Religious Education and Social Justice

Feast of the Assumption

A great sign appeared in heaven:

a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Each year on 15th August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”.

Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. 

Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.

For this reason, we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Immaculate Virgin, 

Mother of Jesus and our Mother, 

we believe in your triumphant assumption 

into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen.

We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. 

With them we offer you our devotion and love.

We are confident that you watch over 

our daily efforts and needs, 

and we take comfort from the faith 

in the coming resurrection.

We look to you, our life, 

our sweetness, and our hope. 

After this earthly life, show us Jesus, 

the blest fruit of your womb, 

O kind, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Amen.

Social Justice Thank You!

On Monday, Mrs Gail Pearson from the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society, collected the large donation of food items that our families so generously donated over the past fortnight. Mrs Pearson asked us to pass on her thanks to our school community for the generosity and compassion shown towards those in need. 

Thank you also to our Social Justice Leaders, Christina and Audrey for the work they did in coordinating the donations!

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader