The goal of this resource is to help you provide systematic and complete catechesis for your middle school youth while providing opportunities for evangelization and transformation as well. Each book contains a semesters-worth of catechetical Edge Night outlines.
Beginning with the March 2010 resources, we are presenting a six-semester Edge curriculum. This systematic approach to middle school catechesis is designed to create a foundation for the United States Council of Catholic Bishops’ Framework for High School Catechesis. The six semesters are as follows:
- Scripture
- Creed
- Church
- Sacraments
- Prayer
- Social Justice
In addition to these semester topics, we will also provide 1-2 nights on Catholic Morality to be used within each semester. With each new book our goal is to provide you with nights that are Catholic, educational, relevant and on the middle school level.
Life Teen recommends that a 3-year (or 6 semester) catechetical plan be implemented in each parish to ensure that complete and quality catechesis is offered to every middle school youth involved in an Edge program. While you do not have to use the semesters in the order that we present them, each book will topically build on each other and work together to create a systematic curriculum. As always, refer to your diocesan requirements for middle school catechesis to help plan your parish’s curriculum.
This current book covers The Sacraments. In this semester, we are breaking open the seven Sacraments. The Edge Nights are grouped together as the Sacraments of Initiation, the Sacraments of Healing, and the Sacraments of Vocation. The nights will help the youth to understand each one of the sacraments, the deeper meanings behind the symbols, and how grace is imparted through the sacraments. This semester also gives the opportunity for the youth to see the sacraments celebrated.
As always, Edge Nights should be adapted to meet your parish needs. As you plan, be sure to keep in consideration the needs of your youth, Core Team and parish. For example, the teaching outline for each night is filled with more information than a typical middle school youth can absorb during a 7-10 minute talk. By giving the presenter more than enough information, he or she can create an engaging and informative presentation. Encourage the presenter to look through the Scriptural and Catechism of the Catholic Church references to gain better understanding of the topic. Media, of course is important. Feel free to use the media suggestions listed, along with the videos on the Edge Video Support 4 (included in the Edge Support shipment).
Thank you for your dedication to the young people of your parish. We at Life Teen are here to serve you in your mission of leading youth closer to Christ. We pray that this Edge Semester Planning Guide will allow you to more effectively reach and form your middle school youth as vibrant, active and holy Disciples of Christ.
This Semester Planning Guide includes:
- Welcome to the Party!: Introduction to the Sacraments
- Marked by God: The Sacrament of Baptism
- Not By Bread Alone: The Sacrament of the Eucharist
- Wait, Didn’t I Graduate?: The Sacrament of Confirmation
- The Return: The Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Comfort and Joy: The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
- Called by God: The Sacrament of Holy Orders
- Two Become One: The Sacrament of Marriage
- Sober and Alert: An Edge Issue Night on Drugs and Alcohol
- Actions = Words: An Edge Issue Night on Integrity
- Idol Chef: An Edge Social Night