News

Little Chute teens get on EDGE

By Laurie Mueller
Compass Correspondent

"I'm going to EDGE tonight" is a often heard phrase in the halls of Little Chute High School. EDGE - Eternally Driven by God's Example - is the name chosen by the high school students who meet Monday evenings at St. John Parish in Little Chute.

It started last year as a Bible study and has grown to an average weekly attendance of 20 high school students. That doubles for the special "Edge Nights."

The surprising part is that St. John does not have a youth minister. EDGE was started by the students.

Maggie Harjtes plans the agenda for the weekly meetings. She said EDGE started last year after a senior experienced a tragic loss and wanted to have a place where parish youth could gather. She passed out handmade invitations inviting everyone to join her for Bible study. The turnout was consistent.

After some participants left for college, Harjtes stepped up to organize the weekly meetings. Eventually attendance grew, creating a new "problem" for the parish - the room was no longer big enough.

When associate pastor, Fr. Patrick Beno saw the youth squeezed into the tiny room, he suggested knocking out a wall to make a larger room. Youth and parents worked together on the project.

"There was a nice response from the dads," Fr. Beno said. "Many either helped with labor or paid for supplies. We only contracted one thing: carpet laying."

On the feast of the Epiphany, youth filled the room as Fr. Beno dedicated it.

"I have been a strong person about my faith," Harjtes said. This experience has made her realize "other people in my parish feel the same." EDGE provides a setting where they can discuss faith and not be afraid.

"It was cool that I had a place to come to," Tyler Wundrow said.

"It was a good way to stay in touch with God," said Nick Verhagen. "It is amazing how it touched so many" and helped "many people get back in touch with their faith."

Sue Hermus, parish volunteer coordinator of summer youth mission trips, said youth return from the trip filled with excitement. The challenge is to keep that enthusiasm alive.

"I have been praying for nine years that there would be some kind of youth group (at this parish) for the kids." Harjtes and Verhagen are among EDGE participants who have gone on the summer youth camps.

Activities have sprung out of the EDGE weekly meetings. This fall, the youth participated in "Make a Difference Day," raking leaves and washing windows at 11 homes of elderly residents.

While youth are always welcome to come to EDGE, there's a special outreach for "EDGE Night" - an evening of praise and worship, singing, testimonies and petitions.

EDGE participants are also active in parish life. Verhagen not only plays in the band for "EDGE Nights," he is in the youth choir at weekend Masses. Other participants are ushers and lectors or assist at the children's liturgy. Several strive to attend daily Mass.

"EDGE brings groups of people together," Verhagen said. "Outside of here, like in school, people may be in cliques. But at EDGE, everyone is friends."

The weekly meetings begin and close with prayer. Fr. Beno recommends materials to study and is available to answer questions. The schedule may include reading the New Testament, "Refuel" magazine, and reciting the rosary together. Past meetings have included renovating the meeting room, writing thank you cards and planning "EDGE Night."