Year of Prayer
September 2009 - August 2010

Rejoice in the Lord always. 
Present your needs to God in every form of
prayer and petitions full of gratitude.
Phillipians 4;4,6b

Early adolescence is a very critical and difficult time in a person's life. The operative word in early adolescence is "change," and lots of it! Middle school might be the last great opportunity we have to positively impact and assist a child in his or her educational, spiritual, emotional, and social development.

The EDGE provides an unparalleled moment in the life of a middle school youngster to offer guidance, reassurance, and Jesus' love to a group of people who have so many options and choices before them.Middle school adolescents are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. It is during this "doubting Thomas phase" that many youngsters become leery of their faith, and begin to question as well as doubt what they believed as children.
 
Parents Role
Parental involvement is imperative. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus scolded his disciples and told them: "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them." Proverbs 22:6 states, "train a child in the way they should go; and even when they are old, they will not swerve from it." The faith foundation a parent gives a child continues for a lifetime.  The EDGE meets once a week. Nowhere else in your child's daily life will there be an invitation and challenge to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church than at The EDGE.

What kids say about The EDGE:

"The Edge is cool b/c it gives us the Word of God in a way kids can understand it. It is also good to get together and talk about Jesus." -Alex, 13

"What I like about The Edge is that we talk about issues that face us in middle school." -Breanne, 13

"You feel welcomed and accepted." -Ben, 12

"The Edge has really helped me get a grasp on what is important." -Courtney, 13

EDGE Prayer

Please Pray this prayer with us for the Success of IHM’s Edge program this year...

Good and loving Creator you are the author of all that is good and holy.
We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon our middle school youth
and bless them with your patience,
inspire them with your joy,
and nurture them with your compassion.
In their journey to follow Jesus, encourage them with holiness and peace.
In times of confusion and uncertainty,
guide them with your wisdom and truth.
May they always look to you
for strength and guidance.
We also ask you to send your blessing upon
The EDGE,
allow it to always be a source of inspiration, acceptance, and love.
May all those who minister in The EDGE walk always in the light of Christ
and bring our young people ever closer
to your son Jesus.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen