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.

Sunday Mass Activities for Children

The story so far…

Jesus learns that his cousin, John the Baptist, has been killed. He tries to take some time out to be by himself, but the crowds follow him. 

The Gospel is the story of the Loaves and the Fishes.

Click on this link to explore the Gospel reading:

https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-ord18-a/

Explore the reading by clicking on the following tabs located on the main screen:

• The Word: video of the reading
• Look Closer: brief exploration of the reading in child friendly language
• Ponder: some questions to ponder or wonder about related to the Gospel and our lives
• Respond: an activity is provided to further give children the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel of the week
• Pray: a short prayer service for families to participate in.

May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader