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 better engage the hearts and minds of our children and families.
​Please see our ministry offerings below.
​
Kathy Handelman, Director of Children's Ministry (khandelman@divinemercynorthshore.org)
Kelly Shoup, Assistant Director of Children's Ministry (kshoup@divinemercynorthshore.org)

Children's Ministry 2023-2024 Registration is Now Live !

We are excited to open registration for 2023-2024. All families who register before August 1 will be entered into a raffle to receive $200 off one registration (catechists who take the well-deserved discount are not eligible).
​You will be asked to create an account even if you are a returning user to our system.​
Click HERE to set up an account to register. 

2023-2024  Calendars

​Here are the calendars for the coming year by grade.
​We look forward to gathering in person but will remain flexible to changing as needed.

PK, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6th Grade Calendar 2023-2024
2nd Grade Calendar 2023-2024
7th Grade Calendar 2023-2024
 8th Grade Calendar 2023-2024​ 
FAMILY FAITH Calendar 2023-2024

Children's Ministry Program Information

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 a Family Mass at 10:00 a.m., September 17, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church followed by food and fellowship.
  • Our year will feature:
    • 3 Family Masses an integral part of the program, these Masses will focus on special teaching moments with children and feature contemporary music.
    • 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 8th graders 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 as a way to prepare for Confirmation.
    • Sacramental prep for our 2nd and 8th graders.
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, step-parents, aunts,  uncles – all are welcome. 
  • 7th & 8th Graders may attend Family Faith, but must also attend weekly sessions on Sunday mornings.

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).
Please contact Kelly Shoup (kshoup@divinemercynorthshore.org) or call 847-446-0856 x106 with any questions.

Celebrating Sacraments & Special Events

Confirmation 2023

First Communion 2023

Christmas Pageant 2022