Background Notes

May has traditionally been one of the months set aside for devotion to Mary. Many communities celebrate a May crowning of Mary’s statue and other devotions in honor of the Mother of God. Mary loved and trusted God. By her 'yes’ she helped fulfill God’s plan of salvation for us. Mary is a model for us to imitate.


"Queen of Heaven" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Living in peace as Mary did
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and candle, symbols for litany, music
Reading		John 17:6, 20-24
Music		"I Say 'Yes,' Lord/Digo Sí, Señor" [Instrumental] Blest Are We CD School Edition, Grade 6, "Immaculate Mary," Traditional; "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman," Carey Landry (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Discuss with your group how God called Mary to participate in God’s plan and remind them that God calls each of us. Mary symbolizes what we hope to attain: a life of faith in this world and eternal life with God in heaven. Select a leader, and readers. Print out and photocopy "Queen of Heaven" for the participants. For each of the four litany prayers, have the group select a symbol to be carried to the prayer table during the litany (e.g., heaven – a statue of Mary; peace – a dove or other peace symbol; rosary – a rosary; church – a photo of parishioners).
Adaptation		As there are so many images of Mary, ask participants in advance of the liturgy to bring in pictures, statues, or icons to display during the liturgy. Encourage them to look for images representing different cultures.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Blest Are We Music CD, Levels 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36380-9 Blest Are We Audio Cassette, Levels 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36454-6 Blest Are We Music CD, School Edition, Grade 6 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36657-3 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8 Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8 Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2