What is "the Edge?"
The Edge is our Parish's middle school youth ministry program. A version of Life Teen (which is for High School), it contains the elements for both individual nights as well as programs for an entire year. Our program is slightly modified, as we try to build around the issues our teens bring to us, using the Edge program to provide the structure for each evening.
What is the Upper Room?
Also known as the "cenacle," it was the room where Jesus met with his disciples; taught them; created the Mass for them; where they hid after he was crucified; where he appeared to them after the Resurrection; and where they were touched by the Holy Spirit.
The Upper Room is that place in the parish hall where we meet as a group to hear God's word; talk about the topic for the evening, and try to let God touch our hearts and hear his thoughts.
Like the cenacle, our time in our Upper Room is sacred. Teens make a promise they can talk about what we discuss, but they cannot attribute anything said to any specific teen. This promise is designed to encourage everyone to say what they think and mean what they say.
What do we talk about?
The Bible has answers to all of Life's questions. That is why the Bible can be said to stand for "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!" Of course, to find an answer, you have to know the question. Over the years, I asked each of our teens what they wanted to talk about. We have discussed (1) peer pressure; (2) pressure from parents; (3) making friends in school; (4) stress; (5) Is there a God, as well as asking how to fight with your girlfriend/boyfriend and what the Church teaches on abortion and LGBTQ. We take the questions the teens have and discuss them through a combination of what the Church teaches the real issues that they face in their lives.