Youth Ministry for ALL 7th and 8th Graders
Edge: Middle School Ministry that Works (Video)
Goal of Edge
Awaken the hearts of disciples who will be prepared and inspired to boldly live their mission.
WHAT HAPPENS AT EDGE?
Each Edge night is comprised of four main components: Gather, Proclaim, Break, and Send. We begin with food and then fun games and activities meant to engage, hear an inspiring teaching and witness by the Core Team, small group discussion with one's regular small group, and prayer that leads to a real encounter with our living God.
WHEN IS EDGE?
WHERE IS EDGE?
Monsignor John Kuzmich Life Center
Other Opportunities through Edge
Edge Retreats
There is a Girls' Retreat and a Boys' Retreat each year. The Girls' Retreat takes place in the fall and the Boys' Retreat takes place in the spring. Each retreat begins Friday evening and lasts until Saturday evening. It takes place off-campus. These have been amazing weekends where youth have truly encountered Christ, grown in their faith, had lots of fun, and grown in friendship. They are very popular among the 7th and 8th graders. |
SErvice
Edge offers multiple opportunities to serve our community right here at home, enabling our youth to get involved in our community and live out their Catholic identity of service. |
Mass hysteria
Mass Hysteria is our summer program for incoming 6, 7, and 8th graders. It focuses on deepening their understanding and love for the Mass. It usually occurs in late June. |
Get Involved
We are always in need of parent, teen, and adult volunteers
Core team
We are always looking for faithful, dedicated, enthusiastic adults and high school teens who are eager to walk with our youth in their relationship with Christ. Edge Night Sub list
We often need to call on subs when a Core member is unable to be present. Volunteers on our sub list are extremely important in order that at every night, youth can have meaningful conversations and so the night can flow well. There are also various times throughout the year when we need extra adult help, in particular, our Advent Living Nativity. |
Food team
We provide a light meal and drink at the beginning of every Edge night. The youth look forward to this part of the evening every week and it is extremely important for this ministry. We need volunteers who are willing to lead and organize food teams once a semester each semester, and volunteers who are willing to be on these food teams and help provide food. |
Service committee
We are blessed to have a Service Committee who helps organize multiple service projects throughout the year. We are always in need of help either on the committee or extra volunteers! |
Commonly asked Questions
how do I get placed into a small group?
To be placed in a small group, an Information sheet can be found here. You can also contact Lindsay Klinker. We prefer to place you in a small group before you arrive; however, come to any Edge night and we will find you a place to belong! Groups are initially created prior to the start of the school year, so in the summer be on the lookout for information in early August!
What if i can't make it to a night?
No problem!
It is our wish, for your benefit, that you are at every night, as each night is different and focuses on a different big topic that youth this age are thinking about, facing, or affects their lives and spirituality in great way. The topics for each night are intentionally chosen with you in mind, so we don't want you to miss anything! However, we understand that lives are busy and at various times of the year different sports and activities may occur on Edge nights, or things might come up in your life. We would rather have you there whenever you can make it than not at all, so please come however much you can!
It is our wish, for your benefit, that you are at every night, as each night is different and focuses on a different big topic that youth this age are thinking about, facing, or affects their lives and spirituality in great way. The topics for each night are intentionally chosen with you in mind, so we don't want you to miss anything! However, we understand that lives are busy and at various times of the year different sports and activities may occur on Edge nights, or things might come up in your life. We would rather have you there whenever you can make it than not at all, so please come however much you can!
Who leads edge?
Edge is led by the Core team comprised of adults and area high school teens from the parish. Each have been interviewed and hand-picked to ensure our youth are connecting with a positive role model. Each member of the team has a different personality and gifts which compliments the diverse group of young people who are attending Edge. The Core team is overseen by the middle school youth minister Lindsay Klinker. Fr. Jonathan is also often present at Edge nights. If you are interested in the Core team, please contact Lindsay Klinker.
I'M A 7TH/8TH GRADER, HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
At any given Edge night, any 7th or 8th grader is welcome to show up. Edge Core team can be found wearing green Edge shirts or blue Edge sweatshirts and can direct you what to do. The youth will be introduced to a small group, or, if with a friend, can join his/her friend's small group. Groups are determined by age and gender.
You can also contact Lindsay Klinker prior to the Edge night to receive information and be pre-placed in a group prior to your arrival.
You can also contact Lindsay Klinker prior to the Edge night to receive information and be pre-placed in a group prior to your arrival.