EDGE – Middle School

Edge is a program that provides Faith Formation opportunities for 6th to 8th students. Within the context of Faith, these youth are moving from a child-like spirituality to one that will hopefully reach its pinnacle, through the work of EDGE, into an adult faith commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Community.

The name "EDGE" recognizes that the school youth are on the EDGE in their life, and if we as a church don't do something about it, they're going to fall off the EDGE, and we are never going to see them again. But, at the same time, we as a church will give them the EDGE they need in life: Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, the Teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, and a community to love nurture and challenge them.

At this age 6th to 8th students are open to good and bad behaviors as well as positive and negative ideas. Many of the values and beliefs that they held as children are now questioned and challenged. As young adolescents they are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe.

In many respects middle school kids are on the edge because so much is going on in their lives physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. It can be a very stressful and difficult time for them and their parents. As a Catholic Community, we are going to give our middle school youth The EDGE they need in life: Jesus, The Word, The Eucharist, and the Church!

Within the context of faith, middle school youngsters are moving from a child-like spirituality to one that will hopefully reach its pinnacle, through the work of the EDGE, into an adult faith commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Community.

Why is it called EDGE?

The name “EDGE” recognizes that 6th to 8th students are on the EDGE in their life, and if we as a church don’t do something about it, they’re going to fall off the EDGE and we are never ever going to see them again. But, at the same time, we as a church are going to give them the EDGE they need in life: Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, the Teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, and a Catholic Community to love, nurture and challenge them.

Within the context of faith, middle school youth are moving from a child-like spirituality to one that will hopefully reach its pinnacle, through the work of EDGE, into an adult faith commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Community.

Why is EDGE important?

Edge answers the needs of this age group in a catechetical, fun, and relevant way and provides a foundation for youth to continue onto Life Teen. Edge is a great asset to any youth ministry program, as it answers the unique needs of this age group while providing deeply impactful resources.

We all remember that middle school was awkward and difficult. That hasn’t changed. However, societal shifts have made the middle school years more difficult than ever. Today, middle school youth are having experiences that were common only with high school students just 15 years ago.

 

Threats of violence, availability of drugs and alcohol, and pervasiveness of sex and pornography are the new norm. Not only are they faced with these tough realities, but they are also in the process of moving from being family-centered to friend-centered. Peers gain greater influence and parental authority is called into question.

As they shift socially, they are also experiencing tremendous changes emotionally and intellectually. As they wade through all the difficulties of this time of life, they have real questions and need real answers. If parish leaders ignore the unique challenges of their middle school youth, they risk losing them forever.

Edge Resources

EDGE is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents. Youth are always welcomed and encouraged to bring their friends to The EDGE. Edge resources speak to the physical, psychological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual maturation of middle school youth.

Edge resources make it easier for youth ministers to plan out their semesters of Edge Night, retreats, and to train a team of adults, the Core Team, to assist them in the ministry. The resources present Catholic teaching in a way that young people can understand.

This means that youth minsters get to spend less time at the desk and more time reaching out to youth. Edge provides many resources and support to help youth ministers reach out to parents and to connect with the families of middle school youth. What does this all look like here at St. Andrew???

Class times:

• Wednesdays (5:00-6:30pm)
• 3rd Sundays of the month (3:30-5:30pm)