EDGE - Middle School Faith Enrichment for ALL Middle School Youth (Grades 6-8)

• Winter 2011 Middle School Newsletter
• EDGE Program Information
• EDGE Registration / Interest Form
• EDGE Evenings and Dates
• 8th Grade Confirmation Information
• Service Opportunities
• Diocesan Youth Ministry Events

For more information and to register contact Anthony Bradley, Director of Youth Ministry at 724-625-1665 ext. 2102.

Here to Complete Our Online Interest Form
and Receive Further Information on Youth Ministry

Middle School Faith Enrichment for ALL Middle School Youth (Grades 6-8)

• Expected to participate each week at the Sunday (or Sat.) Masses and Holy Days of Obligation
• Choose two service options  
• Attend three EDGE evenings
• Participate in at least two Diocesan or Parish events

These are minimal expectations; youth are welcome to participate in all EDGE service and community building events.

EDGE Evenings and Dates:
EDGE evenings are one Tuesday each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the cafeteria from September through May. EDGE is a program within the Junior High Youth Ministry where you learn about your faith, prepare service projects and have fun with your friends.

Please click here for a comprehensive lsit of upcoming events.

Confirmation Group (8th Grade):
Preparation for confirmation will take place in Faith Formation/CCD class as well as a few special events that will be scheduled throughout the year – Dates TBA

Service Opportunities:

• Bingo/ Parties at Saint John’s Specialty Care Center
  Every 3rd Saturday afternoon

Diocesan Youth Ministry Events
Annual Diocesan events organized by the Department of Youth and Adult Ministry include:

• Hosanna 2011
  
  
• Faith Rally - November 4 - 5, 2011
  The Middle School Faith Rally is designed especially for youth in grades 6-8 as well as their parents and youth minister. Each Year we invite a nationally known speaker/ Musician to jumpstart the ministry year with an evening of Music, Laughter and story-telling.  This event runs from 7pm - 9pm and promises to be a faith filled experience for all who attend. This event usually takes place in November. Click here for your permission form.
  
  
• Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Christmas Basket Filling
  December 6, 2011
  
  
• Silver Ring Thing - January 13, 2012
  The Silver Ring Thing is a high-tech, high energy performance that educates teens about the benefits of remaining abstinent until marriage and the dangers of promiscuous behavior. The Silver Ring Thing is held at Seton-la-Salle Catholic High School from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and teenagers, parents and youth ministers are invited to attend. With dramas, videos, special effects, and speakers, teenagers will be motivated in a unique and personal way to choose to commit to both God and their future spouse to remain chaste until marriage. The Catholic Silver Ring Thing is open to young people in Grade 8 and higher. This event usually takes place in January.
  
  
• Love Walk for the Poor - February 12, 2012
  The Love walk for the Poor, held around Saint Valentine’s Day, is a worship and social service experience aimed to help the poor of our diocese. After celebrating Mass, walkers carry the donations they previously collected to a local Service Institution.  By doing so the walkers experience the hardships of the homeless who carry their possessions with them at all times.  The Love Walk for the Poor takes place at Sacred Heart Parish in Shady Side and is open to all ages.
  
  
  
  
  
• N.E.T. Retreat - April 14 - 15, 2012
  In response to an urgent need to proclaim the Gospel to Youth, 90 NET Volunteers ages 18 to 28 are sent out in vans each year across the United States in teams of 10 to 12. The retreat teams share their faith during retreats and will encounter 60,000 youth, while the parish teams focus on building up individual parishes from September to May.  Each team invites all teens to give their lives to the only one who can satisfy their hungry hearts – Jesus Christ  The NET Team provides our young people with a more intense experience by taking them out of their regular environment and helping them to think more seriously about their relationship with God.  This overnight retreat is held at Gilmary Retreat Center in Coraopolis PA and is open to young people in Grades 7-8.
  
  
  

For more information and to register contact Anthony Bradley, Director of Youth Ministry at 724-625-1665 ext. 2102.