Edge & Connect Youth Ministry
Helping middle school and high school students encounter Christ, build community, and grow as Catholic disciples.
Edge & Connect are the youth ministry programs at St. Philip for students in grades 6th–12th. Edge serves middle school students in grades 6th–8th, and Connect serves high school students in grades 9th–12th.
Both groups meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30–8:30 PM during the school year, September through May. Each night includes dinner, fellowship, games or activities, Catholic teaching, small group conversation, and prayer.
Our goal is to give young people a place to encounter Christ, build healthy friendships, ask honest questions, and grow as joyful Catholic disciples.
9th graders who may be attending Confirmation 2 are still welcome to join us for Connect in addition to their Sacrament preparation. Teen OCIA students are required to come to Connect.
In addition to our Wednesday nights, Edge & Connect both offer a variety of other activities to youth such as spiritual events for faith formation, fellowship events for forging Catholic friendships, and service events for embodying the Gospel.
At a Glance
Who
Grades 6th–12th
When
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM
Season
September–May
What to Expect
Dinner, games, Catholic teaching, small groups, and prayer
Weekly reminders, schedule updates, and important announcements are shared through our official youth ministry Flocknote.
Our Youth Ministry Programs
Edge: Middle School Youth Ministry
Grades 6th–8th
Edge gives middle school students a place to belong, build healthy friendships, ask honest questions, and grow in their Catholic faith. Middle school is an important season of growth, and Edge helps students know that they are loved by God, welcomed by the Church, and called to follow Jesus step by step.
Connect: High School Youth Ministry
Grades 9–12
Connect gives high school teens a place to stay rooted in Christ and connected to the life of the Church. Through community, teaching, small groups, service, prayer, and fellowship, teens are invited to grow as Catholic disciples and live their faith with confidence and joy.
What Happens on a Youth Night?
A typical Edge or Connect night includes:
- Dinner and fellowship
- Games or activities
- Catholic teaching
- Small group discussion
- Prayer
- Announcements and reminders
Some nights may also include Youth Adoration, Confession, service opportunities, retreat preparation, or special events.
How Does This Connect with Confirmation and Teen OCIA?
Edge & Connect are youth ministry programs, not Confirmation classes. However, they support the wider formation of our young people by helping them grow in community, prayer, discipleship, and parish life.
Students in Confirmation are welcome and encouraged to attend Connect in addition to their sacrament preparation.
Teen OCIA students are expected to attend Connect as part of their formation.
Those that have been Confirmed are also encouraged to come in order to continue formation.
For Registered Families: Parent Portal
Registered Edge & Connect families receive access to our private Parent Portal. The portal is the best place to find youth ministry calendars, parent reminders, forms, dinner sign-ups, retreat information, volunteer resources, and important updates throughout the year.
Please note: the Parent Portal is intended for registered families, approved volunteers, and parish leaders.
Registration
Registration is required for students to participate in Edge & Connect. Families can register through the parish registration form below.
Registered Students and Parents must sign the acknowledgement of the student code of conduct when registering.
Help Serve Our Youth
Youth ministry is only possible through the support of faithful adults who are willing to walk with young people, help with hospitality, lead small groups, prepare meals, assist with events, and pray for our teens.
If you are interested in serving with Edge or Connect, we would love to hear from you.
Upcoming Youth Ministry Events
Hover over an item to see its title. Click for more information.
Annual Youth Ministry Events
Throughout the year, Edge & Connect students may also have opportunities to participate in parish, diocesan, and national youth ministry events.
Some of Edge & Connect’s larger retreats and trips include:
Parish Level
- Connect Fall Retreat – High School
- Adoremus – Middle School and High School Retreats
Diocesan Level
- Holy Fire Youth Rally – Middle School
- Youth Leadership Workshop – High School
- SEARCH – High School
National Level
- Covecrest – High School
- Steubenville – High School
- Catholic Heart Work Camp – High School
Support Youth Ministry Through Kroger Community Rewards
Support St. Philip Youth Ministry while you shop at Kroger. By connecting your Kroger Plus Card to St. Philip Catholic Church, a portion of eligible purchases can help support our Edge & Connect programs.
Instructions to enroll:
1. Visit http://krogercommunityrewards.com/ to “Sign-In” (if existing) or “Create an Account” (if new)
2. Click “My Account”
3. Scroll to the bottom and enroll in community rewards
4. Search for St. Philip Catholic Church or use our organization number: EJ426
That’s it! Every time you shop at Kroger with your Plus Card, St. Philip Youth Ministry benefits!
For more information contact Youth@StPhilipFranklin.com.
Questions?
Connecting hearts & minds
with God & community.
For questions about Edge, Connect, registration, forms, retreats, parent communication, or volunteering, please contact:
Juan Magaña
Assistant Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Youth@StPhilipFranklin.com
Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
1 Timothy 4:12