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, March 27, 2026: Living Stations of the Cross. 7:00 PM in the church. Presented by the 8th grade class at SJJ.
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026: Bible Study with Seminarian Joe. After the 10:30 Mass, so meeting from 11:30-1:00 PM, in the Cave. Bring your Bible if you have one. Bibles will be provided.
  • Holy Week. Services begin on Wednesday, April 1st with Tenebrae at 8:30 PM. See the bulletin or follow this link for all the services.
  • Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Volunteer to help at Summer Camp 2026. This will be a fun week of activities for children in grades 1-6 with a detective theme. Follow this link to sign up to help.
  • Sunday, April 5, 2026: Sign ups open for the Greater Cleveland Hunger Race at the Zoo on Sunday, May 30th. Let’s practice the Corporal Works of Mercy and help feed the hungry in Cleveland. Admission to the race includes a day at the zoo. Follow this link for more information and to register.
  • 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 3, 2026: Confirmation Mass at 2:00 PM in the church. Please arrive at 1:15 PM to greet our families and meet with Bishop Malesic. Please dress up and bring your jacket for a photo.
  • Sunday, May 17, 2026: 10:30 AM Mass and meet in the Cave afterwards.
  • Sunday, May 30, 2026: Run/Walk at the Zoo. Meet for lunch at the Zoo at 11:30 AM.
  • Sunday, June 2, 2026: Senior Celebration Dinner and the Sam Lupica Award will be awarded at 6:00 PM. Summer Camp Volunteers will meet at 5:00 PM.
  • Sunday, June 14, 2026: Parish Picnic. More details to follow.
  • Monday, June 22-Thursday, June 25, 2026: Summer Camp daily from 9:00-12:00 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.

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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