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!
- February 16 – Mardi Gras Party – Come join us to enjoy some fun!
- February 23 – EDGE Night
- March 3 – EDGE Night
- March 7 – KNOWN (Middle School Youth Rally)
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.
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.
Step-by-Step Registration Instructions
Step 1 – Signup
Please click the link to complete the Signup Form for your child.
Each teen will receive a T-shirt to wear at the event. T-shirts will be provided in adult sizes only.
Step 2 – Complete and Return Permission Form
Please click the link to access the KNOWN Permission Form. The completed and signed permission form must then be emailed to JoanaL@olmercy.com or dropped off at the RE Office.
A permission form must be completed for each child attending.
All sections must be filled out & parent/guardian signature required.
Step 3 – Submit Payment
The $10 entrance fee can be paid using one of the following methods:
- Cash (drop off at R.E. office)
- Check (payable to: Our Lady of Mercy and drop off at R.E. office)
- Credit/Debit Card, click this link Pay Online Here
Registration Deadline
All registrations are due by February 23, 2026
After this date, we can’t guarantee a T-shirt, and registration may be limited if the event fills up.
More Information
As the event approaches, we will send out more information, including a final itinerary and important event details, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. If you have any questions, please contact Joana Lopez at JoanaL@olmercy.com
Steubenville Joliet Youth Conference
This event is for graduating 8th grade students
Will update when Steubenville Joliet Youth Conference 2026 is available for registration.
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:
- Donut Sundays
- KOC Pancake Breakfasts
- Parish Social Events (Ministry Expo, Oktoberfest, International Potluck, etc.)
Liturgy
Volunteer during Mass to help with the Liturgy.
Volunteer opportunities would include:
- Join the Youth Choir
- 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
- 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.