Making connections

Knowing Mary is an important part of being Catholic, and there is a great deal to know! I introduce children to her as both a historical person and as our heavenly Mother.

Preparing the setting

First, I create a May altar with flowers, blue fabric, and a statue of Mary.

Pray together

Next, I gather the students around the May altar. Lead them in prayer: "Dear Jesus, today we will learn about your mother, Mary, who is also our mother in heaven. Please help us come to love her as you do. Amen."

Then, we move on to an activity.

Introducing the theme and activity

You will need:

• a copy of Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie de Paola (tinyurl.com/marymother) or another children's storybook about Mary.
  
• a variety of images of Mary: Provide different portrayals of her from different cultures, times, and apparitions. Good sources are holy cards, art books, Christmas cards, and Web sites. The University of Dayton has a wealth of images: campus.udayton.edu/mary/gallery.html
  
• modeling clay that air dries (recommended: Crayola Model Magic clay, tinyurl.com/magicclay); table knives, craft sticks, glitter, glue, bits of blue cloth, plastic beads, star-shaped confetti, table covering.
  
• a space to dry the children's statues

1. Read to the children Mary, the Mother of Jesus. You many need to paraphrase with the youngest children.
   
   
2. Present the children with the images of Mary. Enjoy them together. Point out how artists in a variety of cultures show Mary (Asian, African, iconic, etc.) Talk about the tenderness and love shown in the pictures, etc.
   
   
3. Help children make their own clay statues of Mary to take home.
   

After the activity

Return to the May altar to have children add the illustrations used in the activities, and to conclude with students' petitions asking for Mary's help. Pray the Hail Mary or celebrate with a traditional May Crowning.