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.


"Mary, Our Mother" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Turning to Mary in prayer and trust
Materials		Prayer table with Bible, candle, picture or statue of Mary, music, flower vase, index cards, basket or box for petitions
Reading		Revelation 12:1-6
Music		"For the Beauty of the Earth," Instrumental, Blest Are We Music CD 4 School Edition, Grade 5; "Blest Are They," David Haas (GIA Publications); "My Soul Magnifies the Lord," Carey Landry (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Ask participants to bring in fresh flowers for the prayer table. Provide participants with index cards folded in half. On one-half of the card, ask each to write a personal petition to Mary and then repeat it on the other half. Have participants cut or tear the cards prior to the liturgy. They are to bring folded petitions to the prayer table during the liturgy. They keep a copy of their petition to reflect on what they have asked of Mary. Select a leader and readers. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Mary, Our Mother" for participants.
Adaptation		Add meditative music between the litany prayers to encourage participants to think prayerfully about their lives.
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, School Edition, Grade 5 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36656-5 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