Religious Education
As adult members of our faith community, we know that we never stop
learning about God and that we continue our entire life to try to know
Him better through prayer, study and service. We have learned through
experience that if faith is a relationship, it needs to be nourished like
any other relationship. It would seem then, that our main goal in
providing programs for our young people in Religious Education is to help
them realize that FAITH COMES FIRST in their lives and that Jesus center
of that faith experience for Catholic Christians. It is not to provide
all the answers, but it is meant to be a good continuation of the faith
growth that has already begun in them through the family and the parish
community.
From the time a child is held lovingly in the arms of their parent, they
begin to know the love of God. As they have watched their families make
choices, they have learned about right and wrong. As they have watched us
(the parish community) worship together, they have learned how to pray
with others to praise God and bring justice to the world. Our goal in
Religious Education then is to help them put those experiences in
perspective, to better understand God and His People, the Church. It is
to provide them with the opportunity to talk about what they
have "watched" all these years, and to see how the traditions and
teachings of the Church reinforce their own faith.
We would ask the entire parish community to support our efforts through
prayer.
We are here to serve you and support you in whatever way we can. Let us
pray together for a wonderful year of faith growth for all of us.
If you need more information about any of these Religious Education
services, please call the parish office.

Religious Education Classes
Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Student Registration packages are available in the Parish Office Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Completed registration forms
may be mailed to or dropped off at the Parish Office.

NEW! Learning about LIFE Plus Program:
At the request of Bishop Noonan, Divine Mercy is initiating a family-
centered, faith based program called "Learning About LIFE(Love,
Infatuation, Friendship and Exploitation) Plus". We will partner with
parents to give our children the information and tools they need within
the context of our Catholic tradition, to foster a deepening
understanding of positive, loving relationships, and to help them
recognize and avoid relationships that are unhealthy and destructive.
The schedule is as follows:
Pre-K & Kindergarten - Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
Grades 1 & 2 - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
Grades 3 & 4 - Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
Grades 5 & 6 - Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
Grades 7 & 8 - Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Dome)
More information about the LIFE program can be found at:
http://www.orlandodiocese.org/learning-about-life-plus

BAPTISM
Baptisms are held at Divine Mercy on the first Sunday of each month.
Prior to baptism parents are required to attend a Parent Baptism
Session.  Sessions are scheduled every 3 months.  Pre-registration is
required.  Parent Baptism Sessions are held on Saturdays and scheduled
throughout the year.  Please call Mary Frances Coburn at the parish
office for more information.
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN
Liturgy of the Word for Children is during the 11:30 AM Masses every
Sunday. Liturgy of the Word for Children is open to children ages 4 to
10.  Children are called forward prior to the First Reading and return
during the Offertory.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
All Sacramental Preparation Sessions are held on Sundays from 9:30 am to
11:00 am and are held in the Dome.  To receive sacraments all students
must be enrolled in Divine Mercy Academy or Divine Mercy Religious
Education Program.
FIRST RECONCILIATION PREPARATION
First Reconciliation preparation is for all students 2nd grade and above.
October 21, 2012 - Parent/Student Session #1
November 11, 2012 - Parent/Student Session #2
January 19, 2013 - First Reconciliation at 10 am in the Church
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION
First Holy Communion preparation is for all students 2nd grade and above.
April 7, 2013 - Parent/Student Session #1
April 21, 2013 - Parent/Student Session #2
May 2, 2013 - Rehearsal at 7 pm in the Church
May 4, 2013 - First Holy Communion at 10 am in the Church
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation preparation is for all students 8th grade and above.
January 13, 2013 - Parent/Student Session #1
February 10, 2013 - Parent/Student Session #2
March 7, 2013 - Rehearsal at 7 pm in the Church
March 9, 2013 - Confirmation Mass at 4:30 pm in the Church
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)?
The RCIA is the restoration of the ancient practice of initiation into
the Christian faith, which was the result of Vatican II.  In the ancient
church, candidates (catechumen) entered into an extended period of
formation.  The entire community would celebrate various points on the
journey with rituals.  RCIA is not a program; the RCIA experience is one
of conversion.  Conversion transforms every dimension of one’s life.  By
turning from what is unauthentic in our lives, we surrender to God and
journey to fullness of life.  This conversion begins to change our
outlook and then our actions as we die to our old self and grow more and
more aware of whom we are in relationship to God.  This change is always
a radical shift from one way of being to another; turning from sin to
accept the transforming love of God.  Conversion is not only a personal
process but is also a communal process.  No one travels alone on the
journey!  The catechumens are dependent upon a parish family for welcome,
support, and nurture.  Caring for people as they respond to God’s call
and accompanying them on their journey to the Sacraments is the goal of
the RCIA ministry. If you or someone you know is interested in learning
more about the RCIA experience, please call the parish office.

SCC
Small Catholic Church Communities are groups of parishioners who meet on
a weekly or bi-weekly basis to read and learn more about the Sunday
readings. SCC members share information, thoughts and prayers. SCC’s are
open to all members of Divine Mercy Parish.
Lent is a time for reflection and prayer. The Small Catholic Church
Community groups invite you to join them this Lenten season as they
discuss and reflect on how the Sunday readings impact their everyday
lives. Please call the parish office for more information.