Children's 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.

2022-23 Program Descriptions

What are the GIFT Programs?

Early Childhood for ages 3, 4, and 5 on Sundays from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Children grow in self-awareness and experience God’s love for them.

Wednesday Nights for Grades 1 to 8 from 6:15-7:30 p.m.

Children learn the basics of our Catholic faith and build community together. Youth in Grades 7 and 8 will continue to participate in JOLT (Jesus Offers Lots Today). JOLT includes mixer games, PowerPoint and video presentations, small groups, discussion, and other activities.

Family Ministry on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 9:40-10:50 a.m.

Families seek to be church together through community building, service, worship, and learning. Some special events will be included on other dates.

Home Option for Grades 1-6

The parish will provide resources to support parents in teaching our faith to their children at home.

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 starts with a parents-only session for orientation and then 3 parent/child sessions are offered followed by reception of the sacrament. Parents are the primary formers of the faith and take-home materials support the large group sessions. Reconciliation preparation starts in January with reception of the sacrament following and First Eucharist preparation is offered starting in March with candidates receiving the sacrament in May. Click here for more information and schedule.

Confirmation for Grade 9 and older meets monthly Sundays 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Candidates and sponsors learn together and share faith. Candidates preparing for Confirmation must complete four formation sessions, one retreat, one Safety Session, two hours of service to the poor or vulnerable, and involvement in our high school CONNECT program.

CONNECT Grades 9 to 12 meets monthly Sundays 12:30-1:30 p.m.

CONNECT discusses matters of faith relevant to youth in a safe and supportive environment.

Youth Council Grades 9 to 12 meets monthly Sundays from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

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 person in October of 2022 and run through the end of April. 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 Paul Deziel for more information at or 651-789-3178.

If you have questions or would like to help us in these new programs contact Paul Deziel at or Lukas Steffensmeier for First Reconciliation and First Communion at .

JOLT (Jesus Offers Lots Today!) for 7 & 8 Graders
Paul Deziel | 651-789-3173

Wednesday nights from 6:15-7:30 p.m. via Zoom

This program is offered on Wednesday evenings for 7th and 8th graders. JOLT stands for Jesus Offers Lots Today and is designed to build community and learn about our faith together. Activities include mixer games, PowerPoint and video presentations, small groups, service activities and fun nights.

CONNECT for High Schoolers
Paul Deziel | 651-789-3173

Meets one Sunday a month via Zoom at 11:00 a.m.

Youth grades 9-12 are invited to attend monthly gatherings to grow in faith and build community by exploring topics in life chosen by youth. CONNECT offers lunch, mixer games and activities, small groups, witness talks, and prayer. CONNECT is free and does not require registration. Friends are welcome.

Sacraments

First Reconciliation - Grade 2
Lukas Steffensmeier | 651-738-2223

Click here for more information and schedule. Coming soon.

First Eucharist - Grade 2
Lukas Steffensmeier | 651-738-2223

Click here for more information and schedule. Coming soon.

Confirmation - Grades 9 and above
Paul Deziel | 651-789-3173

Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Our goal is to prepare young people who are 9th grade or older to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our program is "continuous and flexible” as you may enter it at any time and complete the education sessions in any order. However, it is recommended that students begin attending Confirmation sessions in the fall and use the spring sessions as back-up sessions. Students preparing for Confirmation must complete four education sessions, one retreat of their choice, one safety session, two hours of service to the poor or vulnerable, and participate in the high school CONNECT program to build community and grow in faith. Confirmation is celebrated at the Cathedral in St. Paul in fall of the following school year. View Confirmation booklet with schedule here.

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 MaryPat Potts two weeks prior at 651-789-3178 or at .