EDGE at St. Anthony of Padua, Fresno, is a Catholic youth group for middle schoolers (grades 7 and 8) and their families that welcomes all in the name of Jesus, inviting them into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. Middle Schoolers are in a unique time in their lives when they are seeking deeper forms of belonging and searching for their identities. EDGE is designed to help them form their Catholic identity and root them in Jesus Christ.
The EDGE program at St. Anthony’s provides faith formation and preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. Sacramental preparation is always a 2-year program.
The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation):
If your child is over the age of 7 and has never been Baptized, then the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) all occur together at the Easter Vigil Mass.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist: If your child was Baptized as an infant and is over the age of 7 and has never received First Communion, we can prepare them for reception of the Eucharist, which will include the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession). Teens cannot be Confirmed unless they have received First Communion.
If your middle schooler is ready to take the next step in their Journey towards Jesus, click the registration option below. Note: Please have all required documents prepared, as they are required to complete the registration.
Registration is only available online.
Documents Needed for First Communion: Certificate of Baptism
Documents needed for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism): Birth Certificate
If your child completed their first year of Sacramental preparation at a different parish, please provide a Letter of Transfer.
2026-2027 Registrations are currently closed.
EDGE is scheduled from September 2026 through to May 2027. The schedule is released on a semester basis. 1st Semester September-December. 2nd Semester January-May.
EDGE sessions meet three times a month on Tuesdays in the Social Hall at St. Anthony’s School, 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Of those three sessions, one session is a dedicated parents’ night designed to empower parents to be the chief catechists of their homes. Each month, middle schoolers and their families attend a Saturday vigil Mass at 4 pm.
EDGE SCHEDULE
EDGE September 2026 – December 2026 Schedule
(Currently Unavailable)
EDGE January 2027 – May 2027
(Currently Unavailable)
Volunteer Information
If you feel called to help St. Anthony’s middle schoolers grow in their relationship with Christ and His Church, please fill out a volunteer form.
Be sure to select “Youth Ministry” and “EDGE.” If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
Contact: Jaime Torkelson
Phone: (559) 559-439-0124 x117
Email: jtorkelson@stanthonyfresno.org