Formation

Parish Family Evangelization & Catechesis

“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy with Jesus Christ.”     – John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, 5

In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers as living, radiant faith.  For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Domestic Church (#1656, Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Family Alpha

Find out more about this family pathway of evangelization and catechesis for both the parents and the children at this link. Summary of which are:

  • Helping parents to grow in their confidence to be the primary influence of their faith to their child(ren).
    We do this by accompanying the parents in being equipped through an opportunity to encounter Jesus, journeying with fellow parents while their children are also experiencing similar offerings to encounter Jesus.
  • Because it’s the Alpha way of radical hospitality, a full dinner for both parents and children is being served.
  • Parents are grouped with fellow parents in the same age level into “Households of Faith” (Galatians 6:10) where not only a friendship with Jesus is explored personally, but also an opportunity to develop and grow in Catholic friendships with fellow parents facing the same family life-journey. An after Alpha further accompaniment into Households of Faith Grow Groups will be presented after the Alpha season.

For more information and questions, please connect with Zara at (331)707-5381 or zara@olmercy.com


Zara is the Evangelization and Communications Director at our parish.  As a Catholic evangelist, she loves to share her greatest passion – helping others to come to know the love of Jesus Christ and how to share that love with others.

Before being a full-time agent of rescue for the Holy Spirit, she was a partner and an operations manager for a boutique investment management firm for 13 years, and prior to that tenure was at Morgan Stanley for 6 years.

The most important part of her life and vocation is being a wife and mother.  Zara and her husband John have two children.


Families with Children: Kindergarten-Grade 5

Find out more about our family faith journeys that include Sacramental Preparation! View descriptions of SEEK, ROOT, MEND & NOURISH HERE.

 

For more information and questions, please contact:

Office of Family Evangelization & Catechesis for Kindergarten-Grade 5

Mary Jo Trapani |  Director
Maryjot@olmercy.com
(331)707-5378

Karen Schwartz | Administrative Assistant
KarenS@olmercy.com
(331)707-5369

 


EDGE Middle School Ministry (Grades 6-8)

Faith formation for  families with students in grades 6-8 is called EDGE.  Students can participate in EDGE Nights, social, service, retreat and leadership opportunities. Get more details here.

 


For more information and questions, please contact:

Office of Family & Youth Evangelization & Catechesis for Grades 6-12

Dave Miserendino |  Director
DaveM@olmercy.com
(331)707-5371

Karen Schwartz | Administrative Assistant
KarenS@olmercy.com
(331)707-5369


L.I.G.H.T. Senior High Ministry (Grades 9-12)

Faith formation for families with high  school students (grades 9-12) is called L.I.G.H.T. or Living In God’s Holy Truth. It includes mini-courses, monthly  gatherings, service, social events, retreats, trips, conferences, peer  ministry and much more. Get more details here.

 


For more information and questions, please contact:

Office of Family & Youth Evangelization & Catechesis for Grades 6-12

Dave Miserendino |  Director
DaveM@olmercy.com
(331)707-5371

Karen Schwartz | Administrative Assistant
KarenS@olmercy.com
(331)707-5369


Adult Faith Formation GROW

Amazed at the work of Holy Spirit in our parish, we’re convinced that God is leading us into a time of formation, becoming missionary disciples necessary for the transformation of life and culture. Please click here for more information


Becoming Catholic (RCIA)

Adults (age 18 or older) Looking for Baptisms and Confirmations? RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) might be for you. Click here for more information.

Please contact Zara Tan at zara@olmercy.com (630) 851-3444 ext 230 with any questions.