Blessed Virgin Mary, first century
January 1

Mary was a special gift from God. God chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, his Son. When the Angel Gabriel told her she would be the Mother of Jesus, he said, “Blessed are you!” Mary is also the Mother of the Church. That means that she is our Mother, too. Because Jesus is God, we call Mary “Mother of God.” The Hail Mary is the most well-known prayer about the Mother of God. We pray the Hail Mary when we pray the Rosary.

One of Mary’s titles is the Theotokos, which means “Bearer of God.” She was with the Apostles when the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. Mary is considered the greatest of all Saints and also the first disciple. Because she said “yes” to God and became the Mother of his Son, Jesus, all people have been saved from the power of sin and everlasting death.

Mary is our great role model in the Church. She reminds us to serve all and say “yes” to God’s plan for our lives.

Discuss: What can Mary help you do today?

Activity
The Hail Mary
Multiple Intelligence: Verbal/Linguistic

Teach the child the Hail Mary. You might like to have them repeat each line of the prayer after you until they become more familiar with this prayer. Help the child understand that we honor Mary when we pray the Hail Mary.