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! Educators, psychologists, and youth ministers have stated that 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.
Middle school adolescents are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. At this age, middle school youth are open to good and bad behaviors as well as positive and negative ideas. Many are struggling to put the pieces of their life's puzzle together. It is during this "doubting Thomas phase" that many of the values and beliefs they held as children are now questioned and challenged.
In many respects middle school kids are on the edge because so much is going on in their lives physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. It can be a very stressful and difficult time for them AND their parents. Within the context of faith, middle school youngsters are moving from a child-like spirituality to one that will hopefully reach its pinnacle, into an adult faith commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Community. As a Catholic Community, we are going to give our middle school youth the EDGE they need in life: Jesus, The Word, The Eucharist, and the Church.
JYM: 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.
