EDGE is PSR for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) that does not look like traditional classroom PSR. Rather, EDGE gathers all of the middle schoolers into a large group setting making it feel more like an event than PSR.

Recent data from Pew Research Center, CARA Report, USCCB, and LIFE TEEN suggest that traditional models of PSR have stopped working for middle schoolers. From technology, to a reduction in attentions spans, to identifying less and less as Catholic, to working through anxiety, finding community, and discovering who they are - middle school is a time of transition from child to teen. It is also a significant "tipping-point" in your middle schoolers desire to remain Catholic.

The Church has the answer: It's always "Jesus" - and EDGE helps lead your middle schooler toward Him in a new and exciting way.

Breaking from the model of traditional PSR, EDGE uses 2 books: The Bible and the YOUCAT (the youth version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church) . Both books will be given out at the first EDGE session. These books are then yours to keep and reuse for the 3-years (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) in EDGE.

EDGE follows the directives from the Diocese of Cleveland for 6-8 grade in a 3-year rotating cycle, so no matter where your middle schooler enters, they will experience years A, B, C, though not necessarily in that order.

Yes. Both Confirmation preparation and PSR (EDGE) are separate and required during the Confirmation year (8th grade).

Here is the link to the confirmation site.

CLICK HERE.

EDGE loosely reflects the movement of the Mass with 4 elements: Gather-Proclaim-Break-Send. 

Gather - Opens in grade-specific Small Groups of 6-8 middle schoolers with a snack and conversation followed by an opening game.

Proclaim - We transition to an opening prayer followed by a short but impactful Catholic catechesis that shows the rich depth and beauty of the Faith and Reason tradition of the Church in a way that resonates with your middle schooler.

Break - After the teaching, middle schoolers break back into the Small Groups to discuss and ask questions with their EDGE Core Member. 

Send - We gather back together into a large group for a brief Q/A and share insights from Small Group time before we conclude with a weekly challenge to "live the Gospel" in a specific way based on the lesson and close in prayer. 

Yes! Though not required, you are invited to experience your Catholic faith in a new and fun way. All EDGE fees are covered by your SJA Catholic School tuition. 

We understand that the day/time change does cause some challenges. For this, and for other circumstances that prevent In-Person attendance, EDGE offers an At-Home version. 

We record the teaching of each EDGE session. Your middle schooler will watch the teaching video and then answer a few questions. Weekly completion of this assignment is the expectation. The videos and assignments will be posted on the SJA website under the EDGE tab.

EDGE Core members are the real heroes of EDGE! They are part catechist and part middle school VIRTUS-certified youth ministers. EDGE Core lead Small Group discussions and help bring the Gospel to life with your middle schooler. 

The key requirements to a good EDGE Core Member are 2-fold:

1. You love the Lord
2. You like middle schoolers

If you answered "yes" to 1 and 2 - you are perfect! Please reach out to Jeff Botos! 

Please see the At-Home option