CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD • ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
PSR CLASSES (Pre-School - 8) • VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
YOUTH MINISTRY • HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY
ADULT FAITH FORMATION • GENERATIONS OF FAITH

We have various Faith Formation programs available for adults and children alike. At St. Joseph School you will find an atmosphere where faith formation and values are not only promoted but also practiced. St. Joseph's Parish School of Religion or PSR (formerly known as CCD, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) provides Catholic instruction for those children of our faith community who are unable to attend a Catholic school. Adults are welcome to participate in a variety of programs ranging from the liturgical ministries and RCIA to the seasonal prayer and learning experiences to representing the parish on Pastoral Council or one of the many other parish organizations.

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD PROGRAM
Held weekly during Sunday's 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masses (Sept.-May) and 10:30 a.m. Mass during summer months, the Children's Liturgy of the Word Program is designed for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The children will be called to the steps of the altar by the presider just after the opening prayer. They will then be led to the All-Purpose Room (just off the narthex) by the Children's Liturgist to hear the readings on their level and participate in related materials and activities. They will return to their seats just before offertory time.

If you would like the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Sunday readings, share your faith with young children, and meet your Sunday obligation ALL at the same time, then you might consider becoming a Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Catechist. If you are interested in becoming a CLOW catechist, please contact Mac Clapp (330.274.8470) or email mclapp@stjosephmantua.com. Please click here for the schedule for the coming year.

PSR CLASSES ~ K - 8 (formerly known as CCD)
St. Joseph's Parish School of Religion or PSR (formerly known as CCD, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) is one dimension of Faith Formation at St. Joseph's. PSR provides Catholic instruction for those children of our faith community who are unable to attend a Catholic school. Volunteers, teachers, assistants and guest speakers are always needed. Contact the Parish Director of Religious Education at the Parish Office to offer your time & talents.

Faith Formation for elementary and Jr. High school age students is held between the Sunday Masses (9:40-11:00 a.m.) in the school classrooms (and other meeting rooms as needed), September through April.
[Pre-School PSR Class - see below]

PSR BEGINS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Mark your calendar! PSR classes for all public school students Pre-School - Grade 8 begins Sunday, September 16. K-8 classes meet from 9:40-11:00 a.m. Pre-School meets during 11:15 Mass for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Children's Liturgy of the Word will continue to take place during the 8:30 & 11:15 a.m. Mass for the older Kindergarten-2nd grade students. However, younger children are encouraged to attend our Pre-School sessions.
On the first day, to help avoid the confusion caused by children trying to find new classrooms, all students AND THEIR PARENTS will gather in the church at 9:40 a.m. Catechists will be introduced and then each class will be dismissed to their classroom. Parents will receive their Parent PSR Handbook & remain in church for a short informational meeting.

PSR REGISTRATION
ALL students who were in grades 1-7 last year are automatically registered this year for grades 2-8. Students who are entering Pre-School, Kindergarten and grade 1 this year, along with new students, should plan on registering for PSR classes. Registration Forms will be available in the narthex on the easel. All registration forms are due into the office via the collection basket, drop off at the Parish Office, mail or fax (330.274.2254) NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 12. Please call the Parish Office (330.274.2253) if you have any further questions. If your child will NOT be returning to PSR this year, please notify the Parish Office (330.274.2253) so that we can update our records.

FEES: The fee for PSR (grades K-8) is $25 for each child, not to exceed $75 per family. For your convenience a payment envelope is available. Fees are due at the time of registration but should be paid no later than October 17. They may be placed in the collection basket, returned to the Parish Office during the week, paid in the PSR/School Office on Sunday mornings after September 16, or have your child give the envelope to his/her teacher at the beginning of PSR class. Please be assured that no child should be kept from PSR because of an inability to pay. If there is a problem paying the fee, please call the DRE at the Parish Office (330.274.2253).

We are looking forward to an exciting year of faith sharing as we assist you in your parental role as the primary religious educators of your children.

PSR Registration Form • PSR Calendar • PSR Emergency Medical Form
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Click here for Sacrament Preparation Information

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - No session held in 2007 {watch for news about 2008}.

YOUTH MINISTRY

The Youth Ministry Program is being reorganized.
Please check the bulletin or contact the
Parish Office (330.274.2253) for more information.

The youth of St. Joseph's parish are a vital part of our community, and through faith, fellowship and fun, the Youth Ministry program hopes to direct and share their enthusiasm and energy. This teen ministry has sponsored parties, discussion groups, athletic events as well as various service projects for the enjoyment and learning about the importance of being a Christian witness in a secular world. Teenagers ask important questions about themselves and their role in society, and Youth Ministry helps them find answers in a Catholic context.

Explore your faith! A great family resource is the Daily Family Calendar page @ www.cmdnet.org at the Center for Ministry Development's web site. Visit our Catholic Links page or check out American Catholic Youth - Where youth can explore faith issues, ask questions and find answers, develop an understanding of Catholicism and gain direction for a faith-filled life.

HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY
A High School Bible Study takes place on Sundays between the two Masses from 9:30 until about 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Center. All high school students are welcome. If you should have any questions, please contact Sister Rose Anne (330.274.2253).

ADULT FAITH FORMATION
A variety of faith formation opportunities are offered throughout the year. Some of these include Advent Prayer Services, activities following Lenten Soup Suppers, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Recitations, Speakers, and Prayer Services. Details are provided in the weekly bulletin available at weekend Masses and on our Parish News page. A Generations of Faith Committee meets periodically and is working on various ways to nurture the faith growth of all the generations of our parish.

For further information about Pastoral & Educational Services of the Diocese of Youngstown, please call 330.744.8451 or write: Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503.

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