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

  • Saturday, May 30, 2026: Run/Walk at the Zoo. Follow this link for more information. We also plan to 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. The link to sign up is below.
  • Monday, June 22-Thursday, June 25, 2026: Summer Camp daily from 9:00-12:00 PM.

Service Opportunities

Parish Picnic ’26

Our Parish Picnic will be on Sunday, June 14th, starting after the 10:30 AM Mass (around 11:30 AM) and wrapping up around 3:00 PM. We need help in many areas for this event. Follow this link to sign up to help.

Summer Camp Vocation Files: The Case of the Hidden Identity

Join us the week of June 22-25, 2026 to for a mystery-solving adventure to discover the Holy Spirit in our lives. Follow this link for additional information and to sign up to help.

Habitat for Humanity Wall Build

Join with the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity in Pope Leo Village on Elwell Avenue in Cleveland for a day of wall-building on Saturday, May 16 and/or June 6th at 9:00AM. 90 walls will be constructed to be used in the building of 15 homes on Elwell Avenue.
No experience is necessary. You must be 14 years of age or older. Children 14-17 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and the volunteer team needs to be notified in advance. If there will be a group of students, Habitat asks for one adult for four students. Email Linda Zvoncheck at Lzvoncheck@sjohio.org for registration information.

Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Homecoming ’26

Strongsville’s Homecoming will be from Wednesday, July 29 through Saturday, August 1. The following organizations/businesses have let us know that they need volunteers. This list may grow, so check back soon.

  • Ring Toss Booth (Vago Insurance Agency) Chat with customers, run the game, give out the prizes. Here is the link to sign up to help.

Ministry of Assistance School Supply Collection

The Ministry of Assistance has asked for teen volunteers to help with their back-to-school collection at all Masses the weekend of August 1st and 2nd. Follow this link for more information and the online sign-up.

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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