Welcome to The EDGE

It is the Church’s responsibility to see to it that our middle school youth experience Christ in an exciting and dynamic program that challenges them and invites them to walkwith Jesus, as well as being in tune with their unique needs. The EDGE is such a program.It is designed to meet their educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs. As part of the Catholic Church’s mission to evangelize and spread the gospel message of Jesus, middleschool youth are encouraged to bring their friends to youth group activities.

Contact our Middle School Youth Minster, Jeff Falanga at the RE Office for more info on

Middle School activities. (813) 671-4434

Click here for the Middle School Calendar of Class Times

Helping out our Neighbors

A group of our Middle Schoolers recently got together to help out at the Ronald McDonald House. Check out the pics here!

Service Projects Suggestions:  click here and scroll to the bottom of the page

St. Stephen Catholic Church

2008 EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry

Bring a friend! They don’t have to be a parishioner to come with you!

EDGE Basic Training

7-8:30pm at the ROC Center

***During the Parish Town Hall Meetings on October 9, 23, & November 6 we will stay until 9pm.***

Thursdays except 1st Thursday of the Month

Spend some time at the ROC with your friends and become defenders of the Catholic Faith!

October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20; December 11, 18

Saturday Night Youth group

at the ROC Center (after 6:00pm Mass until 8:30)

Join us for food, fun & fellowship:

June 7 & 28, July 12 & 26, Aug 9 & 23, Sep 6 & 20, Oct 25, Nov 8 & 22, Dec 6 & 20

T.P. Day!

Join us on Friday October 17th from 12-4pm at the ROC Center!

You have the day off for a Teacher Planning (T.P.) Day so why not

spend it at the ROC Center plaing games with T.P.?!

Special Summer Events

EDGE Fish Camp

During the Summer, Monday Nights 7:00-8:00pm

Upstairs in Room 5-7 at the church

"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mathew 4:19)

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of an exciting youth ministry group!

Bring a friend – they don’t even have to be a parishioner or Catholic to come!

For information, contact our Middle School Minister Jeff Falanga

@ 671-4434 / jfalanga@ststephencatholic.org

San Jose Mission VBS

This event takes place one week during the summer; 9am-12:30pm Daily

Volunteer to help us out as we put on a Vacation Bible School for

the kids at the San Jose Mission in Dover.

T I C – T A C for Girls

“Together in Christ; Taking Action for Christ”

During the Summer, Wednesday Nights: 7-8:30pm

TIC-TACs is our summer group just for middle school girls.

We will meet at the church on Wednesday nights throughout the summer for friendship and faith. 

Email Kim for more info

MENtos for Guys

during the Summer, Thursday Nights 7-8:30pm

MENtos is our summer group for middle school guys only.

We will meet at the ROC Center on Thursday nights during the Summer to hang out,

learn about our Catholic Faith, and play some sports.

Email Jeff for more info

Three goals of our Middle School Youth Ministry program:

1. empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today

2. drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community

3. fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each young person

To accomplish these goals it will take the people and resources of the entire Church.

“What is needed today is a Church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and, through his body which is the Church, to propose the possibility of a choice which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the Church must become today the traveling companion of young people … This is what is needed: a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel and the strength of the Eucharist.”

                                                                                              POPE  JOHN  PAUL  II

The challenge of discipleship – of following Jesus – is at the heart of the Church’s mission.

Young people experience the Catholic faith at home, in the parish, and in other organizations serving youth. Ministry with adolescents must be directed toward presenting young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples. Catechesis is an essential part of youth ministry. We must offer young people a spiritually challenging and world-shaping vision that meets their hunger for the chance to participate in a worthy adventure. 

The Family

“A family is the first community and the most basic way in which the Lord gathers us, forms us, and acts in the world.” (Follow the Way of Love, p.8) The profound and ordinary moments of daily life are the threads from which families can weave a pattern of holiness.

Parents are a vital part of their child’s faith formation!

All Across America, far too many young people are struggling to construct their lives without an adequate foundation upon which to build. The effects of consumerism and the entertainment media often encourage a culture of isolation. Many families lack sufficient time together and the resources to develop strong family relationships, to communicate life-giving values and a religious faith, to celebrate family rituals, to participate in family activities, and to contribute to the well-being of their community.

The Church can contribute toward strong, life-shaping families for young people by equipping, supporting, and encouraging families with youth to engage in family faith formation – to pray together and participate in shared service activities.

Youth-friendly Parish Community

Parishes are communities of faith, of action, and of hope. They are where the Gospel is proclaimed and celebrated; the place where God’s people meet Jesus in word and sacrament. The parish has a special role in promoting participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community. They should be a place where young people are welcomed, grow in Jesus Christ, and minister side by side with the adults of the community.

 Parishes should have programs for young people that recognize their special talents and role in the life of the Church; a place with opportunities to use their gifts and to express their faith through meaningful roles. The parish should see young people as a resource.

Youth-serving Organizations

Religious Education programs and activities guide youth and act as mentors in their faith development. These organizations help young people deepen their relationship with God and develop a spirit of joyful giving. They provide a place where youth can learn and focus on ethical decision making. It is important that these organizations provide youth the opportunity to participate in the life of their parish and diocese.

Please contact the R.E. Office for a schedule of Middle School Youth Ministry events

(671-4434), or check the weekly church bulletin.