Spiritual Foundation

Prayer and Worship
Each class participates in Mass and/or Prayer Services once a week on an assigned day. Children are instructed about the liturgy and given opportunities to participate in the celebration of the Mass as fully as possible.

Sacramental Programs
Because of the extreme importance of the sacraments in the life of the child, special preparatory programs are held for both parents and students. It is essential for the best development of the child that his/her parents are actively involved in this preparation. Second grade is the usual age for the reception of First Communion. However, at the discretion of the parents and with proper preparation and desire, the sacrament can be received at a different age. Prior to reception of First Communion, the latest church directives call for the instruction for First Penance.

The parish policy for First Communion permits this sacrament to be received first by a child with his/her family at a Sunday liturgy in the spring or as part of a group. For receiving First Communion with his/her family, arrangements are to be made in advance with the parish Office of Religious Education. The date for group communion will be Saturday, May 2, 2009. A parents' meeting will be held to give further information. The second graders will have their first individual experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.

The preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the students’ seventh grade year. Reception of the sacrament is offered early in the eighth grade. As is called for in the New Rite, the candidate may choose to receive the sacrament at some later date. Again, as is the case for all sacramental preparation programs, the participation of the parents is essential. Sacramental tutoring programs are available to assist baptized Catholic students prepare for the reception of a sacrament they have missed for whatever reason.

Community Service
The purpose of this program is to enhance the religion curriculum at Guardian Angels Church by enabling the students to put into practice what they learn about their faith.  It is the duty of all Christians to reach out in service to those around them.  The students may do so in any of the following settings:  the parish community, school, their families and/or the community at-large.  This outreach may be done by individual students, as well as by students working in groups.