These past few years have been quite a challenge. I am sure that many of us faced struggles at home and at work. The same was true for ministry. When all of us were put in to shelter-in-place, everything was at a stand-still. It was especially difficult to keep an active engagement in youth and social ministries when the power of these ministries were in-person encounters. It was a struggle that my youth ministry colleagues and I shared together.

Thankfully, by the grace of God, things have improved and we are finally back to a more normal mode. Our return to in-person ministries: 3sixty high school youth ministry, Edge middle school youth ministry, Confirmation retreats, Texas and Nicaragua Mission Trips, and our many social outreach to Sacred Heart and our neighboring community, has enriched our parish once again.

I wanted to highlight two testimonies from youth – one in middle school and one in high school – regarding Edge and 3sixty. These are just two of many youth who have found a resonance once again with what we are offering.

Jocelyn McMahon, 6th Grade, Holy Spirit School (HSS)

I have been waiting to join the Edge Middle School Youth Group since I was little. I have known Row David through Holy Spirit Parish since I was in the second grade and always knew I wanted to be in Edge when I was old enough because I’d heard such great things about the program from the middle school youth. I’ve heard people say it is the best program in the Diocese and they were right! When I was finally old enough, I invited a friend from another school to come with me because we wanted to grow in our faith and friendship together.

Edge gives me an opportunity to become closer to God and experience fun activities with my friends and classmates. I also met new friends from other schools and grade levels. I was excited to see that Flora, who was my partner in the buddy program at HSS from 2nd and 3rd grade is now a high school leader. My friend Sydney is also a high school leader who I met my first week at HSS. It is nice to have older leaders as role models that are funny and show you that you can make it through middle school.

Row is a great leader because he always comes up with creative activities for us to play and has a fun sense of humor. He also puts together prayers and questions about faith that are interesting for middle schoolers. It is nice to have an activity outside of school connected to faith and to meet other people interested in the same things. I would encourage anyone thinking about joining to try it out! I already know I want to stay involved in Edge for all three years and come back as a high school leader!

James Gigliotti, 12th grade – Bellarmine College Preparatory

My name is James Gigliotti. I am a senior at Bellarmine College Preparatory. I play soccer, run track, and run cross country for my school. I always love to volunteer when I get the opportunity. I decided to be a youth leader at 3sixty because of the great relationship Row and I have and because of the opportunity I would have to change someone’s faith and life revolving God. I also love to be social and be in big groups of people because I am a huge extrovert. So far, we have had a great turn out at 3sixty and Row is so dope!!! Anyone who is a high schooler and is someone who wants to grow their faith through a super fun and social group of people 3sixty is your move! And always remember God is good…ALL THE TIME!