In Cook County, I was served divorce papers and was told I needed to make a written appearance for my response

Does this mean I must go to the courthouse to write my response or can this be done through the mail or online? I had planned on taking a day off when I had to go before the judge but I think it's ridiculous that I have to take another day just to respond the the papers. The divorce is completely amicable and we have agreed on everything beforehand so much of this is a technicality so the less time from work I have to take care of all this the better becauise I really can't afford it.