Office of Religious Education
Mailing Address: 70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Office Address: 70-02 Juno Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
………………………………(Side Entrance of the Convent)
Telephone: (718) 268-6143 EXT. 28
Email: olmercyreligion@gmail.com
Religious Education Program
Our Religious Education Program provides spiritual formation for Grades 1-8 children and adolescents in our parish who do not attend Catholic School.
The students will participate in the family centered formation of Sadlier’s Christ In Us program, which consists of in person sessions with catechists, independent work at home under the guidance of parents, and online textbook platform. Parents also accompany their children to Sunday masses, holy days of obligation and retreats throughout the academic year.
The objectives of the Christ In Us program are to foster a learning environment which promotes the three dimensions of contemporary evangelization:
- An encounter with Christ,
- The art of accompaniment, and
- The witness of missionary disciples.
The study units present a spiral curriculum geared towards cultivating knowledge of our Catholic beliefs and liturgical year, identification with the saints as partners in faith, the development of prayer life and a conscious participation in Mass.
Click here for Sadlier’s Christ in Us website: https://www.sadlier.com/religion/christ-in-us-parish-edition
Program Registration
Registration can be completed, during the months of June and July for the next academic year, via a fillable PDF registration form available on our website which can be submitted through the email to olmercyreligion@gmail.com OR mailed c/o Ana Tavares, DFF to 70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375.
The registration fees are listed on the registration form. A discount in registration fee will be provided to families registering before July 31st for the next academic year. Proof of Baptism must be provided at the time of registration. Sacramental fees are due upon request. Students who transfer into our program are asked to have copies of their Religious Education files sent from their previous church to our office address listed above.
Click here to download the OLM Religious Education Registration Form: OLM REL ED REGISTRATION FORM
Please email or call to finalize completing your child’s registration with the Director of Faith Formation.
Sacramental Preparation
The sacraments are gifts from God to be shared and celebrated within the parish community. All our sacramental programs are designed to celebrate and welcome new members to our community. Prayerful attention to growth in faith and catechesis precedes the decision to receive a sacrament. The parish provides programs for preparation for the following sacraments:
First Communion and First Reconciliation
The preparation for the sacrament of First Communion is a two-year process which begins in Grade 1 and continues to the end of the catechetical year of Grade 2 and culminates with the celebration of First Communion in the first weekend of May of the second year. Proof of Baptism must be provided at the time of registration. Older children can also prepare for such sacraments and their preparation requires two years of religious education.
Children are prepared to make their first Reconciliation during a prayer service usually held the first Saturday in March of their second year of preparation. Parents are responsible for accompanying their children to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Generally, unless there is a serious reason, children receive this sacrament before making First Communion.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation also requires two years of religious study, usually beginning in Grade Six and continuing through Grade Seven. In accordance with the Bishop’s schedule, the celebration of this sacrament is generally held in the Fall of Grade 8. Proof of Baptism and First Communion must be provided at the time of registration along with other forms.
Confirmation preparation includes opportunities for a retreat, community service, prayer experiences and the opportunity to receive Reconciliation on several occasions. An interview with one of our Priests to attest to the readiness of the candidate is part of the preparation process. Sponsors are also required to provide proof of the reception of their sacraments.
Students with Special Needs
Our Religious Education Program affords every opportunity to accompany and catechize the special needs children and youth of our parish. The Christ In Us curriculum is designed with features to adopt its lessons for the inclusion of special needs students.
Arrangements such as home instruction can be provided for students with special needs. Parents are welcome to contact the Religious Education Office as soon as possible to make these arrangements.
Teen OCIA
Teens, without any sacraments who want to become Catholic, can also receive faith formation. Classes of basic theological review are arranged prior to the reception of the three basic sacraments at an Easter Vigil. Through the Bishop’s dispensation, the Pastor is also permitted to confer the sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday.
Adults, who want to become Catholics, are invited to contact the Deacon Dean Dobbins at (718) 268-6143 Ext. 14 or via email (office@mercyhills.org). Classes will meet at the assigned day and time in the Rectory.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering in our Religious Education? We welcome our students’ parents and neighboring Catholic high school/college students to serve our program in one of the following capacities:
- Catechist Assistant
- Catechist Substitute
- Virtual Catechist
- Safety Assistant
- Floor Assistant
- Grade Parent
- Lector
- Usher
Volunteers must be willing to undergo a background check and be Virtus trained. Please complete this Google Form to express your interest: Volunteer Interest Google Form. Thank you for the generosity with your time and talents.