Faith Formation Ministries

Faith Formation is guiding adults, youth, and children to actively cultivate a lively baptismal and eucharistic spirituality with a powerful sense of mission and apostolate. Nourished by word and sacraments, we will witness and share the Gospel in all of our daily encounters.

 

 

Adult Bible Study

This year we will be offering three different bible study opportunities beginning at the end of September. Each of the studies meets one time per week for twenty-four weeks. They are structured programs that include scripture readings, a video presentation, and small group sharing. Adult Bible Study meets on Monday mornings and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Fellow parishioners meet to read and study scripture.

Adult Confirmation

Anyone who has been Baptized, and has received First Communion, but has not been Confirmed and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact either Deacon Pete or Deacon Bob. The training takes place in late February and March each year.

Baptismal Preparation

First time parents attend a special class in preparation for their child’s baptism learning about the significance of the sacrament and the responsibilities of Catholic parenthood. Volunteers are invited to join in this ministry and share their experience of Christian parenting with new parents.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held during the Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Mass twice each month during the school year. Children ages 3-7 are invited to join an adult facilitator to hear the proclamation of the Word and engage in activities designed to help them understand the scripture of the day.

  • Jennifer Dunham, 330.273.1485

Christian Initiation of Children (CIC)

CIC is a program for older children who desire to become Catholic or whose parents would like them to become fully initiated as Catholics. It is designed for children in the third grade and up who have not received the Sacrament of Baptism, First Reconciliation, or First Communion.

Confirmation of Children

Students who have participated in religious instruction for at least two years are given the opportunity to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation while in the eighth grade. Candidates are required to attend religion classes, a Sponsor Day, participate in a one-day retreat, and complete other assigned activities prior to the reception of the sacrament.

Couples Ministry / Marriage Preparation

Engaged couples are assisted by married couples who work with priests and deacons to help them meet the requirements of both the Pre-Cana (first marriage) and Cana II (second marriage) programs. Meetings are held in the married couples’ home sharing one on one with the engaged couple.

Pre-School Religious Education Program

The Pre-School Program at St. Joseph’s is a family centered cooperative program which builds on the intimate bond between parents and children established during the early moments of life. In the Sunday morning sessions, we work together as sharers of faith to make the Word of God come alive in our family events and church experiences. The program is for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and is held in the school during the 10:00 Mass from October through April.

  • Coletta Schabel, 440.238.6881

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

RCIA is a process that invites adults to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic. Those interested attend weekly sessions from September through the Easter season. Participants in the program are supported by the RCIA Team. The team is discerned by the parish priests and the RCIA coordinators.

  • Mike & Karen Yantek, 440.572.5508

Sacred Space

Small group prayer based on the ancient discipline of Lectio Divina and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Members are encouraged to pray the Scriptures daily using the book title, Sacred Space. There is a nominal fee for the book or waived for those unable to pay. On the second Saturday of each month, the group gathers for the morning Eucharist and after Mass shares their insights and prayer with each other. For further details call the parish office.

Special Education PSR

The Special Education PSR program at St. Joseph has been in existence for over 30 years. Participants meet for one hour on Monday evenings. The Rose Fitzpatrick Kennedy curriculum for individuals with special needs is used along with other Catholic materials. Volunteer teachers and students are matched and their religious instruction is designed to meet the individual needs of the student. Those interested in helping to develop the spiritual life of these students are welcome.

  • Angie Fanara, 440.236.8934

St. Joseph Parish School of Religion (PSR)

PSR helps children grow in their knowledge and love of God and their Catholic faith, as well as prepare them to receive the sacraments. The Religious Education office is always looking for adults who are willing to teach. Classes are held weekly on Wednesdays from the end of September through April. There are two different sessions to assist our families: Grades 1 through 6 is offered from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.; and Grades 1 through 8 is offered from 7:00-8:15 p.m. All classes are held in the school building.

Vacation Bible School

In the summer, Vacation Bible School provides an experience of Jesus’ love and Christian community for grade school children for one week. Adult and teenage volunteers are needed.