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

  • Friday, February 20, 2026: Service Opportunity at the first Lenten Dinner. See below for more information.
  • Sunday, March 1, 2026: Faith Night with the Confirmandi. 6:00-7:30 PM in the HFC. Faith Mentors should arrive by 5:30 PM and plan to stay until 7:30 PM.
  • Sunday, March 8, 2026: 6:00-8:00 PM, meet in the cave for snacks, prayer and Scripture reading before we head to the first Lenten Speaker session with Fr. David Stavarz. Fr. David spent time here at St. Joe’s when he was a seminarian, and we know you will enjoy hearing from him.
  • Monday, March 9, 2026 and Tuesday, March 10: Parish Lenten Series at 7:00 PM each evening. If you are free, we know Fr. Michael Garvin and Fr. Joe Menkhaus will have great insights to share.
  • Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, 2026: Sign up to participate in Parish-wide Eucharistic Adoration.
  • Sunday, March 15, 2026: Parish Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon following the 10:30 AM Mass. We appreciate our BTFT Faith Mentors! Contact Mrs. Zvoncheck to RSVP for the luncheon catered by J.Bella. The luncheon will begin around 11:30 AM in the HFC. There will be door prizes!!
  • Friday, March 20, 2026: Service Opportunity at the second Lenten Dinner. Link to sign up will be listed below in March.
  • Sunday, April 19, 2026: Faith Night with the Confirmandi. 6:00-7:30 PM in the HFC. Faith Mentors should arrive by 5:15 PM.
  • Sunday, May 4, 2026: Confirmation Mass at 2:00 PM in the church
  • Sunday, June 2, 2026: The Sam Lupica Award will be awarded at 6:00 PM.

Service Opportunities

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

At the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass young children have the opportunity to attend the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW), An adult leader will take the children to the Cave to have the Word proclaimed in a child-friendly manner. Teens are needed to help with the young children. Follow this link for dates and to sign up to help.

Parish Lenten Dinners

Our second Parish Lenten Dinner will be on Friday, March 20th. The dinners will be in the Holy Family Center from 4:00-7:00 PM. Follow this link to sign up to help at the March dinner. Please read the introduction to the sign up, and note the job descriptions and specific time frame. For help or questions, contact the Parish Office or Moira in the Faith Formation Office.

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

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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