divine authority. In order, however, that everyone who receives it shall sense the purpose of it, and make the proper development, careful, systematic and enthusiastic supervision is everywhere necessary. This supervision is mainly helpful in class work and lesson preparation, in the improving of attendance, the systematic performance of duties, and the social and fraternal activities for all members.

These boys are in the formative period of life. The thoughts and habits developed and the training obtained during the period from twelve to twenty years are very potent throughout their futures. They possess energy and initiative, but lack to some extent the patience and persistence necessary to carry out their plans. They are changing from boyhood to manhood-physically, mentally and spiritually. Upon their present associations and contacts will their future desires and actions be largely based, so they are entitled to the best of supervision. They need the association of older boys and men who can understand their viewpoint and who can influence them by example as well as by giving them positive things to think about and to do. They need kindly, persistent direction to develop in them the habit of putting things through. They should be impressed with the spirit of doing what they are asked to do.

The direct responsibility for this supervision has been wisely placed with the bishopric. Their contact with these young men and their friendly, spirited advice and instructions can be most effective. As a help to the bishopric in the handling of the necessary details, and in securing more individual contact with the boys, the selection of supervisors for the various quorums possessed of the qualifications indicated above means a very great deal in the development of the members and in the promotion of quorum unity. The association of the boys with such men should be the means of stimulating them to increased faith and higher ideals.