The first catechists in any child’s life are the family members with whom he or she lives. What happens at home – both positive and negative – provides lessons for life. In the family, faith is shared as part of the unfolding of daily life. The home or “domestic church” provides a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it.
Our goal is to create a program of lifelong faith formation that is centered in and flows out of the events of Church life. It embraces all ages and generation, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.
St. Joseph's Parish School of Religion (PSR) 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 Catholic school. Our program for faith formation is geared toward pre-school, elementary and Jr. High school age students.
Everyone has been so cooperative about observing masking and social distancing during our in person sessions at PSR. As cases escalate in Ohio, please remember to keep your guard up during this trying time. If you suspect or observe any symptoms in your children, keep them and others safe by staying home. In such an instance, we will work to keep you in touch and abreast of happenings here at PSR. Just let us know. You can contact us anytime (PSR Office 330-274-2268 or phaney@stjosephmantua.com / Parish 330-274-2253).
Welcome to an exciting new year of religious instruction here at St. Joseph Parish. This year, our goal is to build on religious education traditions in PSR. As everyone is a year older, you'll find that our program does a great job of relating our faith in an age appropriate manner. We will increase our knowledge of Jesus, learn and practice traditions of our faith, grow in prayer, and make the rich celebration of our Catholic heritage meaningful to all.
- Peg Haney, Director of Religious Education
(330-274-2268 or phaney@stjosephmantua.com)
PSR ENROLLMENT FOR 2020-2021
This year’s instruction will be flexible, with a combination of online and in-class instruction as pandemic conditions permit. PSR is in session from September through April. PSR fees for the 2020-21 school year are: $35.00 per student ($90.00 maximum per family). Registration for the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation will be held at this time as well. Students receiving sacramental instruction (First Communion, Confirmation) pay an additional $30.00. Volunteers, teachers, assistants, and guest speakers are always needed.
In order to minimize our group contact, this year, we will be conducting registrations for PSR online. To get ready for this effort, families will need to enroll in My Own Church, St. Joseph's secure parishioner portal and mobile directory. Go to the My Own Church page, click on the "Update Your Info" button, and follow the directions for setting up an account. Once you've set up your account and have been approved, update your family information for our records. Then you will be ready to register.
A few PSR dates to put on your calendar . . .
September 6th - Registration begins online
September 19th/20th - Pick up PSR materials at St. Joe's, after Masses
(alternate day September 27th)
October 4th - First Day of PSR
There will be several ways to enroll students in PSR this year:
Option #1 (Preferred Method)
Online Registration & Payment with Digital Forms
Step 1: Enroll students through My Own Church
Option #2
Downloading & Printing Forms, Completing
& Submitting to Religious Ed Office with Payment
Enrollment forms are available in the Documents section of this page. Download, print, complete, and drop off at the Parish Office or Religious Ed Office.
Option #3
PIcking Up Forms, Completing & Returning
to Religious Ed Office with Payment
Pick up the necessary forms from the Religious Education Office. Complete and drop off at the Parish Office or Religious Ed Office (hours are 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
Questions? Please contact our DRE, Peg Haney (330-274-2268)
NEED HELP?
Submitting Online Registration
for Religious Ed (Video)
Pre K-K & Gr. 1
Julie Stone & Cindy Olesh
Gr. 2 & First Communion
Kathy Maretka & Jan Seljan
Grades 3-5 in person
Kathy Maretka
Grades 3-5 Online
Barb Colin
Grades 6 & 7
Joe Duriak
Grade 8 and Confirmation
Ruth Skodocpole
Office Manager
Theresa Gross
Students and families of our PSR Program take part in several events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Your support and participation are greatly appreciated.
These wonderful opportunities to meet and greet your fellow parishioners and is currently "manned" by PSR parents. Usually held once a month during the school year, the event takes place between the Sunday Masses in Hughes Hall. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for dates and reminders.
PSR's annual Christmas Pageant & Cookie Party is held in December each year beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the church and ending in Hughes Hall. The Story of Christmas includes readings and singing by the students and those who attend. All PSR families share dozens of their favorite cookies. All families, friends, and parishioners are welcome to attend this wonderful holiday event.
In January, our PSR program transforms the Giving Tree to a Warm Hearts for Warm Hands collection tree. Formerly known as Keep the Kids Warm, this Catholic Charities campaign helps provide winter hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to families in need. Monetary donations received through this Poverty Awareness month project also helps Catholic Charities provide direct utility assistance to families with children.