Welcome!

Whether you are simply curious to learn more about the Catholic faith, or seriously considering joining the Catholic Church, we are here to accompany you on your journey. To become a member of the Catholic Church, individuals receive the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

At Divine Mercy Parish, individuals are prepared for these Sacraments through a group called "Becoming Catholic." This includes the spiritual formation process in which those new to the Catholic faith are formed and guided as well as an in-depth look at our specific parish and opportunities to learn about life in our community. These newcomers then receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter celebration.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
  • The first step is to contact Liz McGowen, our director of evangelization to discuss your interest. Liz will meet with you and answer any questions you have and accompany you on this journey. 
  • If you decide to move forward, you'll join our "Becoming Catholic" program (see the column on this page for more details).
  • If the days and times of our program don't meet your schedule, we can explore other options to fit your individual needs.

If you are interested in learning more about Catholicism or our Becoming Catholic program, contact:
Liz McGowen
[email protected]
847-446-0856 ext 108

2026-2027 Becoming Catholic

Our "Becoming Catholic" group for those preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist (Communion), and Confirmation in the Catholic Church will begin Sept. 27, 2026. Preparations will culminate in the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, March 27, 2027, when participants will receive sacraments.

Becoming Catholic members will also be encouraged to meet three more times between Easter and Pentecost to get to know our "Belong" group of other new Catholics.

We hope you will join us!

Contact
Liz McGowen
[email protected]
847-446-0856 ext 108

Details
Becoming Catholic meetings will be on Sunday mornings from 8:45 - 9:45 am in our McNulty Hall Parish Center at Sacred Heart Campus, followed by attending Mass together at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church (or another time of your choice).

We will follow the same calendar as our Children's Ministry program, making this a convenient option for parents since we take breaks for school holidays. If the day/time does not work for your schedule, other options are available.

Together we will explore the official teachings, customs, and practices of the Catholic church. We will also:
  • Meet with other parishioners who have recently become Catholic to learn about their experiences
  • Learn about prayer, such as how to pray the Rosary
  • Attend Bible study and discussions as a group
  • Have open-ended discussions with our parish pastor, Fr. Dan Folwaczny, and other priests
  • Tour our parish worship sites, Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip the Apostle Church, to learn about the symbols, art, and history they contain
  • Take a field trip to the Shrine of All Saints to learn about the saints
  • Attend Mass together as a group at our Sharing Parishes, St. Moses the Black and St. Benedict the African
  • Serve others and enjoy faith-filled events at parish-organized events
  • Meet leaders from our ministries -- the Parish Council, Outreach Board, Ministers of Care, and others
  • Attend events together -- Advent activities, Ash Wednesday, palm burning, reconciliation services, Stations of the Cross, Holy Week events, and the Rite of Election at Holy Name Cathedral

Who Is Becoming Catholic (OCIA) For?

Those who are unsure or questioning and have never been baptized (known as Catechumens). People come to the OCIA process with a variety of feelings. Some individuals come to sessions fully committed and ready to be baptized!  Others are hesitant. And still, others want to ask as many questions as possible before making the decision to become Catholic. For that reason, the OCIA process is a journey of discernment. Divine Mercy Parish is here to help you along the way. If you are unsure if OCIA is a good fit for you, please know that we welcome those who are still questioning and exploring.  If, along the way, you decide that it is not right for you, it’s okay—that is part of discernment.

Adults Baptized in another Christian faith, who wish to become Catholic (known as Candidates). These are individuals who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and have baptized in another Christian tradition.  This is often the case for those individuals who plan to marry a Catholic or are already married to a Catholic and possible have children that are being raised Catholic. The OCIA process is a journey of discernment for these individuals as well, so that they may be guided along their journey and be open to the voice of God in their life.

Baptized Catholics who wish to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation (also referred to as Candidates). These are individuals who never received their First Communion or Confirmation for whatever reason. Again, the OCIA process enables these individuals to be accompanied on their journey to learn more about their Catholic faith, and grow closer to God.