Learn more about the Roman Catholic faith. Hear stimulating presentations on how American Catholics are working for the common good.

Become a regular participant of the First Friday Club. Meet spirit-filled Catholics and others who are interested in this vibrant program.

All St. Joseph parishioners are invited to attend these exciting and thought-provoking luncheon series which feature prominent Catholic leaders speaking on timely issues facing Church, family, work and communal life.

The First Friday Club of Greater Akron wishes to thank you all of your interest and past support and looks forward to us in 2008 - as the Club continues its mission of providing a broad base of knowledge of Catholic thought and teachings on the spiritual, theological, moral and social issues of our time.

The luncheon series is held at noon – as the buffet opens at 11:30 am. Cost of the luncheon is $14. Please be aware that some of the programs(*) occur on the second Friday of the month.

For more details about the Program please call the First Friday Office at 330-535-7668 and/or click on:

Charles Kehoe, Vice President Marketing, G4S Youth Services LLC, Richmond, VA.
Topic: “Criminal Offenders: Punitive vs. Restorative Justice”
 

Student Representatives of the Four Catholic High Schools in Summit County.
Topic: "Emulating God: Reflections from Catholic High School Students”

Joan Rosenhauer, Director of the Office of Education and Outreach, USCCB.
Topic: "The Legislative Priorities and Challenges of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops”

Simone Campbell, Executive Director of the SSS Network, Washington, DC.
Topic: "Faith, Morality & the Federal Budget: Strange Bedfellows or Intimately Connected?”

Bud Welsh, Father of a daughter killed in the Oklahoma City bombing
Topic: "A Victims Perspective: A Father’s Story”

William Shea, Director, Center for Religion, Ethics & Culture, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA.
Topic: “Fundamentalism in the Catholic and other Christian Churches”

Jeff Stewart, Executive Director, Immigration Worker Project, Ohio
Topic: “Immigration, Migration and Globalization in Rural Ohio”

Sr. Ann Willits, O.P. A member of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation and an author, poet and storyteller.
Topic: “Almost Home: The Holiness of Everyday Humor”

John Allen, NCR Vatican Correspondent.
Topic: “Megatrends in Catholicism: Ten Forces Turning the Church Upside Down”

The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland.
Topic: “TBA”

Jefrey S. Jeney, President and CEO, St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Topic: “The Essence of Catholic Healthcare”

Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, OH.
Topic: “Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Church”
 

* Second Friday of the month