Primary Session
Luke 1:39-56
Opening Prayer
Let us pray the Hail Mary.
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.
Opening Life Reflection
The focus for today is Mary’s assumption into heaven. Explain to the children that they are going to practice being good listeners by playing the “telephone” game. To begin have the children form a line and whisper a message such as, “God has done great things for us” into the ear of the first player. He or she will then whisper the message to the next person and so on, until the message reaches the last person. Ask the last person to repeat the message that was given and compare it to the original message. Discuss:
• Why is it important to be a good listener?
• How do you know if someone is a good listener?
• How can we listen to God?
Allow time for discussion. Prayer helps us take the time to listen to God. Mary listened to the voice of God. Because Mary listened and said yes to God, Jesus was born into the world. Mary is an example for us of how we should listen.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading today listen to Mary’s song of praise.
Read Luke 1:39-56.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who does Mary go to visit?
• What happens when Mary greets Elizabeth?
• Why does Mary sing praises to God?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In this gospel reading Mary praises God and the wonderful gifts God has given her. The spotlight shines on Mary who is greatly blessed by God. She say’s yes to God’s invitation to bear God’s son. Mary’s song of praise reminds us of our faith in “God who is mighty [and who] has done great things.”
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How does Mary’s joy remind us to be joyful?
• What great things has God done for you?
• How can you show God thanks and praise?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Assumption of Mary
Today’s feast of the Assumption of Mary celebrates that God has brought Mary to heaven. Mary reminds us that at the end of time we too shall live forever with God. The Mother of God has been taken up fully into the life of God which awaits us all. Today’s feast celebrates Mary as a model of faith for all believers.
• What does today’s feast celebrate?
• What does Mary teach us about listening to God?
• What does Mary teach us about faith in God?
The Gospel in Life
This week invite your family to pray the Hail Mary together.
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