Our Lady of Mercy Middle School Youth Ministry

The Middle School Youth Ministry is for all students in Grades 6-8. The Middle School Ministry, called the EDGE, participates in social, service, worship, educational and leadership activities throughout the year. All are welcome in our youth ministry!

GOALS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY

Goal 1

Youth Ministry ... it’s about discipleship

The first goal of youth ministry is “to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.” (RTV 9). Young people are “searching for a noble adventure”, a compelling and challenging vision of life, and a cause worth their commitment. They hunger to hear the Good News that finds response in discipleship. As their companions on this spiritual journey, some of the ways the Church fulfills this first goal of youth ministry is by...

Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus through witness and word to young people.

Enabling young people to live as disciples through their involvement in service, ministry, and leadership opportunities.

Providing young people the faith skills for discipleship.

Goal 2

Youth Ministry ... it’s about connection

The second goal is “to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.” (RTV 11). Young people have a hunger for connection, to be in relationship, and to belong. Family, peers, school, youth serving organizations, and church are primary connections for young people. Some of the ways the church fulfills this second goal of youth ministry is by...

Being a ‘youth friendly’ community that welcomes young people, values their participation, and calls forth their gifts.

Integrating young people into the liturgical, pastoral, and ministerial life of the parish community.

Creating opportunities for young people to enter into healthy relationships of trust and respect with their peers and with adults.

Promoting Catholic identity and religious literacy through programs of adolescent catechesis.

Goal 3

Youth Ministry ... it’s about gifts and growth

The third goal of youth ministry is “to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.” (RTV 15). Adolescence is an important time for mental, spiritual, social, and physical growth. Their experiences and relationships greatly influence their healthy and positive development. The Church strives to surround young people with the best possible external scaffolds—networks of caring relationships of family, school, peers, and other adults—while young people are developing their internal psychological and spiritual backbone—their values, life skills, commitments, and moral compass. The Church fulfills this third goal of youth ministry by...

Enabling young people to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

Actively supporting positive youth development and fostering healthy values and life skills.

Supporting families of young people by providing resources, programs, and services.

Providing opportunities to experience and express caring, service, and compassion for others.

How to Get Involved…

EDGE Home Page What is Middle School YM? How to get involved EDGE Nights Contact Us

INVOLVEMENT

All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to our events! All you need to do is come to our event…sometimes a permission form or a phone call to the Youth Minister is required, but that is usually listed on the promotional materials. Give it a try, and your friends are always invited too…they don’t even have to be Catholic or a Christian for that matter, they are welcome at all our events!

LEADERS NEEDED

6^th Grade EDGE Nights—held twice a month on Monday nights

ADULTS & TEENS: 6^th Grade EDGE Night Core Team

Adults and High School Teens are needed to help with our 6^th Grade EDGE Nights. They will lead small groups of students, assist with skits, prayer and witness talks. Training will be provided for all leaders.

7^th/8^th Grade EDGE Nights—held twice a month on Monday nights

ADULTS & TEENS: 7^th/8^th Grade EDGE Night Core Team

Adults and High School Teens are needed to help with our 7^th/8^th Grade EDGE Nights. They will lead small groups of students, assist with skits, prayer and witness talks. Training will be provided for all leaders.

EDGE Planning Team

ADULTS/PARENTS

This team meets to develop, implement and evaluate the EDGE programs for our teens. This team will meet regularly with the Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator.

If you feel called in any of these above areas please contact the Youth Ministry Office at (630) 851-3444x225 or CandyR@olmercy.com

EDGE Night Information…

EDGE Home Page What is Middle School YM? How to get involved EDGE Nights Contact Us

IMPORTANT LINKS

Attendance Information

Emergency Closing Information

WHAT IS EDGE…

The EDGE is a Catholic middle school youth ministry experience created for early adolescents in grades six, seven and eight. The EDGE is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents. Kids are always welcomed and encouraged to bring their friends to The EDGE.

Learn more about the EDGE program?

GRADE 6 EDGE NIGHTS

Students in grades 6 will participate in the EDGE program which will meet twice a month on Monday nights from 6:45 to 8:45 pm. in the Parish Life Center.

6^th Grade EDGE Night Calendar 2010-2011

GRADES 7 & 8 EDGE NIGHTS

Students in grades 7 and 8 will participate in the EDGE program which will meet twice a month on Monday nights from 6:45 to 8:45 pm. in the Parish Life Center.

7^th & 8^th Grade EDGE Night Calendar 2010-2011

EDGE CORE TEAM LEADERS

Our EDGE program, for our junior high teens, is looking for some fun, loving, compassionate, spiritual, and caring adults and high school teens to help us for the coming year. We need help in these areas:

High School Teens:

§ Assisting adult leaders in their groups

§ Assisting the coordinator in organizing the evenings in large groups

§ Running the audio/video equipment

§ Finding music

§ Photography

Adults (whether you are a parent, grandparent or parishioner):

§ Group leaders at 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels

§ Hospitality help

§ Office help

§ Hall monitor help

§ Parking lot help

We need so many to help, and if many do, there will not be a huge time commitment. If you have questions, please email Candy Rice at CandyR@olmercy.com. Last year’s EDGE was very successful! We are looking to include 6^th graders too this year. Please prayerfully think about this…our teens need YOU.

RETREATS

Students in grades 6-8 are asked to attend a retreat each year. Two choices will be offered for both 6^th grade EDGE students and 7^th/8^th grade EDGE students.

6^th Grade:

Topic: Self Esteem

8:45-11:45 AM OR 12:45-3:45 PM

7^th & 8^th Grade:

Topic: Discipleship and Service

8:45-11:45 AM OR 12:45-3:45 PM

General Information about retreats:

§ Students are expected to attend one retreat each year.

§ Classes will be assigned a retreat date, but you may opt to attend the other date by calling the R.E. Office.

§ Parents are needed to help chaperone.

§ Students should bring a snack to share (i.e. cookies, brownies, chips, fruit, etc.)

Please contact the Youth Ministry Office for more details.

GRADE LEVEL SERVICE PROJECTS

Students will be offered service opportunities at EDGE Nights throughout the year. Adult chaperones and drivers are needed to help with this ministry. Please contact Candy Rice at (630) 851-3444 x232 or CandyR@olmercy.com for more details.

Feed My Starving Children project for any 6^th, 7^th or 8^th grader (TBA)

Summer Mission Experience (TBA)

UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS

July 14, 2010 Six Flags Great America Trip

August 10, 2010 Raging Waves Water Park Trip