MARY'S MONTH

If you ' re looking for a simple way to include more Mary in your lessons in May, check out the worksheets over the next 4 pages

Why is May known as the month of Mary?

Mary was a faithful and loyal mother. She was the first disciple; obviously, Mary would be with the apostles as they welcomed the Spirit of wind and fire, culminating in the birth of the Church.

There are many reasons Mary is considered the “Queen of Heaven.” She is a perfect follower of Christ and therefore is considered the crown of creation. She is also the mother of Jesus, the most important woman of our faith and our spiritual mother.

The tradition of the May Crowning came about in the 13th century when an image or statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers. In the Northern Hemisphere, May was considered the end of winter and the start of a new season of growth. It’s a time for new beginnings and the chance to begin with gratitude and devotion. This simple ceremony and the reason we honour Mary carries deep meaning for the Catholic faith. The May Crowning didn’t have a set date and can be celebrated any time during the month, including Mother’s Day.

In 2018, Pope Francis decreed the Feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church on the Monday after Pentecost (29 May 2023). John's Gospel reading recounts how, from the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary and the disciple whom He loved to care for each other as mother and son. As our spiritual mother, we can ask her for help in our difficult moments as any child does with their mother.

Mary is an example of a committed “Yes” to the will of God. Let us look at Mary’s example of how a disciple interprets and responds to Christ’s teachings. Let us sit in that room with Mary and the apostles and welcome the Spirit into our lives again this year, so that we may go out and spread the Good News with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Sue-AnneSherwood

What can you do as Catechists?

Perhaps you might like to celebrate the May Crowning in your own home, during a lesson on Mary, or at beginning of class prayer and have a special encounter with Christ through the Virgin Mary

WE LEARN ABOUT MARY IN OUR CURRICULUM IN THE FOLLOWING LESSONS:

Kindy: * K.7.2 Holy Family; K.9.1 Mary Said ‘Yes’; K.10.3 Nativity

Stage 1: 1.9.1 Mary; 1.11.3 All Kinds of Prayers; 1.19.2 Mary & Joseph; * 1.20.3 A Baby is Born;

Stage 2: 2.15.1 What a Girl!; * 2.15.2 Magnificent Prayer; 2.15.3 Mary: A Model to Follow; * 2.15.4 Hail Mary

Stage 3: 3.10.1 Jesus’ Family; 3.20 Christmas: The Nativity

Stage 4: 8.3.3 Mary Jesus' First Disciple; 8.8.1 Mary, the Model Disciple; 9.10.1 Borne https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/evangelisati on/ccd/curriculum/classroom-familyresources

The "Hail Mary" prayer can be located on page 2-3 in every student book. Use the month of May to pray one each lesson.

Take a look at our Family Supplements for additional Mary content.