In our gospels, we proclaim a Lord who suffers with the suffering, who grieves with the grieving, who knows our isolation and our pain.  Every Christian is called to the tasks of healing and comforting and companionship. 

— Handbook for Ministers of Care, Liturgy Training Publications
Ministry of Care
Ministers of Care are ordinary people called to minister to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Parishioners are commissioned by Divine Mercy to bring the compassion, prayer, and communion of the parish, and the church, to the sick and homebound.  These ministers are commissioned to bear witness to the suffering of parishioners and of Christ.  This is a ministry of presence: the presence of the minister of care, and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
 At Divine Mercy, we bring the bread of life, the Eucharist, to someone who cannot come to either of our worship sites. We have ministers who are trained to bring the Eucharist to our members in the hospital, nursing homes, in rehab centers, and to those who are homebound.
 If you would like to become a Minister of Care or if you know someone who would benefit from a weekly visit or some companionship during an illness or period of rehabilitation, please contact:
 Liz McGowen, Director of Pastoral Care and Outreach at the Parish Office, [email protected] or 847-446-0856 ext. 108
Caregiver Support Group
Caregiver Support Group -- Parishioners who are caring for loved ones gather weekly for an informal discussion to share experiences and offer each other support. As of August 1, 2023, we are meeting via Zoom at 2 pm on Thursdays. For the link and details please email Liz McGowen, [email protected].
Bereavement Ministry
Coming Soon.
Family Life Speaker Series
In early 2023, our Pastoral Care Committee administered a survey to the Divine Mercy Parish community. We found that several "family life" issues were on parishioners' minds. Our Family Life Speaker Series is an effort to address those concerns. Details about our fall presentation are below:

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - How To Talk To Children About Scary Things
Dr. Karen Cassiday, PhD, of the Anxiety Treatment Center of Chicago, will help parents learn concrete tips and age-appropriate strategies to feel good about discussing life's difficulties and disasters with their children. Click here to see the slides from the presentation.
​

Anima Christi Prayer

Soul of Christ be my sanctification.
Body of Christ be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins.
Water from Christ's side, wash out my stains.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be.
O good Jesus, listen to me.
In your wounds I would hide,
never to be parted from your side.
Guard me when the foe assails me,
guide me when my feet shall fail me.
Bid me come to you above
with your Saints to sing your love.
Forever and ever, Amen

Pastoral Care Family Life Resources

PARISH RESOURCES 
Below are organizations and resources that serve the Divine Mercy Parish community. If you need help figuring out where to turn, or do not see what you need, please contact our director of pastoral care, Liz McGowen, at Lm[email protected] or 847-446-0856 ext. 108. She is also available most weekends after the Sunday morning Masses if you prefer to speak in person. 
  • Deacon Mike McNulty’s blog: https://mikesdailyreflections.blogspot.com/ 
  • Online Rosary:  This group meets online (via Zoom) Monday-Friday at 7:30 am. www.divinemercynorthshore.org/parish-news--events/want-to-join-our-online-rosary-on-weekdays. 
  • Parent-Tot Group: An informal play group for parents and young children meets on Thursday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am during the school year. We alternate between our parish's two worship sites, and over the summer there is a "group chat" for arranging informal, spontaneous playdates. For more details please visit: Parent-Tot Group 
  • Women’s Network: This parish group for women hosts meetings for information, entertainment, and fellowship. For information please visit: Women's Network
  • Crafty Ladies: This is a group of women who meet for coffee and conversation (and occasionally to do crafts) on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 in the St. John Paul II Room at St. Philip the Apostle Church. 

RESOURCES FOR THE SICK, HOMEBOUND, AND ELDERLY
Available at Divine Mercy Parish: 
  • Caregiver Support Group: Thursdays from 2-3 pm at the parish office; no meetings June 29 & July 6 or Dec. 28 & Jan. 4 - This is a drop-in group, no reservations needed, simply an opportunity to talk with others who are caring for loved ones and enjoy a little time away from your day-to-day responsibilities. All are welcome. 
  • Ministers of Care: Members of this ministry bring Holy Communion to those who are homebound or in local nursing facilities and hospitals. To find out how to connect your loved one with this beautiful ministry, contact Liz McGowen, director of pastoral care, at [email protected] or 847-446-0856 ext. 108. 
  • Worship Aid: The Divine Mercy Parish Worship Aid is published weekly, and it contains the entire liturgy for Sunday Mass. It also has parish announcements, news, and prayer lists. We encourage you to take a copy to a friend or family member who is unable to attend church, or we would be happy to have a volunteer drop off a copy for them. The worship aid is also available online at www.divinemercynorthshore.org/bulletin--worship-aid.html 
  • Events: Seniors are welcome at all our parish events. Of special interest is the Christmas caroling party which will be held on December 19, 2023, from 4:30-5:30 pm. This is a family-oriented event at which participants sing traditional Christmas carols and make ornaments in the parish center. It was particularly enjoyed by the seniors who attended. All are welcome. 

