“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”
“For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”
For Parents to Teach to Their Children
The lesson this week is on the second of the “Joyful Mysteries” “The Visitation,” where Mary walks many miles to visit her cousin Elizabeth to share her wonderful news.The Mysteries of the Rosary are our template for learning about the life of Jesus. Click to learn how to pray the Rosary by Catholic-Kids.com .
The Joyful Mysteries begin with The Annunciation and are “Said on Mondays and Saturdays, the Sundays of Advent,
and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent.”
“The Joyful Mysteries”
- “The Annunciation
Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. - The Visitation
Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. - The Nativity
Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. - The Presentation
Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. - The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.”
Source: LoyolaPress.com “Mysteries of the Rosary”
Our Readings
The Canticle of Mary.
“And Mary said:
‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’
Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.”
Source: USCCB.org Luke, chapter 1:49-56
An Excerpt for Children On The Visitation
“Mary’s Song”
“God often tells His secrets to His friends. He bade Gabriel tell Mary of the happiness his good news had brought to Zachary and Elizabeth, and now He Himself tells Elizabeth of the dignity that had come to Mary. The two were cousins, and Mary thought it would be kind to go to Ain-Karim to visit relatives and make herself useful in the house.”
“We are not told whether she went alone, but it is most unlikely. If Joseph did not go with her, she probably joined some of her relatives who were on their to the Holy City. At last she came upon the rising ground of Judea, and climbing the rugged side of a mountain, found herself at the door of Zachary’s home.”
“Elizabeth was standing on the threshold as if expecting someone. Mary hastened towards her, and saluted her with loving words. But what was her surprise when the aged woman sank to her knees and cried out: ‘Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me.'”
“Her secret, then, was known. God, Himself, must have told Elizabeth. Mary’s heart was full–full to overflowing. She could not keep back its burst of joy and praise:”
Source: Jesus of Nazareth The Story of HIS Life Written For Children Pages 45-46
Excerpt for Children from The Catholic Bible for Children Page 100
“The Visit to Elizabeth” (Luke 1:39-56)
The Catholic Bible for Children, Page 100
“The angel Gabriel had told Mary
that her cousin Elizabeth was expecting
a baby; even though she was too old
to bear a child. “For, you see, nothing
is impossible for God.”, the angel had said.
Mary went in haste to help Elizabeth.
Her child would be called John.
When Elizabeth heard
Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped
in her womb. “How blessed you are,
Mary!” said Elizabeth. “The baby
you are carrying is very special indeed!”
Mary smiled: “Yes, my heart rejoices!
My soul sings the wonders of God
for this child who is to be born.”
Our Prayers
Praying the Rosary–“The Joyful Mysteries”
“The Visitation”
“Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered.”
Source: LoyolaPress.com “Mysteries of the Rosary”
Please read the Apostles’ Creed out loud with your children. Read it slowly, line for line, explaining the meaning and significance of the lines to your children. It explains what we believe in as Catholics. If possible, read this daily to help your children memorize the prayer.
“The Apostles’ Creed” is a profession of our faith and is a prayer. It states the basic beliefs of the Catholic Church. 
Prayers To Mary
“Prayer Taught To The Children of Fatima By the Blessed Virgin”
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of your mercy.”
Source: A Missal for Children “In the Evening” Page 87
Our Writing Project
Invite your child to write an abbreviated acrostic poem. Write the word, “VISITATION” or “VISIT” (for younger children) vertically down the paper. Then, write a word, phrase, or sentence starting with the first letter on down. Use names, places, and related words from the Bible.
For example for older kids:
“VISITATION”
V-irtuous
I-nspiration
S-arah
I-ntentions
T-emple
A-braham
T-rust
I-saiah
O-fferings
N-eighbor
An Example for Younger Children:
“VISIT”
V-irtue
I-saac
S-arah
I-ncense
T-rust
Teaching Your Child About Virtues–“The Three Theological Virtues”
“Virtues are special graces given by God to the soul for the accomplishment of particular objectives.”
Source: Catholic.com
Faith
“Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. By faith “man freely commits his entire self to God.” For this reason the believer seeks to know and do God’s will. “The righteous shall live by faith.” Living faith “work[s] through charity.”
Symbol: The Cross
Hope
“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
Symbol: The Anchor
Charity
“Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.”
Symbol: The Heart
From: “Divine Mysteries: The Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity”
Our Song and Music
The Lourdes Hymn– Lyrics and Video
Lourdes Hymn
“Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!”
Source: CatholicJules.net
Art Projects–Gifts for Mary
A Pink Camellia
This painting uses watercolor and a water soluble pastel crayon. I like to make marks, swirls, lines, etc. with a white water soluble pastel, painted over with watercolor. It adds depth to the painting. This art project uses regular dry cake-type watercolors. I splatter the painting when it is dry, using a tooth brush rubbed on wet a watercolor cake. In the photo below, you can see how I use my finger on the bristle to create splatter. It also adds depth and texture to a watercolor painting, and it’s fun! I have used the colors of the landscape of Israel, where Mary lived most of her life, in the arches of the painting–the sea, sky, grasses, dry hillsides and the hot sun.
Our Materials
Suggested Homework Activities–Week Eleven
Sunday, November 24, We celebrate “The Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe.”
An Excerpt from MagnifiKid!, November 24, 2019. Vol. 16. Part 12. Section 6. Page 3. By Lisa Reno
Please read with your child:
“This Sunday’s feast is called ‘The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.’ If Christ is King, what kind of king is he? Where is his Kingdom? This Sunday’s Gospel doesn’t show us a royal throne. It shows us Jesus on the cross! Jesus is not a king of lands, riches and armies. He is a king of love. The cross shows us love that is stronger than evil and death. Today we celebrate a love that is greater than any power in the universe. We open our hearts to his power every time we make the sign of the cross. He does not force us to join his Kingdom: he offers it as a gift.”
Invite your child to make a drawing or painting of a heart and cross, to illustrate Jesus’ love for us. Both of these symbols are powerful and easy for children of all ages to make. Gather your art supplies and begin. I like to use watercolor paper for any painting job, because it is sturdy and can be displayed easily. The painting supplies above show what I used.
Here is an example:
This painting uses two pieces of paper–black construction paper, and white watercolor paper for the painting. I used thin painter’s tape to make the cross on the watercolor paper. Then I painted the watercolor paper with watercolors and watercolor pastels. I didn’t like the effect, so I rubbed it all over while wet with my finger tips to give it “texture.” When it had dried, I pulled off the painter’s tape, cut out a heart shape, and pasted it to the construction paper. I liked the effect!
