Welcome to Divine Mercy Children’s Ministry

We know that your child’s faith is important to you. Recognizing that times have changed, we know that the way children come to know God’s love and the Catholic faith must change too. We are excited to share our plans with you.

In January of 2019, the Religious Education Boards of Sacred Heart and St. Philip the Apostle came together to create a plan for the future to help our children become lifelong followers of Jesus. Recognizing that parents, technology and church play important roles in the faith formation of children, the Boards envisioned creative changes to the program. We believe these changes will enable us to better engage the hearts and minds of our children.

What you need to know:
  • Religious Education/PREP has a new name: Children’s Ministry
  • As of July 1, 2019, there is one Children’s Ministry program for both Sacred Heart and St. Philip the Apostle
  • Both worship sites will continue to host Children’s Ministry
  • Catechists and volunteers will still be needed at both sites
  • Divine Mercy families can register their children at either campus

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

Please review our three program offerings, below.
Sunday Morning Children's Ministry
Sacred Heart Campus:  9:00-10:15 a.m.
St. Philip Campus:  10:30—11:45 a.m.
2019-2020 Sunday Morning Children's Ministry Calendar
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.
Dates:  September 22nd, October 20th, November 17th, December 15th, January 26th, February 23rd, March 15th, April 19th
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 & REGISTRATION
We welcome your questions! Please contact the Parish Office at 847-446-0856 or email Sue Lehocky at slehocky@divinemercynorthshore.org. To register for our 2019–2020 Children's Ministry programs, click the button below.