please clickHERERegister with R.E. K-5 Family Education and for the Sacraments, ages 7-17. !
Do you only need to make one payment for the current year's tuition and fees? GoHere.
At Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia Parish, we accompany and equip parents to embrace their call to raise their children to be lifelong disciples of Jesus. We do this in four transformative ways.
We are transformed by Jesus in community and through the celebration of the sacraments, where we are inspired to use our God-given gifts to minister to one another as His beloved children.
In a warm and welcoming environment, parents explore and reflect on God's love story while children are guided in their faith experience.
Families receive a blessed Jesus Story Bible that allows each member of the family to deepen their personal knowledge and experience of God's saving love.
With the blessing and unique gifts of the gathered families and the guidance of table leaders and class catechists, we find Jesus in each other, in His Word and in our living tradition. These meetings allow us to be witnesses of our Catholic faith and to live the Good News of Jesus inside and outside our homes of faith.
Searching is our great story of faith. It is the biblical texts that describe the stories of how we were created in love (and for love), captured from sin, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and our response to the Holy Spirit as the builder of God's kingdom.
Both children and parents enroll in SEEK and enjoy two separate learning experiences culminating in family prayer. The series consists of four personal sessions: a journey to rediscover the good news of our faith.
What is SEARCH COUNTRIES?
Seek for Parents is a small group experience designed just for parents. On the SEEK journey, you will be guided through discussions, activities, reflections, as well as lectures and video testimony teachings, with the aim of engaging each participant in knowing and growing in relationship with our loving God. As parents, you will be given a common vocabulary so that you can start a conversation about faith with your children at home.
What is FIND KIDS?
Seek for Children is a VBS style experience designed for children in grades K-5. Through songs, activities, and instructional videos, your children will learn about a God who is love and gain a common vocabulary to discuss their beliefs and ask questions with you, their parents.
SEARCH schedules and options
SEEK sessions are held at the beginning of the training year from late September to October. We are ALL called to know and make sense of our great story of faith throughout our lives. We hope that all families will sign up for one of the two SEEK options on the website or alternatively atAlpha-Family.
Each of the SEEK registration options includes four appointments to meet at Nossa Senhora das Mercês in the company of other families who are “seeking” to know our faith story.
SEARCH, option #1SUNDAY, 11:15-12:30 DATES: 25.09., 02.10., 16.10. and 23.10
SEARCH, option #2WEDNESDAY, 6:15-7:30 DATES: 28.9., 5.10., 19.10. and 26.10
ROOT follows the SEEK series and launches in November. ROOT is a learning experience of our core beliefs that we recite at every Mass in the Creed.
Both children and parents attend each of the ROOT meetings. Parents and children explore their faith through a variety of learning experiences culminating in family prayer. The series consists of six face-to-face sessions that empower parents to conduct a family faith experience at home that allows the family to discover the meaning and take deep root in knowing and practicing our core beliefs.
What is ROOT FOR PARENTS?
Root for Parents is designed to guide parents in learning about the Trinity and the essential tenets of our faith contained in the Creed. Parents receive a vocabulary of faith and are empowered to share faith with their families.
Was ist ROOTFOR CHILDREN?
In the grades, under the guidance of trained catechists, the children learn about the Trinity and the essential teachings of our faith contained in the Creed.
Programming and ROOT options
There will be an enrollment option for ROOT following at 10:00am. Mass and an option on Wednesday evening from 18:15. We meet once a month for 75 minutes at ROOT.
ROOT, option #1DOMINGO, 11.15 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 13.11., 11.12., 8.1., 5.2., 19.3., 23.4
ROOT, option #2WEDNESDAY, 6:15 – 7:30 11/16, 12/14, 11/1 8/2, 22/3, 19/4
ROOT face-to-face sessions, titles and topics
| meet | title | Is |
| SESSION 1 | God finds us | God knows us by name and wants us to recognize him. We come to know him through the words and deeds of revelation. |
| SESSION 2 | meet the Trinity | god is light God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. |
| SESSION 3 | Discover the Sagrada Familia | Jesus grew up in a family like ours. He wants to be close to us every day. |
| SESSION 4 | meet jesus | Jesus saves us through the power of the cross. love is sacrifice |
| SESSION 5 | Meet the Holy Spirit | God gives us his Spirit to stay with us. His power is given through the sacraments. |
| SESSION 6 | Discover our forever home | We were created to spend eternity with God. God help us run. |
M E N D is a day of PREPARATION FOR THE FIRST RECONCILIATION of families. It is an experience shared with parish families who are enrolled in sacramental preparation at home with some very specific components of family faith.
ARRANGEMENTit is an intimate learning experience with the First Atonement. Families will encounter Jesus and discover the beauty of reconciliation as he connects to daily life through innovative religious activities such as
ARRANGEMENTis designed to equip parents to teach their children to share faith and pray with them by engaging with other local families and providing leadership at some MEND home meetings. This combination of face-to-face and home meetings provides a vital partnership between the parish and each House of Faith.
M E N D Schedules and face-to-face meeting options
Families who have registered for Sacramental Preparation participate in a series of 3 face-to-face sessions, conveniently meeting on Saturdays or Sundays after 4:00 p.m. Mass or scheduled before our Sunday 10:00 a.m. Pasta. Light and healthy snacks are offered, respecting the Lenten season before Holy Communion.
REPAIR, option 1
DAY AND TIME: Saturday, 17:15-18:30 (this time follows Saturday Mass at 16:00)
DEADLINE: 5.11., 3.12., 21.1
REPAIR, option 2
DAY AND TIME: Sunday, 8:30-9:45 (this time before Sunday Mass at 10:00)
DEADLINE: 6.11., 4.12., 22.1
WITHDRAWAL
DATE: Saturday February 4, 2023
Tempo: 2:00 am – 3:45 pm.
(This first MEND Reconciliation Retreat is for the MEND groups on Saturday and Sunday!)
Celebrating the First Atonement of Our Lady of Mercy:
Saturday 25 February 2023
M E N D Families register for the 11am event. –OR- 12:30 p.m. rite of reconciliation
M E N D scope and order
Available as a bilingual resource. English and Spanish.
No place &home meeting | TITLE | IS | ACTIVITY | Concepts and values of faith |
face to face session,1 more 2 | handmade | Learn that we were all created with love for God's sake, each one of us handmade and unique. | Mold the putty or clay into your own shape. | creation, dignity of the person |
the fruit | Learn how God created people with free will or the ability to make choices for themselves. | Color the paper apples and use them to talk about free will, hope in Jesus and the cross. | Original sin, make good decisions | |
Home meeting #3 | Lost Items | Learn more about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He will always look for each of us. | Play hide and seek with the wooden sheep. | God's loving pursuit of us |
face to face session,#4 | wash clean | Learn about the cross, the outpouring of grace, and the sacrament of baptism. | Have each family member write their name on the wooden cross. Renew your baptismal vows as a family. | grace, baptism, new life Share the catechism at the baptismal font |
marryMeeting #5 | A meta | Learn how sin "misses the mark" and the guidance God has given us in the 10 Commandments and Beatitudes. | Play a field goal game with a mini soccer ball. These are the 10 Commandments and Beatitudes. | Sin, the consequences of choices, the laws of good |
Face-to-face session 6 | hearts and stones | Learn about awareness and options, and how to evaluate your day. Examine your conscience and pray the act of repentance. | Join the exam prayer with your exam bag full of hearts and stones. soul-searching. | Awareness, exam tool |
marryMeeting #7 | healed | Learn how our choices affect others. Learn what repentance is and outline how to make a good confession. Celebrate God's desire to "find us." | Make a rope net together as a family. | Repentance, Forgiveness, Healing |
N O U R I S H is aPREPARATION DAY FOR FIRST COMMUNION FOR FAMILIES.It is an experience shared with parish families who are enrolled in sacramental preparation at home with some very specific components of family faith.
NOURISH is a family First Communion experience designed to equip parents to teach, share their faith, and pray with their children while participating locally and leading family home evening through a variety of practical and innovative activities. A total of ten themes of family life linked to the prayer of Mass are experienced and the family's awareness of the real presence of God's love in the home in the celebration of the Eucharist is deepened at each Mass.
Families will come to know Jesus and experience the beauty of the Mass as He connects to the daily lives of the family through solving puzzles, cooking, reading the scriptures, engaging in meaningful conversations, and more. Sacramental preparation is enhanced through parental and family involvement.
NOURISH hours and options
Families registered for Sacramental Preparation participate in a series of 3 face-to-face sessions meeting on Saturday or Sunday, with the Saturday session starting after Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Mass and meeting the following Sunday at 10:00 am. Pasta. Note these important dates including the NOURISH First Communion Retreat!
Nourish Option #1:Saturday March 18, April 15, April 29 Time: 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Nourish Option #2: Sunday March 12, April 16, April 30 Hours: 8:30am – 9:45am
NUTRITION retreat
DATED: MAY 6, 2023
TIME: SATURDAY, 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
(The date and time of the nursing retreat apply to both nursing groups!)
Celebrate First Communion Masses of Our Lady of Mercy
Saturday 20 May 2023 at 11am.
Rehearsal for Saturday May 20th at 11am. The fair is on Friday, May 19 at 4:30 p.m. m., church OLM
-Ö-
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
Rehearsal for Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. The fair is on Friday, May 19th at 6:30 p.m. m., church OLM
N O U R I S H scope and order
Available as a bilingual resource. English and Spanish.
