What happens to Mormons on their 16th birthday?

Answer 1

The same thing that happens to a lot of other 16 year-olds. They get their driver's license. They will change classes in Sunday school with the other 16 year-olds like all their other birthdays. Young men have the opportunity to be advanced to the "office" of a "priest" in the "Aaronic Priesthood" if they are worthy and desirous. The main change with that is that they can "bless" the sacrament for the rest of the church members. Nothing wierd, all biblical based things.

Answer 2

16 is a much anticipated age among many Mormon teens because many Mormon families do not allow dating until age 16. While this isn't viewed as a church requirement, church prophets and leaders have recommended that teens wait to date or have romantic relationships until at least 16 years old so many families have made this a family rule.

Additionally, teen girls will move up in the Young Women's organization from the Mia Maid class to the Laurel Class. (Young Women classes are Beehive - ages 12&13, Mia Maid - ages 14&15, Laurel- ages 16-high school graduation) Many girls are excited about this change because the Laurels tend to do more activities with the boys, may hold leadership positions at youth camps, and often participate in classes and activities with the adult women in Relief Society.

Mormon boys turning 16 have the opportunity to be ordained as priests, and the vast majority or Mormon boys qualify for and accept this opportunity. (Most Mormon boys are ordained Deacons at 12, Teachers at 14, Priests at 16, and Elders at 18-20) Priests bless the sacramental bread and water in front of the congregation. They may also perform baptisms and ordain Deacons, Teachers, and Priests, as well as assist the Deacons and Teachers in their responsibilities.

Other than these religious rights of passage, teens anticipate age 16 in many countries because that is when they may obtain a drivers license, have a part-time job, and have other more 'adult' responsibilities.