Mary Resources
To the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit!Catholics do not worship Mary. We honor her, as the mother of Jesus, just as we honor the mothers of our friends (you do, don’t you?). Mary raised Jesus, and accompanied Him through life to the very end. She had all of the joys and sufferings that we might encounter, including a parent’s worst nightmare – the death of her child. There is so much we can learn from this marvelous, immaculate woman and saint. Explore these resources to get to know Jesus’ Mom, whom we know as Mary, the Mother of God!
The Angelus
Angelus (Traditionally prayed at 6AM, noon, and 6PM) It can be prayed individually or as a call and response:
The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
And she was conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:28)
(Hail Mary, full of grace…)
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
(Hail Mary, full of grace…)
And the Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
(Hail Mary, full of grace…)
Pray for us, holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst 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 our death. Amen.
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! Amen.
Elementary Faith Formation Resources
Elementary Faith Formation resources are for children from Pre-K to 6th Grade and their parents and guardians, as well as the catechists who lead them in this stage of their journey of faith.
Click on the section below that best fits your needs
Young/School Age Children
Catholic Icing – Crafts for liturgical year and saints and more!
Look to Him and Be Radiant – Lessons, crafts, coloring pages, book recommendations, and more from a Catholic school religion teacher/Director of Religious Education
Teaching Catholic Kids – parent newsletter published by Our Sunday Visitor, Sunday Gospel reflections, crafts, liturgical season information and saint stories.
Parent-catechists and Parish catechists
Franciscan at Home – For a small subscription you can get in-depth training and mentoring from some of the world’s most respected and renowned Catechetical leaders. (And Beth happens to be one of those Mentors, and Kristofer will be soon!)
Catechist’s Journey – A Loyola Press sister site for Catechists to learn from and share with one another. Joe Paprocki is the website creator and lead catechist.
The Religion Teacher – Jared Dees’ site with weekly lesson plans, activities, and other useful information and resources for teaching your students.
If you or your parish use a curriculum
Most commonly used in parish catechesis, if your parish uses curriculum from one of these sources, ask your parish catechetical leader or pastor for access codes:
Sophis Press Curriculum Site – Parents or catechists can use the free downloads for Sunday Gospel lessons, current event lessons (for High School), and using Sacred Art for teaching the faith. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for these resources and to sign up to have them delivered to your inbox.)
RCIA Adapted for Children Resources
The Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children is a many-faceted process for children who have not received the Sacraments of Initiation during the normally prescribed times, for whatever reason. These respurces are particularly for them, their parents or guardians, and sponsors, as well as the catechists and parishes who help form them and journey with them as they enter the Church.
Click here to find tons of free resources as well as Holy Owned and Operated’s members-only material.