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		Celebrating Mary as our Mother.
Materials Needed		Prayer table, Bible, candle, statue of Mary, music, fresh flowers or plants, wreath of flowers. Click here for a printable flower picture to color.
Reading		Luke 1:46-49
Music		"Immaculate Mary," Seasonal Celebrations Music CD; "Hail Mary," Mary Lu Walker; "Mary, Full of Grace," Jeanne Frolick, SFCC (OCP Publications); "We Praise You," Blest Are We Music CD 1
Preparation		Before the prayer celebration, prepare your role as leader. Children do not need copies of the liturgy. Write the response, "Pray for us" on the chalkboard or say the response and have the children repeat it. Print out and copy the flower page for each child. Have children color the picture. Select a child to crown the statue of Mary.
Adaptations		Talk with children in advance about giving honor to Mary. May is the month to remember and honor all mothers. If you plan this activity for May, have children invite mothers or other significant women in their lives to the prayer celebration.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see: Prayer Celebrations, Primary Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30567-1 / 9780382305672 Blest Are We Music CD 1 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36652-2 / 9780382366529 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8 Words and melody for children; contains music for grades 1-8. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 / 9780382366178 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8 Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 / 9780382366185 Seasonal Celebrations Music CD A selection of liturgical music from Gather Comprehensive, Second Edition accompanies the themes and Scripture for the Seasonal Celebrations in Planning Guides A, B, and C. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1579993257 / 9781579993252