St Augustine’s Priory celebrates.
On 8th December St Augustine’s Priory celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Mass, beautifully organised by members of Lower IV Aleph. On Monday 6th December, the Assembly looked at the qualities shown by Mary in her life. She was faithful and obedient, loving and caring and steadfast.
Mrs McDermott, Head of Faith Life, led the Assembly which looked at Mary’s life and how we can emulate her:
‘On 8th December, the Church celebrates Mary’s Immaculate Conception; the fact that Mary was, from the very first moment of her existence (her conception), without sin, and chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. Mary was perfect, because God chose her to be the mother of his only Son, Jesus. That is why we say that she is ‘full of grace’ and ‘blessed among women’.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (1:26-38)
“One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, ‘You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, ‘Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.’ Mary asked the angel, ‘How can this happen? I am not married!’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. Nothing is impossible for God!’ Mary said, ‘I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.’ And the angel left her.”
What words would you use to describe Mary? What kind of things can we say about her? (Invite children to think in silence)) Mary did what God wanted her to do, so she was faithful or obedient. She was loving and caring, because she looked after the baby Jesus and helped him to grow. Mary was also certainly ‘holy’. Let’s think about times when you acted like Mary.
Think of a time when you said ‘Yes’ when you were asked to do something. Maybe you did some chores at home, or maybe you did what your teacher asked. At those times when you were faithful and obedient, you were acting like Mary.
Now imagine a time when you showed love to your family or friends. Think about one time when you did a nice thing, like sharing something or giving someone a hug. At those times when you were loving and caring, you were acting like Mary.
Lastly, think about a time when you stood by someone who needed help. Maybe someone was left out, and you included them. Mary was with Jesus to the very end of his life. At those times when you stood by others, you were acting like Mary.
Together, let us give thanks to God for Mary, the Mother of Jesus.’
