Pathways
Children in grades K-5 are divided in grade levels and learn to see Jesus as their best friend who never will leave them alone. They learn that they are beloved by Jesus, to talk to Him through prayer, how to recognize God’s voice and ask for the Holy Spirit to direct them. Bible stories and scripture are a part of every meeting, as are self-expression in writing, drawing, and discussion. Each year students in grades K-5 learn to use an age appropriate Bible.
We celebrate their faith by learning about and experiencing liturgy and sacraments. Young people will be guided in choosing to follow Jesus’ example and his teachings, especially the commandments and Beatitudes. We pray to God, (Father Son and Spirit in many ways and everyday. Young people share in the lives of their family, school and community and go out to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world.
Edge
Edge is a Catholic 6th grade and middle school youth ministry program. It provides a safe fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Edge resources speak to the physical, psychological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual maturation of middle school youth.
Why is Edge Important
Remember what middle school was like? Societal shifts have made the middle school years more difficult than ever. Today, middle school youth are having experiences that were common only with high school students just 15 years ago. Threats of violence, availability of drugs and alcohol, and pervasiveness of sex and pornography are the new norm. Not only are they faced with these tough realities but they are also in the process of moving from being family-centered to friend-centered.
Peers gain greater influence and parental authority is called into question. As they shift socially they are also experiencing tremendous changes emotionally and intellectually. As they wade through all the difficulties of this time of life, they have real questions and need real answers.
Edge is created specifically to reach out to this unique age group and lead them closer to Christ.
We encourage and expect families and individuals to attend Mass on Saturday or Sunday. Four times a year we have Youth Hosted Liturgies, during which our young parishioners take on the ministries typically engaged in by adults, like singing or playing, proclaiming the Word of God and universal prayers, greeting and ushering