Mary—Mother of God

The theological study of Mary of Nazareth, mother of Jesus, has been extensive throughout the history of the Church. With this study has come a deeper understanding of Mary’s role in the life of her son, Jesus. The Church honors Mary under many different titles, such as the Mother of God, Mother of Mercy, and the Queen of Heaven.

Although Mary is often called the mother of Jesus, the Church honors her with the even more distinguished title of Mother of God. This title incorporates the Church’s teaching that Jesus is both human and divine, man and God. Through Jesus’ love for his mother, we now can call Mary our mother.

Scripture holds only sketchy appearances of this spirit-filled woman throughout the length of her son’s life. Through tradition, we recognize that Mary was privileged to be present with her son at all of the most meaningful moments of his earthly life. Faith assures us that Mary is present to her son forever in God’s eternal kingdom.

Family Activity

	Practice the words of the Hail Mary using an activity sheet such as described here.

	•		Print the words of the Hail Mary in trace-over letters so your children can trace each word with pencils or colored markers.
	•		Then have the children decorate the edges of their papers with drawings of flowers or other interesting objects.
	•		Mount the children’s work on colored construction paper and place it where it can be seen by everyone.
	•		Pray the Hail Mary together as a family.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.