Family Service of Glencoe 
Emily Mysel, MSW, LCSW, Senior Program Manager, 675 Village Court, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-5111, www.familyserviceofglencoe.org 
  • Offers counseling for youth and families, crisis intervention services, assistance for seniors, and information and referral. While this organization technically covers Glencoe, members of Divine Mercy Parish may contact them for information and referrals. 
  • Also has the “Glencoe Cares” program (designed to assist with wellbeing of seniors in Glencoe) with forms including a medication list, emergency contact list, and POLST form that all are encouraged to have on hand in case of an emergency. This program and forms may be found here www.familyserviceofglencoe.org/glencoe-cares/; copies of the forms may be found at the parish office and in the vestibules of both worship sites. 

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois 
1723 Simpson Street, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 332-2678, www.mealsonwheelsnei.org 
Intake may be done by phone. 
  • Delivers two meals per day, Monday-Saturday. Pet food and basic pet supplies may also be delivered.  The regular cost per day is $8 per meal, with reduced fees available using a sliding scale.   
  • Volunteers can visit in person or on the phone. These visits are available upon request.  
  • Shopping Assistance - Our volunteers will go to the grocery store for our clients to pick up a variety of foods, toiletries, and paper products. Besides the cost of the groceries themselves, there is no additional fee for this service. 
North Shore Senior Center 
161 Northfield Rd., Northfield IL 60093, (847) 784-6000, www.nssc.org 
This organization offers support and resources, learning programs, counseling, caregiver support, memory care programs, fitness and wellness programs, adult protective services, personal money management, and housing resources. Each day offers multiple options for seniors to connect with others. 

New Trier Township 
Offers a food pantry, emergency housing assistance, and other resources for residents of New Trier Township. Contact Jeanne Winsted Rosser, LCSW, General Assistance Director, 739 Elm St., Winnetka IL 60093, 847-446-8201, [email protected].

Northfield Township
Resources are available to residents of Northfield Township, including a food pantry.

RESOURCES FOR COUPLES & MARRIAGE

Retrouvaille 
Helps couples find consolation, strength, and encouragement. This is a long-term program in a group setting with retreats. www.helpourmarriage.org 

The Holbrook Center at Catholic Charities  
Counseling, including marriage counseling. www.catholiccharities.net/behavioral-health-programs/adult-counseling/; 312.655.7725. 

Catholic Therapists 
Maintains a list of counselors who understand Catholic teaching on the permanence of marriage and can help couples work toward saving their marriage; www.catholictherapists.com  

Directory of Therapists 
Dr. Bill Doherty, a leader in the marriage field, maintains a national registry of marriage counselors who believe marriage is an important personal, professional, and social value; www.marriagefriendlytherapists.com 

Family Service Center
The Community Mental Health Center for New Trier and Northfield Townships may also be able to assist. Their intake phone number is 847-251-7350; www.familyservicecenter.com. They serve everyone from children to older adults, with multiple languages available, and take PPO and sliding-scale payments.

Please know that a referral from your doctor may also be an option.

RESOURCES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Wings Program, P.O. Box 95615, Palatine, IL 60095; www.wingsprogram.com; email [email protected]  
Wings is our local domestic violence provider, who can offer counseling, emergency assistance, and shelter for individuals and families.

Emergency Shelter and 24-hour crisis assistance: 847-221-5680 
Housing, counseling, and mentors: 847-519-7828 
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); TTY for the hearing impaired 1-800-787-3224 

RESOURCES FOR BEREAVEMENT

Suicide:  LOSS Program www.catholiccharities.net/behavioral-health-programs/loss-loving-outreach-to-survivors-of-suicide/ 
For other resources, please contact our parish director of pastoral care, Liz McGowen, at 847-446-0856 ext. 108 or [email protected]

RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Family Service Center
This is the Community Mental Health Center for New Trier and Northfield Townships. Their intake phone number is 847-251-7350;  www.familyservicecenter.com. They serve all ages, with multiple languages available, and take PPO and sliding-scale payments.

Youth mental health:  
If you have concerns about your child's mental health, a good starting point is with your pediatrician and the staff at your child's school. Our parish director of pastoral care would be happy to talk with you and answer questions. These additional resources are also available for parents:

CATCH Program  
847-373-4661; www.catchiscommunity.org 
CATCH offers many resources for parents, including parent support groups and information. This is a wonderful local resource founded by parents who want to help other parents.

Erika’s Lighthouse
This organization helps facilitate suicide prevention and positive mental health in schools through community advocacy and ambassadors. Many local schools have chapters of this organization. Find out more at their website, www.erikaslighthouse.org

Resources for Addiction and Recovery 
Coming soon