After the children crowned Mary, we reflected on some of the titles of Mary. The children remembered "Morning Star," "Tower of Ivory," "House of Gold," "Holy Queen," "Immaculate Mary," and "Queen of Heaven." We also recalled some titles or names for Jesus. They listed "King of Kings," "Father Forever," "Good Shepherd," "The Lord," "Prince of Peace." Jesus is the "Prince of Peace," and Mary is the "Queen of Peace."
The Catholic tradition of crowning Mary as Queen in early May is embraced at The Way of the Shepherd. For the past few years we have used this day to also honor the grandparents of our children by inviting them to attend this beautiful celebration. This year the 2nd year children, assisted by the 6th grade graduates, led us in the four decades of the Rosary focused primarily on Mary: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Assumption, and The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. After the children crowned Mary, we reflected on some of the titles of Mary. The children remembered "Morning Star," "Tower of Ivory," "House of Gold," "Holy Queen," "Immaculate Mary," and "Queen of Heaven." We also recalled some titles or names for Jesus. They listed "King of Kings," "Father Forever," "Good Shepherd," "The Lord," "Prince of Peace." Jesus is the "Prince of Peace," and Mary is the "Queen of Peace." Later that day some of the three and four year olds spent time in the Atrium and we crowned our statue of Mary. In pondering what we might say to Mary, the children responded with many ideas. "Thank you for being Jesus' Mom." "Mary, help us be kind." "Please help us not get sick." During one three year old's "visit" to Mary's statue, he repeatedly whispered, "Mother of God, don't be afraid. Mary, you are always in our heart." During our Level II Atrium that afternoon the 1st and 2nd years couldn't help but sing the songs we had sung during the Crowning of Mary. Throughout the two hour Atrium session "As I Kneel Before You" and "Hail, Holy Queen" were begun again and again, forming a background to the work of the children. In the midst of a variety of other work, several of the children took time to draw an image of Mary.
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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May 2024
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