Family Educator News
May: The Month of Mary
May has long been a special month in the Catholic Church. It's a time when we think more intentionally about Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Why May?
Since the 13th century, the Church has linked the beauty of spring with the beauty of Mary’s “yes” to God. In many places in the world, the long winter is coming to an end and May is a time of new life, hope, and growth. Mary is seen as the one who helps us grow closer to Jesus. Praying in May is simply a gentle tradition that invites us to pause, reflect and ask Mary to guide us, just as she guided her Son.
Why do we pray to Mary at all?
Catholics don’t pray to Mary in the way we pray to God. Instead, we ask her to 'pray for us', just as we might ask a good friend to keep us in their prayers. Mary listens with a mother’s love. She understands our worries, joys and hopes, and she brings them to Jesus with kindness and tenderness.
A month to draw close
During May, families often place flowers near a statue of Mary, pray a decade of the Rosary, or simply take a quiet moment to say, “Mary, be with us.” These small acts remind us that we are never alone. In Mary we have a mother in heaven who cares for us deeply.
Family Prayer Ideas for the Month of Mary
- Create A May Prayer Space - Place a small statue or picture of Mary on a table with a candle or a flower from the garden. It doesn't need to be elaborate to remind us that Mary is close to us. If you want to be really creative you could draw a picture as a family.
- Pray One Decade - A full Rosary can feel long for little ones, but a single decade takes only a few minutes. Children can take turns leading the Hail Marys. If you don't have Rosary beads, fingers work just as well.
- Offer A Flower - Let children place a flower (real or handmade) near Mary and say something simple like, “Mary, please pray for our family.”
- Share A Story About Mary - Read a short Gospel passage involving Mary (the Annunciation, the Visitation, or the Wedding at Cana) and chat about what Mary teaches us through her kindness and trust.
- Say A Simple Prayer - When you are busy, a tiny prayer works perfectly: “Mary, help us to love like Jesus.” “Mary, be with us today.”
- Walk And Pray - a family walk, or the drive or walk to or from school, invite everyone to quietly thank God for something beautiful they see or something that has happened that day, then finish with a simple Hail Mary together.
- Create A Family Intention Bowl - Encourage everyone in your family to write or draw people they want Mary to pray for. Place the slips in a bowl near your prayer space and choose one each night to pray together.
Everyone Is Welcome!
Some parents have shared that they worry they’re “not holy enough” or “don’t know enough” to come along to something like Symbolon. If that’s you, please don’t let the topic put you off. This series is truly for everyone, whether you’re confident in your faith, still finding your way, or simply curious. You will be very welcome, never judged, and supported as you learn and grow - I promise it will be fun!
Family Mass
Playgroup
Corpus Christi - Sunday, 07 June
Corpus Christi is the Catholic celebration of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.His Body and Blood given to us at every Mass. The name means “Body of Christ,” and the feast invites us to stop and remember the incredible gift Jesus left His Church.
Corpus Christi calls us toward reverence and heartfelt gratitude. Catholics around the world celebrate this day with special Masses and often a Eucharistic procession, carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets as a public sign of faith in Jesus.
It serves as a reminder that Jesus is not distant or abstract. He is truly present, offering Himself in love and inviting us to draw closer to Him in the Eucharist.
You are warmly invited to join our parish family at a sacred music concert as we honour this special feast.
