Children's Faith Formation at Divine Mercy Parish

We know that our children and families need faith more now than ever.
Our plan for the future is designed to help our children become
lifelong followers of Jesus.
The goal of all of our programming is to engage the hearts and minds of our children and families.
​Please see our ministry offerings below.
​Miriam Chan, Director of Children's Ministry ([email protected])
Kelly Shoup, Assistant Director of Children's Ministry ([email protected])

Registration and Calendars for Children's Ministry 2026-2027

Click HERE to register for Children’s Ministry.  See our calendars and program information below.

Calendars for the coming year are below, so mark the dates now!
Sunday Morning Program
​Sessions will meet from 8:45-9:50 a.m. on Sundays at Sacred Heart School & Divine Mercy Parish Center.
  • We will kick off our year with an Opening Outdoor Family Mass at 4:30 p.m., August 30, 2026, at St. Philip the Apostle. (In case of rain, the Mass will take place inside the church.)
  • Our year will feature:
    • Attending Mass regularly is an integral part of the program, as celebration of the Eucharist often incorporates special teaching moments for our children.
    • Service projects woven directly into the monthly curriculum based on the Corporal Works of Mercy for all grade levels
    • 1 Saints Celebration during which we will learn about Catholic saints, and our Confirmation Year 2 students will introduce us to the wonderful saints they have chosen as part of the Confirmation faith journey.
    • 1 Christmas Pageant & Carols during which families will enjoy watching their children recreate the nativity story and experience the joy and wonder of Advent.
    • In-Person Sessions led by our outstanding, experienced catechists.  Sessions meet from 8:45-9:50 a.m. 
    • Youth Alpha for our 7th graders (Year 1 of Confirmation) as a way to prepare for Confirmation.
    • Sacramental prep for children preparing to receive First Communion & Confirmation.
    • Confirmation Year 2 students have the option of attending Sunday morning sessions (8:45-9:50 a.m.) or Wednesday evening sessions (4:30-5:20 p.m.).  Students must commit to one session only.  They are not able to alternate between Sundays and Wednesdays.
Family Faith Connections
We will also offer the Family Faith Connections (FFC) program for families who want to learn, grow, and pray together, with the majority of their faith formation completed by parents and children at home.  Family Faith combines monthly group meetings on Sunday evenings at the Parish Center at Sacred Heart and grade-specific instruction by trained catechists, along with at-home sessions guided by parents.
  • Families will gather 8 times per year on a Sunday evening from 5:15-7:00 p.m. to share a meal, prayer, and activity, followed by lessons for the children and a chance for parents to meet to discuss our faith. 
  • Parents work with children to complete approximately 20 Home sessions using parent-friendly materials and instructions. 
  • Any family member who would like a shared faith experience can participate. Parents, children, grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles – all are welcome. 
  • 7th & 8th Graders may attend Family Faith but must also attend important events on Sundays or weekdays.  

This approach helps parents identify the faith lessons in the everyday moments when we teach our children to love, to respect, to forgive one another, to care for God's beautiful creation, and to serve those around us who need our help.  Families get to know others who are interested in growing in faith as a family.  Community is created as parents gather and share and as they realize that they are not alone on this journey.

What if I don’t feel prepared to teach my child?  
The program is designed for parents just like you.  You will learn together with your child as you use the Home Session Plans created just for this purpose and attend our Sunday evening gatherings.​
Sacramental Preparation
​​Sacramental Preparation is a 2 year process. This includes grades 1-2 (First Reconciliation and First Communion) and grades 7-8 (Confirmation).

Watch Our Confirmation Video

Watch Our First Communion Video

Watch Our 2025 Children's Ministry Christmas Pageant!

Congratulations to our third graders who did a fantastic job this year!  Thanks to our catechists, teen aides, parents, our fabulous director Kristin Katz, and our pianist Miranda Farmer for helping to make the Pageant so special.  We are very grateful to you all!
​Just press play and enjoy!

First Communion 2025

Confirmation 2025
​Congratulations to our children who received their First Communion!
Thank you to parents, teachers, catechists & teen aides
who helped prepare them along the journey.
Congratulations to our newly confirmed! 
​Many thanks to our amazing catechists, sponsors, and parents who helped prepare
​ these young people to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Our Christmas Pageant 2024

Caroling at North Shore Place
We are so proud of our Children’s Ministry 3rd graders who participated in the annual Christmas Pageant on December 15th.  It was a wonderful performance!  We are grateful to our catechists Lis Settimi and Lisa Connolly, our teen aides Olivia Ty, Elle Shafer and Dominic Krantz, our Costume guru, Peggy Keese, and pianist/cantor extraordinaire, Miranda Farmer.  Thank you to all of our parent volunteers, and of course, to Miriam Chan and Kelly Shoup, our Director and Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry!  Thank you to our parents as well, who coached and supported our children at home!   ​Check out the two videos below. Be sure to enlarge them!
 Picture
 Some of our Children's Ministry Students visited the residents of North Shore Place in Northbrook to share some Christmas Cheer with their caroling on Sunday, December 15th.

Children's Ministry Program Information

Please contact Kelly Shoup ([email protected]) or call 847-446-0856 x106 with any questions.

First Communion 2024

Confirmation April 15, 2024

​2023 Christmas Pageant Photos

Congratulations to our 3rd and 4th graders on a wonderful performance!  Thank you to our Catechists, our Director Kristin Katz, her assistants Nelson Goodrich and Connor Lolli, our song leader/pianist Miranda Farmer, and the students themselves.  Bravo!

Celebrating Sacraments & Special Events

Confirmation 2023

First Communion 2023

Christmas Pageant 2022