MAY- Is the month of 'MARY' Mother of Jesus

May, throughout the month we celebrate Mary, and all mothers.

Little is known of the personality or the specific details of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Her greatness comes not through her outstanding personal characteristics, but from her joyous and faith-filled response to the action of God in her life.

What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn it's faith in Christ. The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith. By faith Mary welcomes the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that ‘with God nothing will be impossible’ and so giving her assent: ‘Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word’.

Mary came from the Galilean town of Nazareth, not from Jerusalem, the centre of religious and political power. Galilee was adjacent to the Gentile regions of the north, little respected by religious leaders. More so, Mary was an unmarried village girl and was chosen as mother of the longed Messiah. This would have seemed surprising to the people of Jesus’ time.

Mary is mainly mentioned in the bible through Luke’s Gospel- stories related to Jesus’ birth (the Infancy Narrative). She is mentioned briefly in Matthew’s Gospel, and we read about Mary’s actions in John’s Gospel at the Wedding at Cana. Other references to Mary are very brief throughout the New Testament. We read more about her as a woman, mother at the crucifixion and resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ. (Reference to To Know, Worship and Love, 2nd Edition- Year 4: Chapter 9, Mary Helps Us To Know And Follow Jesus.)

During assembly this week the 1/2 D students reminded us that as Catholics we focus particularly on Mary- the Mother of Jesus throughout the month of May. The students created beautiful prayers about Our Lady.

Please take the time to read and reflect on the prayers the children wrote about Mary- Mother of Jesus.

Billy:

May is the month devoted to Mary, it is a time for us to remember that Mary is the mother of Jesus.

She is a role model to all mothers.

Valentina:

When Jesus died on the Cross he gave us his mother to look after all Christians.

Mary is known as the mother of the Church.

Marco:

We are the people of the Church, so Mary is our Mother too.

Toby:

Mary is a caring person. She looked after her son Jesus and she also looks after us.

Isabella:

Mary is a pure human who was born without sin. She always made good choices.

Ethan:

Mary is a good mother. She brought Jesus up to be a good person.

Marcus E:

Mary is a kind person. She shared her son Jesus with all the world.

Graziella:

Mary is a helpful mother. She listened to her Son Jesus and she listens to our prayers.

Marcus C:

Sometimes when we pray we can use Rosary Beads. Rosary Beads help us keep track of how many times we say a prayer and it also helps us clear our mind when we are praying.

Emersyn:

We will now play reflective music so that we take the time to reflect and be thankful for the love Mary shows us.

Lola:

Now we will pray the Hail Mary in honour of Mary.

In the name of the Father and of The Son and The Holy Spirit. Amen

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary - Gentle Woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERoQ1biLdE

School Education Board

Meeting Tues 2nd April