Religious Education

May the Month of Mary, Mother of the Church

During the month of May traditionally we pray the Rosary. This meditative prayer is a beautiful way of coming together as a family to celebrate the work our Mother's do for us in our lives.

How to Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Pope John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous.

PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY

The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative (thoughtful) prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group.

The Five Joyful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays, Saturdays, and, during the season of Advent, on Sundays:1. The Annunciation - Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.2. The Visitation - Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered.3. The Nativity - Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem.4. The Presentation - Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God.5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple - Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.

The Five Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of light) are traditionally prayed on Thursdays:1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan - God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son.2. The Wedding Feast at Cana - At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle.3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God - Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom.4. The Transfiguration of Jesus - Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John.5. The Institution of the Eucharist - Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and, during the season of Lent, on Sundays:1. The Agony in the Garden - Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies.2. The Scourging at the Pillar - Jesus is lashed with whips.3. The Crowning with Thorns - Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.4. The Carrying of the Cross - Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him.5. The Crucifixion - Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.

The Five Glorious Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and, outside the seasons of Advent and Lent, on Sundays:1. The Resurrection - God the Father raises Jesus from the dead.2. The Ascension - Jesus returns to his Father in heaven.3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples.4. The Assumption of Mary - At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven.5. The Coronation of Mary - Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Praying the Rosary

Familiarize yourself and/or your group with the prayers of the rosary.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross.

2. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3. On the first bead, say an Our Father.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.5.

Say the Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.6.

After finishing each decade, say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima (The Fatima Prayer):

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.7

. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture*) then say the Our Father.

8. While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.

Then say a Glory Be.

Then the prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima.

9. After saying the five decades, say the Hail,

Holy Queen, Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

followed by this dialogue and prayer:

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

10. Say the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.(For the intentions of the Holy Father, one may recite at this point

1 “Our Father”, 1 “Hail Mary”, and 1 “Glory Be”.)

11. Conclude the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.

Pope Francis Prayer focus for May

We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary's the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service. Amen

Mass

We return to Mass next week as a whole school at 9.15 in the Church. We would love families to attend if they can.

Sacraments

First Eucharist - Information night 11th May @ Church

You must have enrolled to attend the information evening for your child to participate in the sacrament this year. FIRST EUCHARIST Information night - 11th may @the Church 7pm. This evening is a requirement for candidates to make the Sacrament.

Confirmation - Sunday 23 October

STOLES FOR SACRAMENTS

A Stole is to be worn during the Sacraments. The Stole can be individual to the child or a family Stole. The Stole can be hand made or purchased through our supplier.

HOLY BEGINNINGS supplies the Stoles for the Parish. An order form will be sent home with children.

To order these you can contact Anita and pay for the Stoles via direct deposit.

ANZ bank

Anita M Hughes

BSB 013-593

Account no. 322691326

Please put child’s full name in the details.

HOLY BEGINNINGS can be contacted directly if you wish to order your stole independently.

Anita 0450 782 558