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.

The Portage North Family Faith Program is one dimension of faith formation at our parishes. FFP provides Catholic instruction for those children of our faith community who are unable to attend Catholic school. Our program is geared towards K-8th grade and meets twice a month on Sundays from 10-11:30am at St Joseph Church in Mantua.

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 generations, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.

Our curriculum and policies are determined by the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Religious Education and locally by our Pastor. The program is administered by the Director of Religious Education with the help of parish volunteers. 

Please contact Jennifer Berczik, Director of Religious Education, for more information on our program. jberczik@stjosephmantua.com or 330-274-2253