Faith Formation

Guardian Angels strives to be a welcoming, accessible and accommodating parish community. If you have questions about programming or accessibility and accommodations for students with disabilities, please contact the staff person responsible for the program area of interest.

Registration Open Now

Register online here

What are the GIFT Programs?

Family Faith Formation for ages 3 - Grades 5, twice monthly, 9:35-10:45 a.m.

The family is where each of us first encounters love. Children first encounter God’s unconditional love through their parents while parents become more united to Jesus through their self-sacrificial love for their children and spouse. We provide formation for all members of the family because Jesus desires to encounter both parents and children.

During sessions, children gather with catechists while parents receive catechesis based on the monthly theme, guidance for at-home lessons, and time to develop relationship with other parents. Some sessions will involve the whole family learning together. We use the Family Formation program, developed in the Twin Cities. This program is centered on empowering parents to be the primary educators of the faith to their children.

Early Childhood faith formation is a part of our Family Faith Formation program to enable parents with Pre-K children to participate more fully in the program!

JOLT: for Grades 6 to 8, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:45 p.m.

Middle school is a time of transition for everyone. Middle school students are searching for answers to the big questions of life. Who am I? What is my purpose? Where can I find life and life to the fullest? In short, they are looking for Truth. Our middle school program seeks to assist youth in their search. The reality is Truth has a name: Jesus Christ. JOLT stands for “Jesus Our Life & Truth.” Our goal is to help introduce them to Jesus. Junior high nights include games, small groups, engaging presentations, discussion, and time for prayer. We use Life Teen material as our base and tailor to the needs and interests of our youth.

Click here for the JOLT schedule. Contact Lukas with questions.

RISE: Grades 6-12, Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Get ready to see your middle and high school youth rise up and embrace the faith!

RISE returns! A monthly event at Guardian Angels Catholic Church designed specifically for grades 6-12, held one Wednesday per month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for an unforgettable evening that will inspire, uplift, and connect your teen to a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

What is RISE?

RISE is a night of encounter with Christ and community which includes games, inspiring talks, live worship music, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation, and friendship.

Why RISE?

As parents and grandparents, you want your teen to have a strong foundation, meaningful friendships, and a faith that guides them through life. RISE offers a dynamic environment where they can encounter the Holy Spirit, connect with peers, and discover the beauty of the Catholic faith.

Best of all, RISE is free for all middle and high school youth!

2026 Dates: September 30, October 28, November 18, December 16
2027 Dates: January 13, February 17, March 24, April 14, May 5

Contact Andy with any questions. Bring a friend or just show up yourself!

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for Grades 2 and older

Children experience sacramental preparation with prayer, discussion, activities and full participation in the reception of the sacraments guided by parents. Preparation will be incorporated in the Sunday Family Faith Formation schedule. Parents are the primary formers of the faith and the large group sessions support the take-home materials taught by parents. Click here for more information and schedule.

Confirmation for Grade 9 and older

2026-2027 Registration forms available now. Please complete the four forms below and forward to Andy Watts. Contact Andy with questions or for more information.

Youth Council Grades 9 to 12 - Meeting times TBD

Youth Council members are empowered to grow in leadership by planning our youth ministry programs.

When will GIFT programs begin?

Programs are scheduled to start in October and run through mid May. Registration opens in August.

How can I volunteer in GIFT?

We need a variety of adult and high school youth to help with our Faith Formation Programs. You do not need to be an expert in the Catholic Faith to help. We will support you, resource you, and help you grow in faith while serving our community! Please contact Lukas Steffensmeier for more information.

Sacraments

First Reconciliation - Grade 2
Lukas Steffensmeier | 651-789-3162

Click here for more information and schedule.

First Eucharist - Grade 2
Lukas Steffensmeier | 651-789-3162

Click here for more information and schedule.

Confirmation - Grades 9 and above
Andrew Watts | 651-789-3173

Safety

All volunteers are required to complete a background check, the Code of Conduct and Safe Environment Training (1 module, approximately 75 minutes). Credentialing maintained every 3 years. More information may be found here.

Accommodations

For all parish programs: To make disability-related accommodations, sign language interpretation or dietary requests, contact the Parish Office at 651-738-2223.