Middle School Ministry: EDGE (Grades 6-8)
Early Bird Registration Now Open!
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!
- June 14 – 2nd Annual Summer Sand Volleyball Tournament. (2-4pm)Take part in this event as either a player, line judge, referee, or cheer squad. All are welcome!There are 4 teams, led by Captains: Father Michael, Josh White, Glenn Hoormann and Joe Furrer.Location: Sand volleyball courts located directly north of the Eola Community Center. Register Here to Play
- June 15 – EDGE Summer Event. (6:30-8pm)
- June 20 – Faith Formation Picnic. Picnic in the church courtyard after the 4pm Mass (5pm-7pm)/
- July 20 – EDGE Summer Event. (6:30-8pm)
- August 12 – Faith Formation – School Sendoff Mass & Social (5pm)
- August 28 – Volunteer Training
- August 31 – Parent Info Night (6:30-7:30pm in gym)
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 9, 2026
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
TBA
Joliet Diocese Youth Events
Middle School Youth Rally
For All EDGE Students
TBA
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.