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

Dates for Faith Mentors

  • Leadership Training – On Sunday, September 20th, following the 10:30 Mass, teens who are Faith Mentors will have Leadership Training in the Cave (meeting room downstairs below the Chapel). Come to Mass with us at 10:30 or join us around 11:30 in the Cave.
  • Faith Night – On Sunday, October 18th, with the 8th grade Confirmandi group, from 5:30-7:30 PM in the Holy Family Center.
  • Faith Night – On Sunday, November 15th, with the Confirmandi, 5:30-7:30 PM in the HFC.
  • Jesus’ Birthday Party – Sunday, December 13th, arrive 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM in the HFC. Games, food, and fun with children 7-10 years old. Great service opportunity!
  • Diocesan Retreat for High School Students – Saturday, January 9th at John Carroll University. Contact Linda Z. for more information.
  • Confirmation Retreat – Saturday, January 30th, with the Confirmandi, arrive 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM, in the HFC. You will be served lunch.
  • Faith Night – Sunday, February 21st, with the Confirmandi, 5:30-7:30 PM in the HFC
  • Faith Night – Sunday, April 25th, with the Confirmandi, 5:30-7:30 PM in the HFC
  • Confirmation Mass – Sunday, May 2nd at 2:00 PM in the church. Please arrive at 1:15 PM for Bishop Amos’s pre-Mass talk with the group.

Additional Dates for Youth Group

  • Sunday, October 4th, after the 10:30 AM Mass
  • Sunday, November 1st, after the 10:30 AM Mass

Service Opportunities

  • 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.

Go Back