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This school year, EDGE has consisted of a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, and the group has been split based on the hybrid learning model schedule at the public school.
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t’s no secret — when youth have positive adult role models in their lives, they do better in the long run. When these adults are modeling the faith, all the better. Today’s youth are under a lot of pressure and stress, so anything that can be done to build a strong faith foundation is worth the effort. To meet this need, we are blessed with the EDGE program. Produced by Life Teen, EDGE offers a place for sixth to eighth-grade youth to socialize, learn about the Catholic faith and have fun. There are also adults present with the youth during these events. Kathy Knoblach and Rachel Bosl lead the EDGE program, which takes place at the Centre for Christ. As with so many other parish activities, adjustments have been made to the program due to COVID-19 restrictions. This school year, EDGE has consisted of a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, and the group has been split based on the hybrid learning model schedule at the public school. “EDGE is a place where sixth to eighth-grade youth can gather with their friends and build up their faith in a fun and interactive way,” Kathy says. The EDGE program covers topics that usually run for six weeks. The group has focused on prayer, Jesus, stress and friendships, just to name a few. This is the second year of the EDGE program. Kathy and Rachel invite sixth to eighth-grade students to join at any point during the school year. In addition to the weekly meetings, there are service projects which will resume after the pandemic. Sixth-graders Addy Bromenshenkel, Brooke Sunderman and Lily Sunderman are good friends who enjoy the EDGE program. They’ve all enjoyed participating in the program this year, despite the different format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, they appreciate having a place to discuss Catholic topics together. “I like that this is a place where I can be open about my faith,” Addy says. “I can just be myself with no judgment.”
“I like that this is a place where I can be open about my faith. I can just be myself with no judgment.” — Addy Bromenshenkel
