August 2011

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15), is a very old feast of the Church, celebrated universally by the sixth century. It commemorates the death of Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven, before her body could begin to decay--a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time. Mary’s assumption into heaven is the most important of all Marian feasts, a holy day of obligation.

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Of course, the Assumption (as with all feasts of the church), does not merely commemorate the past. Holy days and feast days also look to the present and the future and they give us insight in our own relationship with God. Like Mary, we hope and pray that one day we too will spend eternity with Christ in heaven.

As the summer days begin to wane and the back-to-school hubbub begins, let us remember Mary’s patience and love for her son, Jesus, and the great trust she placed in God.

May God bless your family with health, happiness and holiness!

--Heidi Busse and the OSV staff
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This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

New feature! August at a Glance (PDF download)

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Assumption of Mary Activities

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Catholic Artists Combine Creativity and Faith to Glorify God

Conversation and Reflection:

How can art (paintings and sculptures, etc.) give glory to God?
Do you have any favorite religious paintings or statues? How do they make you feel?

Lifelong Catechesis Corner:
Begin by reading the story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew here. Then visit the OSV Curriculum site for family catechetical activities for August here.

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

As we count down the "dog days" of summer and prepare for another school year to begin, we remember our friends who may not have the ability to buy new school supplies because of a job loss or other family hardship. Matthew 25:35 calls us to "feed the hungry and clothe the naked..." Why not pick up an extra backpack, pencil box or notebook for a friend in need? It might make a difference that will last a lifetime. For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site

Soul Food for Teachers: 'The Seven of Pentacles'

Catechist Know-How: 'Let me count the ways,' from Mary Lou Rosien

Prayer

Paths

God, my companion,
teach me to follow the path
You set before me,
allowing it to lead me to a new frontier.
May I celebrate its rough places and its smooth places;
as I cross over hills, through streams,
and by lost fields and ponds,
I am traveling always toward You and with You.
O God, I know that the heart is the truest compass.
Grant me the wisdom to trust the path itself
more than my own interests,
and the strength to follow
wherever Your will may lead me.
Each path is an open road
if You are by my side.
Amen.

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." ~Celia Thaxter

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