Children's Faith Formation at Divine Mercy Parish

We know that your child's faith is important to you.
Recognizing that times have changed, we know that the ways children come to know God's love
and the beauty of our Catholic faith must change, too.
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.

Vacation Bible School - Summer 2020
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CLIMB ON BOARD!
INTRODUCING THE COOLEST NEW ONLINE
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FOR K-4TH

​Totally Catholic
Rocky Railway
Vacation Bible School!
Bible stories, songs, videos,
wonderful messages,
fast-moving and fun!
TWO LIVE SESSIONS EACH DAY:
JULY 27-31
FROM 9:00-9:45 A.M. and
4:30-5:15 P.M. EACH DAY
$20.00 PER FAMILY FOR SUPPLY KIT MATERIALS

Register below by July 17th to receive
resources for your family.

Each day has a specific theme:
Monday: Jesus’ power helps us to do hard things!
Tuesday: Jesus’ power gives us hope!
Wednesday: Jesus’ power helps us be bold!
Thursday: Jesus’ power lets us live forever!
Friday: Jesus’ power helps us be good friends!
Each and every day we can trust Jesus!

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

Presented in collaboration by the Children’s Ministries of::St. Benedict’s, St. Catherine Laboure,
United Catholic Youth Ministries, St. Andrew’s, The Catholic Community of Northbrook,
and Divine Mercy Parish

Video Retrospective of Our Year Together

FIRST EUCHARIST MESSAGE FROM FATHER STEVE
CONFIRMATION MESSAGE FROM FATHER STEVE
Sunday Morning Children's Ministry
OUR  MISSION

Children’s Ministry focuses on growing faith and engaging hearts. We offer faith formation to children, kindergarten through 8th grade at both the Sacred Heart and St. Philip the Apostle campuses.

We foster the life-long growth of our children and families, as disciples of Jesus Christ, in the Catholic tradition. Our program is supported by many generous adults and high school students who share their faith, time and talents with the children of our parish.

OUR PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Information and Registration for 2020-2021 coming soon!  Below are the programs offered in 2019-2020.
Our new Sunday morning program includes a variety of sessions—with less time in the classroom and more time connecting faith to everyday life. It seeks to engage your family in a more robust way as we partner in your child’s faith formation. Families from St. Philip and Sacred Heart will join together for the Masses, Service and Prayer sessions.

3 Family Masses
  • An integral part of the program, these Masses will focus on special teaching moments with children and feature contemporary music.
  • Family Masses are held at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church
2 Family Service Sessions
  • These onsite gatherings will focus on projects that serve others as we learn about the call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
  • Sessions are held on-site at the Sacred Heart campus.
2 Family Prayer Sessions
  • These onsite gatherings will focus on practical ways that families can deepen their relationship with God through prayer.
  • Sessions are held on-site at the Sacred Heart campus.
11 Child Sessions
  • The parent/child sessions will begin in the Gym with shared prayer and an activity. Children will then join their catechists as parents stay to discuss topics relating to children’s faith formation and completing lessons at home.
  • 2 of these sessions will include a parent.
6 Home Sessions
  • Using parent friendly materials, we will help you to share these lessons with your child throughout the year. Guidance will be provided during parent sessions.
Family Faith Connection
Meets:  Sunday evenings monthly, 5:00–6:45 p.m.
Family Masses:  9:00 a.m., Sacred Heart Church; September 29th, January 12th, May 3rd
2019-2020 Family Faith Connection Calendar
Family Faith is for families who want to learn, grow and pray together as an alternative to weekly children’s ministry sessions. The program combines 8 monthly group meetings on Sunday evenings at the Sacred Heart parish center and grade-specific instruction by trained catechists along with at-home sessions guided by parents. 

Parish
  • 8 times per year families gather together and experience a meal, prayer and activity.
  • Parents stay with the leader for the continuation of the session and children join catechists for their own session.
Home
  • 20 Home sessions.
  • Parents work with children to complete sessions using parent-friendly materials and instructions. 

This approach helps parents identify the faith lessons in the everyday moments when we teach our children to love, to respect, to forgive, to care for creation, and to care for each other.  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.
Who can participate?  
Any family members who would like a shared faith experience can participate.  Parents, children, grandparents, stepparents, aunts,  uncles – all are welcome, and that includes families from both Sacred Heart and St. Philip sites.  Children preparing for confirmation (Grade 8) must also attend weekly sessions.  Some 8th graders assist as aides as part of their confirmation service.
 
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
2020 Confirmation Calendar
2020 First Reconciliation & First Communion Calendar
Sacramental Preparation is a 2 year process. This includes grades 1-2 (First Reconciliation and First Communion) and grades 7-8 (Confirmation).

4-5 additional sessions will be added to the regular session schedule for grades 2, 7 and 8.
QUESTIONS
We welcome your questions! Please contact Kathy Handelman at khandelman@divinemercynorthshore.org.