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!
- March 16 – EDGE Night – Parish Mission “Facing Mercy” with Fr. Ryan
- March 18 – OLM Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) – OLM parish event
- March 23 – EDGE Night
- March 25 – OLM Magnify
- March 28 – OLM Family Talent Show
- April 13 – EDGE Night
- April 20 – EDGE Night
- April 24 – EDGE Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) – FMSC packing session with games afterward at St Thomas the Apostle, 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.
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Mission
Monday, 3/16 from 7PM- 8PM
(following the 6:30pm Mass)
Facing Mercy with Fr. Ryan
Location: OLM Church
The Parish Mission is a two-day event; we will attend together as an EDGE Community only on Monday, but you’re welcome to attend both days to experience the full Parish Mission. At least one parent must accompany your child(ren), but we encourage your entire family to attend.
3/16 – The Story of Salvation
From creation and the fall to Christ’s rescue…God has been pursuing you all along
3/17 – The Story & Our Response
Facing our wounds, rediscovering we are beloved sons and daughters, and learning how mercy sends us outward with hope.
EDGE Student Instructions
- Families should arrive between 6:40 pm and 6:50 pm.
- Students will check-in at the PLC front desk.
- Families can then proceed into the Church and sit anywhere they like.
- Dismissal: This event requires the student to be accompanied by an adult, therefore, checkout is not required.
OLM’s Family Talent Show is Coming!
Saturday, 3/28 from 5:15–7:15 PM
Location: Gym
Children ages 4–12 (with parents or family members welcome to join them)
Whether it’s music, magic, dance, comedy, or something completely unique, this is a chance to celebrate the gifts God has given each of us.
Come support our young performers, enjoy great food, and experience a joyful evening of community, creativity, and faith!
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 Deadline: February 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
This event is for graduating 8th grade students
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
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:
- Join the Youth Choir (contact the Music Director, Frank Sauter)
- Be an Altar Server
Other Discipleship Opportunities
- Attend Magnify (usually on the last Wednesday of the month)
Other Volunteer Opportunities
- Vacation Bible School (VBS)
- (8th Graders) Teen Mission Trip
- (8th Graders) Teen Living Stations on Good Friday. (note: no memorization required)
- Childcare Assistant for Adult Formation (ALPHA, Rescue, Manna for Marriage, etc)
- Childcare Assistant for K-5 Formation
- Catechist Aide for K-5 Formation
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.