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Middle School Faith Formation

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Middle School Ministry: EDGE (Grades 6-8)


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.

Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will participate in the EDGE program starting in September and going until April.

ALL EDGE Nights are 6:30-8:00pm in the PLC. (unless noted otherwise)

Topics will be presented to educate about the Christian Catholic faith and challenge the student to grow in a relationship with Christ. There will be large and small group activities.

Kids are always welcomed and encouraged to invite their friends to the EDGE.

Important Links

Upcoming – Save the Dates!

  • April 20 – EDGE Night
  • April 24 – EDGE – Game Night at St Thomas the Apostle – Games at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Naperville. This is a combined event with St Anne, Oswego and St Thomas the Apostle, Naperville.
  • April 27 – EDGE Night with End of Year celebration!
  • May 16-17 – Faith Formation Open House & Mission Trip Bake Sale.
  • June 20 – Faith Formation Picnic. Picnic in the church courtyard after the 4pm Mass (5pm-7pm)/

Questions? JoanaL@OLMercy.com

EDGE Yearly Retreat

The EDGE yearly retreat provides the opportunity for students to deepen their relationship with God and to grow in their faith through talks, prayer, reflections, and fun.

The retreat is requirement for the EDGE students. Parents are needed to help chaperone. Please contact the Family Faith Formation Office for more details.

Date:  Saturday, January 10, 2025
Time: 8:30am to Noon (12:00pm)
Location: OLM Parish Life Center

The retreat will begin with 8:30am Mass.

Retreat will follow in the PLC and will be presented by Marmion Academy’s Outreach Ministry.


Naperville Area Deanery

Our Lady of Mercy + St Thomas the Apostle + St Anne
Game Night
at
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Door A

WHEN: Friday, April 24, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

WHERE: 1500 Brookdale Rd, Naperville, IL 60563

This is a two-step registration process:

Step 1 – Please register using this link: Register Here

Step 2 – Complete and return the permission form in person to the Family Faith Formation office or by email to JoanaL@olmercy.com by Monday, 4/20. Download permission form here: Permission Form

Please Note:

  • Student will need to be dropped off and picked up at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Door A.
  • Students should arrive by 6:50pm to check in and get situated.
  • Students should be picked up at 8:30pm. 

Joliet Diocese Youth Events

KNOWN

Middle School Youth Rally

For All EDGE Students

Who: EDGE Middle School Students (Grades 6–8)
Cost: $10 per EDGE student
Registration DeadlineFebruary 23, 2026

Transportation

Bus Transportation will be provided.

What to Expect

A full day of faith, fun, music, games, speakers, prayer, and community—designed specifically for middle school students to grow in their relationship with Christ and one another.

Steubenville Joliet Youth Conference

Join 2,000+ high school youth for a dynamic conference featuring speakers, music, fun, and worship.

Location: Benedictine University in Lisle, IL

When: June 26-28, 2026

Sign Up Here


Service & Discipleship Opportunities

Parish Hospitality or Dinner Events

Help with setup, cleanup, serving meals, or greeting guests for parish events such as:

Liturgy

Volunteer during Mass to help with the Liturgy.

Volunteer opportunities would include:

Other Discipleship Opportunities

  • Attend Magnify (usually on the last Wednesday of the month)

Other Volunteer Opportunities


Contact Us

Office of Family Faith Formation for Grades 6-12

Adolfo and Joana Lopez |  EDGE Coordinators
AdolfoL@olmercy.com
JoanaL@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5375

Dave Miserendino |  Director
DaveM@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5371

Karen Schwartz | Administrative Assistant
KarenS@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5369

Protecting Our Children

EDGE Catechist & Leaders

Our EDGE  program, for our middle school students, 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:
Serve as a Peer Mentor and assist adult leaders in a small group.

Adults:
Help serve as a catechist or volunteer for the program. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or parishioner–you are welcome to help!

We need so many to help, and if many do, there will not be a huge time commitment.  If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Adolfo or Joana Lopez at AdolfoL@olmercy.com  or JoanaL@olmercy.com.

Please prayerfully think about this…our teens need YOU.

EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry Volunteers

Adults and Teens are invited to help with various parts of the EDGE ministry. To work with Middle School students (Grades 6-8) to provide formation, faith mentoring, social and service events, retreats, etc. Please complete the form below and hit submit.

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