Youth Ministry: By Teens For Teens

About

Under the direction of our Director of Faith Formation, a team of adults, and high-school youth, our Youth Ministry Program (SJS Youth) takes a comprehensive approach as outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in serving our junior high (7-8th grade) and high school (9-12th grade) parishioners. Our approach to Youth Ministry includes regular opportunities for prayer, growing in community, service to the wider community, and catechesis. There is a particular focus and emphasis on leadership development and having our teens recognize and utilize their God-given gifts and talents. Older teens may train as mentors for our By Teens, For Teens program.

Upcoming Events

  • Feast of Martha, Mary and Lazarus – Parishioners are invited to join seminarian Joe Rohan on Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30 PM in the church to celebrate the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Teen helpers are needed to provide child care during the first portion of the program. And ice cream social will follow in the HFC at 7:00 PM. Contact Linda Zvoncheck if you can help by working with young children.

Service Opportunities

  • Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Homecoming ’26 – Our city will celebrate Homecoming from Wednesday, July 29th through Saturday, August 1st. Local businesses will be sponsoring game booths at the event and they need volunteers to staff them! As the list of volunteer opportunities grows, we will add them to the list below:
    • Ring Toss Booth (Vago Insurance) – Follow this link for more information and to sign up.
  • Ministry of Assistance School Collection – The MOA is asking for teen volunteers to collect monetary donations at all Masses the weekend of August 1st and 2nd. Follow this link for more information and to sign up.
  • CLOW (Children’s Liturgy of the Word) – During the school year, we offer CLOW during the 10:30 AM Mass on Sundays. Children have the chance to meet with an adult leader to learn about the Gospel message. Teens are needed to help set-up and clean-up, assist children with reading, writing and crafting, and with managing the group. Follow this link for specific dates and times.

The Sam Lupica Award

Sam Lupica was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church who was known for his affable demeanor, humility and willingness to serve. The Sam Lupica Award is given each spring to a graduating Faith Mentor who has demonstrated a willingness to serve wherever and whenever the need presents itself.
Past recipients are:

  • Kaitlyn Helal, 2021
  • Albert Selby, 2022
  • Nathan Smee, 2023
  • Joseph Putrino, IV, 2024
  • Anthony Myrick, 2025
  • Madison Delac, 2026

Diocese of Cleveland Youth Ministry

To see what’s happening with Youth Ministry on the Diocesan level, follow this link to the Diocesan Youth Ministry webpage.

Contact

Are you interested in ministry with teens? We believe that Youth Ministry is a parish responsibility and welcome the talents of those who wish to minister with our program. Contact Linda Zvoncheck for more information.

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