CCD CLASSES   Children of the parish who attend public schools for Preschool through Grade 8 meet weekly throughout the school year for Religious Education classes.  These CCD classes are held on Sunday mornings after the 8:30 AM Mass from 9:30 AM to 11:10 AM. through the months of September until May.    Classes consist of catechesis using materials approved by the Youngstown Diocese and all teachers and adult aides in are in compliance with the Diocesan Child Protection Policy.   Our goal is to offer each child the opportunity to grow in their faith as the parish attempts to support and supplement the faith that is being nurtured in the home.  We offer age appropriate materials and activities with an emphasis on Scripture, prayer, the sacraments, and the Liturgical life of the Church.   Contact the our DRE, Linda Shaw for more information - Email msgrlin@aol.com   Please click on the attached form to register for the weekly classes. Please fill it out and return to the Rectory.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) The RCIA process is designed primarily for adults who were never baptized, or for those baptized in another faith.  The process would also be appropriate for someone who was baptized as a Catholic, but did not celebrate the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation. The RCIA journey is a journey in faith that the individual takes along with a sponsor who is already baptized, confirmed and a practicing Catholic.  Together they meet weekly for catechesis and faith sharing in a small group setting at the parish. The process includes the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil and then continues until the feast of Pentecost. If you would be interested in learning more about this process, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Linda Shaw at msgrlin@aol.com or 330-628-4844.

High School Youth Ministry St. Joseph is like a hub for our high school youth as they attend numerous high schools in the area.  They gather at least twice a month at the parish for sessions where they discuss our faith, have speakers and are involved in various projects.  Two of the projects for this fall included baking bread for the Thanksgiving Gift baskets  and helping the Giving Tree Gifts at Christmas time. In addition to the catechetical and service components of our Youth Ministry, we also have a variety of social gatherings.  We attempt to offer our youth a safe and enjoyable atmosphere where they can be themselves and learn more about their faith and how it impacts their lives as young Catholic Christians i today's world. On the first Sunday of the month we gather with the parish for the 12Noon Mass which is youth oriented with high school students serving in all areas of ministry. Our bi-monthly sessions occur either after the Noon Mass until 3 PM, or on Sunday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM.  All parish youth are welcome to attend and are encouraged to bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Linda Shaw, Director of Religious Education at msgrlin@aol.com or 330-628-4844.

Vacation Bible School Each year we hold Vacation Bible School for children who are 4 years old through those who will be entering Grade 5 the following fall. Bible School is held the last full week of June. This year it will be June 23-27 and run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registrations are held the weekend before VBS starts, after all Masses.  There is a small fee per child to be announced.  For more information, please contact Linda Shaw, Director of Religious Education at msgrlin@aol.com or 330-628-4844.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY: THE C.I.A.-CATHOLICS IN ACTION As Catholic Christians, we cannot underestimate the importance of social events for middle school youth.  The CIA will have faith-filled activities throughout the year and plan to meet occasionally so the youth can brainstorm their own ideas for future outings and activities.  We ask the youth to invite their friends who may or may not attend St. Joseph Parish or school.  Some of the events will have a small fee as the group does not use any parish funds. Some of our events may conflict with other established activities in which the youth of this age group may already be involved.  We ask that you prayerfully consider sending your children to these events, that they themselves are planning, so they can participate in these faith-based activities. The goals of these events will be fun and exciting, providing opportunities for building Christian community, and allowing everyone in this age group an opportunity to live out their faith in everyday surroundings.  While these events may not seem like life-changing experiences of faith, it can give the youth opportunities to build Christian friendships and create a sense of belonging in the Church. These core values are so very important with the formation of youth ministry at an early age so that these same students can transition into High School Youth Ministry and continue to stay actively involved with their parish well into adulthood. If you child(ren) and their friends are interested in joining C.I.A.: Catholics In Action! contact Linda Shaw, Director of Religious Education at msgrlin@aol.com. Proverbs 22:6 state: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

St. Joseph Church, serving Suffield, Randolph, Mogadore, Brimfield and Rootstown, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, Oh 44260, 330-628-9941.  Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.