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.
​
Kathy Handelman, Coordinator of Children's Ministry (khandelman@divinemercynorthshore.org)
Kelly Shoup, Children's Ministry Administrator (kshoup@archchicago.org)
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., October 2nd 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 with a priest or leader 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. 
  • 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.

​2022-2023  Children's Ministry 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 2022-2023
2nd Grade Calendar 2022-2023
7th Grade Calendar 2022-2023
 8th Grade Calendar 2022-2023​ 
FAMILY FAITH Calendar 2022-2023

First Communicants May 2022

Confirmation April 2022 Video 
Congratulations to all of our First Communicants!
Congratulations to all our Confirmandi!

Christmas Pageant 2021

In case you missed our wonderful Children's Ministry
Christmas Pageant held on December 12, 2021, just click here to watch!

Celebrating Our Sacraments
​These Past Few Years

​All Saints Celebration Video

Merry Christmas From Children's Ministry 2020!
​Each year, our 8th Grade Confirmation candidates select a saint that inspires them, and write a report about them.  They learn about the saint’s life and canonization.
This past year our 8th graders videotaped their reports. Enjoy this video compilation produced by parishioner Jeff Hartvigsen, who deserves a big thank you for all his work.
And thank you to all of our 8th Graders
​ for their hard work and creativity!

​Enjoy some of our Children’s Ministry students singing and performing ​some of the season’s merry and bright Christmas carols!
It’s the next best thing to being all together!
Following the carols is a charming video about the birth of the blessed baby Jesus.
Merry Christmas from Children's Ministry!