MEET | title | Is | activity | values taught |
| Personal meetings 1 and 2 | families get together | Learn the importance of coming together as a family at home and as a community at church. Your family is unique, special, and sacred, and set apart for a purpose. | Set up your family gathering place. Create a familiar handshake. Draw a picture of your family. Find something in your home that reminds you of Jesus. | Community, uniqueness, family ties |
| families forgive | Learn about the meaning of your daily actions and your opportunity to ask for forgiveness when you make mistakes. | Analogy to forgiveness with a tube of lotion | Forgiveness, Mercy, Reconciliation | |
faith encounter at home. #3 | families listen | Learn how reading, listening, pondering, and retelling stories from the scriptures can help you discover and share your faith. | Lectio Divina with a set of story sheets. | Contemplation, reflection, finding deeper meaning |
Personal meetings 4 and 5 | families respond | Learn to follow Jesus by making good choices. | Play a pick up sticks game. Fill out a postcard for your priest. | Attention, preparation, participation |
Families get ready | Learn the connection between preparing a meal at home and preparing the altar to celebrate Jesus' sacrifice. | Organize your desk in a special way. Sharing a snack together. | Good decision making, free will | |
Personal meetings 6 and 7 | Families are transformed | Learn how the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. | Bake a bun together. | Love, Sacrifice, Transubstantiation |
| Families share the peace | Learn how the world that God created to fit together perfectly was torn apart by sin. Each of us is called to help rebuild by being peacemakers. | Draw and put together a puzzle. | Peace, Care and Creation | |
Face to face encounters8 years 9 | families received | Learn how receiving Jesus is a gift given to you each time you receive Communion. | Decorate a door hanger for the first communicant. | give and take |
| Missionary Families | Learn how you are called to take your faith outside of the Church by loving and serving others. | Family foot washing experience. | service, friendliness | |
| Home Faith Meeting #10 | celebrate families | Learn how to celebrate milestones of faith with loved ones. | A conscious activity for your First Communion celebration. | Evangelism, affirmation and encouragement |
In addition to our exciting family faith education journeys this year, we are also hosting a series of family faith events centered around themes from our church year and the Catholic tradition.
The Faith Family Calendar of Events will be here very soon!
ADDITIONAL FAMILY RESOURCES
Families learn to pray the rosary
Saints for young students
Our family fasting day
BECOME A FAMILY CATECHIST
Are you a passionate student who enjoys bringing families together with a welcoming heart?
Do you enjoy involving others in discussions about faith and prayer?
Would you like to discover how you can offer life-changing encounters with Jesus and make disciples?
Check out our contact information below and inquire about becoming a family catechist today!
contact us
Maria Jo TrapaniDirector of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Parish Family, Kindergarten - 5th grade | RCIC
maryjot@olmercy.como (331) 707-5378
karen schwartz, Administrative Assistant, Family Faith Education, Grades K-12 | RCIC
karens@olmercy.como (331) 707-5369
links and documents
Safe environment for our children
Do you only need to make one payment for the current year's tuition and fees? GoHere.
FAQs
How is faith shown in the family? ›
Faith in our family begins with trusting our Heavenly Father and His promises. We press forward despite challenges, never giving up on ourselves or our children. We teach our family to have faith in Christ by living what we know to be true. Our children learn their most powerful lessons from our faithfulness.
How do you practice faith in your family? ›- Keep the Sabbath Holy. “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” ~ Ex. ...
- Observe the Litrugical Calendar. ...
- Pray Together Every Evening. ...
- Create a Sacred Space in the Home. ...
- Practice the Works of Mercy. ...
- Teach and Model the Seven Virtues. ...
- Tithe to Church and Charities.
Faith formation classes are designed to help your child grow in the love of Christ. The faith formation classes are a time for your child to learn about the Catholic faith in a nurturing and supportive environment. Through continuously developing a relationship with Christ, children learn to become lifelong disciples.
How can faith be nurtured in a family? ›Among the most important practices are: Reading the Bible as a family and encouraging young people to read the Bible regularly. Praying together as a family and encouraging young people to pray personally. Serving people in need as a family and supporting service activities by young people.
Why is family faith formed? ›Family faith formation empowers families to, together, deepen their relationship with God, live and learn their faith, share their faith stories, and strengthen their relationships within their families. It is an evangelizing vision for catechesis that can be implemented through a variety of ways.
What does it mean to be a family of faith? ›Each Faith Family is unique; nevertheless each shares a mission: to be a family that is fruitful and multiplying. It is a family in the sense that these people are a committed community. They are fruitful in that as they meet to learn and study and grow together, they're bearing the fruits of discipleship.