EDGE IS A CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES A SAFE, FUN PLACE FOR YOUTH TO FIND SOLID CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, TO GET ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS ABOUT FAITH, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO EXPERIENCE JESUS IN A PROFOUND AND PERSONAL WAY.
OUR MISSION
EDGE is a youth ministry program with a strong focus on the Eucharist and is a parish-based, Catholic-centered ministry for all middle school teens. The goal of EDGE is to create an environment to lead teens into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. It speaks to teens on all levels: emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual.
Each EDGE Night falls under one of three categories: catechetical, issue, or social. The primary objective is to encourage teens to realize a deeper relationship with Christ and to challenge them to live their faith as they carry out their daily lives. Teens experience this sharing in an atmosphere of love and acceptance from their peers and the adult leaders who are there to assist them in their journey.
In order for EDGE to achieve its full potential, the full support of St. Thomas Aquinas is essential. The youth minister works closely with the priest and initiates, organizes, and oversees the program among a Core Team of trained adult leaders and high-school leaders.
EDGE is on a three-year cycle specifically to make sure all middle-schoolers have the opportunity to attend all three years of their Junior High career without hearing the same exact topics. So whether your teen has come before or not, have their Sacraments or not, or even if they’re not Catholic…they’re welcome to join us for EDGE!
THREE WAYS WE SERVE
EDGE Night - Every week, we have an EDGE Night open to all middle-schoolers. The topics can be catechetical, issue-related, or social. The primary objective is to encourage teens to realize a deeper relationship with Christ and to challenge them to live their faith as they carry out their daily lives. Teens experience this sharing in an atmosphere of love and acceptance from their peers and the adult leaders who are there to assist them in their journey.
XLT - Aquinas hosts XLT, a large praise & worship event in the church that is open to everyone. There is always great worship music, an inspiring message by a great speaker, and Eucharistic Adoration.
Retreats - At least once a year, EDGE puts on a day-long retreat for middle-schoolers where we dive deeper into our faith. These events are amazing!
ALSO, once a month is a SUMMA Night, in the church where you’ll have formation specifically for adults by amazing speakers. Check out more on SUMMA here.
