Based on Alive-O 8: Term 2, Lesson 6 Mary Based on Alive-O 8: Term 2, Lesson 6 Refer to Teacher’s Book pp. 155-161 What am I trying to do? Introduce the children to more of the feast days associated with Mary. Why? So that they may grow in appreciation of Mary, and engage more fully in the Church celebration of her.
Feast of the Annunciation 25 March
On the Feast of the Annunciation we remember when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she was to become the mother of God’s Son. You can read the story of the Annunciation in Luke 1:26-38. Each time we say the ‘Hail Mary’, we begin with the words that the angel Gabriel said to Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace!
Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8 December This is the traditional image of Mary, the Immaculate Conception. It is found on the Miraculous Medal.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception we remember how God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, God’s Son. The Church teaches that Mary is the only person ever to be ‘free from any trace of sin’ from the first moment of her existence. This is called the Immaculate Conception. The words of the Hail Mary remind us that Mary is Blessed among women!
Feast of the Assumption 15 August
The Gospels don’t speak of Mary’s death, so no one knows exactly where or when she died. However, the apostles and the early Church soon came to believe that, at the end of her life on earth, God brought Mary, body and soul, to heaven. The day when we remember that Mary was taken to heaven is called the Feast of the Assumption.
Other Feast Days – 1 January Feast of Mary, Mother of God We celebrate Mary’s role as the one chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
Other Feast Days – 1 January World Day of Peace Many people pray to Mary as Queen of Peace to ask her to help in bringing peace to the world. Many Churches have a statue of Mary where we can light candles and pray to her
Other Feast Days 8 September Mary’s Birthday Although we don’t know exactly when Mary’s birthday was, we celebrate this special day on 8 September
Other Feast Days 21 November The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary When Mary was young, she was presented in the Temple by her parents, Anne and Joachim. That was the beginning of her commitment to God.
Images of Mary A depiction of Mary and Jesus from the Asian tradition For more images of Mary, see Alive-O 8, Poster 10 A depiction of Mary and Jesus from the Asian tradition Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico A depiction of Mary and Jesus from the African tradition
Activities Draw a picture of what you think a 21st century Mary might look like. Imagine you are a journalist sent to interview Mary. Write an article based on your imaginary interview.
Consider… Think about how young Christians today also need the qualities that Mary had: To ask questions To take risks To cope with fears To believe To hear the call of God in a noisy world