Religious Education
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Saturday, on the 15th of August, the Catholic Church celebrates one of the great feasts of the Church year: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption celebrates the belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of Heaven.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, “when the course of her earthly life was finished,” Mary was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. The Assumption is a beautiful reminder of the destiny that God desires for all humanity: that we might share eternal life with him.
What does the Assumption mean?
The Assumption is sometimes confused with the Ascension of Jesus. There is an important difference. Jesus ascended into Heaven by his own divine power, while Mary was assumed into Heaven by the power and grace of God.
The Assumption is closely connected to Mary's unique role in God's plan of salvation. Mary was chosen to become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. At the Annunciation, she responded to God's invitation with complete trust: “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”
Her yes to God continued throughout her life. She welcomed Jesus into the world, cared for him as his mother, accompanied him during his ministry and remained faithfully beside him at the foot of the Cross. The Assumption celebrates the culmination of Mary's faithful journey.
Why is Mary so important to Catholics?
Mary has a unique and honoured place in the Catholic Church because she is the Mother of Jesus Christ. Catholics honour Mary because of who she is in relation to Jesus and because of the extraordinary way in which she cooperated with God's plan.
Mary is not worshipped. Worship belongs to God alone. Instead, Catholics honour Mary as the greatest of the saints and look to her as a model of Christian discipleship.
Mary teaches us what it means to listen to God, to trust him and to remain faithful even when the path ahead is difficult. Her life demonstrates humility, courage, compassion and love.
For this reason, Catholics often turn to Mary in prayer, asking her to pray for us and to lead us closer to her Son. As Jesus said from the Cross, Mary was entrusted to the beloved disciple: “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27) Catholics understand this as part of Mary's spiritual motherhood of all believers.
A Holy Day of Obligation
The Feast of the Assumption is also particularly important because it is a Holy Day of Obligation in Australia. This means that Catholics are obliged to participate in Mass on this day, just as they are on Sundays, unless they are excused for a serious reason.
The obligation reminds us that the great feasts of the Church are not simply historical events to remember. They are opportunities to gather as God's people, celebrate our faith and give thanks for what God has done for us.
The Assumption is especially meaningful because it points beyond Mary herself to the hope of our own resurrection. Mary already shares in the glory that God promises to all who faithfully follow Christ. Her Assumption gives us a glimpse of our ultimate hope: that death is not the end, but that through Christ we are called to eternal life with God.
PARISH ASSUMPTION MASS TIMES
Friday 14th August 7:00 pm, St Patrick’s
Friday 14th August 7:30 pm, St Joseph’s
Saturday 15th August 9:15 am, Stella Maris (confessions & adoration will follow as normal)
Saturday 15th August 10:00 am, St Patrick’s (confessions 11:00-11:30) - CHANGED TIMES DUE TO VISITING CHOIR
Saturday 15th August 12:00 midday, St John Vianney’s
Saturday 15th August 6:00 pm, St Patrick’s (regular Vigil Mass for Sunday, but can still fulfil obligation of the Assumption - in which case another Mass would need to be attended on the Sunday, to fulfil the Sunday obligation)
Mary, a model for our school community
For our students, the Feast of the Assumption offers an opportunity to reflect on Mary's example. Mary did not know everything that God's plan would involve, but she trusted God one step at a time.
Like Mary, we are called to say yes to God in the ordinary moments of our lives — by showing kindness, forgiving others, helping those in need, standing up for what is right and treating every person with dignity and love.
As we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, may we look to her example and pray for the grace to live with the same faith and trust that she showed throughout her life.
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, pray for us.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” — Luke 1:46–47
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader