On the third Saturday of August, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This commemorates Mary, the mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heaven and reunited with her son Jesus. Learn about the tradition and the ways you and your child can observe it.

Purpose
The doctrine of her departure states at the end of her life, Mary was taken body and soul, both physically and spiritually, from Earth to heaven. Our Blessed Mother’s body was able to go directly to heaven as it wasn’t stained by original sin.

Obligation
Many countries, including all of North America, celebrate this as a Holy Day of obligation and a festival. Every culture, from Roman Catholic to the Anglican Communion, celebrates on or around the same day. On these days, all faithful communities are required to attend Mass unless the day fall on a Saturday or Monday.

Celebration
Catholics all around the world celebrate the Assumption of Mary in different ways. For instance, in Italy and Italian-American culture, colorful processions and fireworks mark the celebration. Some Catholics carry a statue of the Virgin Mary through towns to a ceremonial floral arch. Here are ways you and your child can celebrate:

 

• Attend a mass: Make it a priority to attend a vigil mass, usually held the evening before the feast. You and your child can display your love for our Blessed Mother and bring glory to her son.

• Go to a procession: Processions for the Feast are either big or small. Go online and research how your area celebrates their love for our Lady. If you don’t find one, organize your own. Be sure to collect a statue, figurine, or image of Mary.

• Plant a Mary Garden: A great bonding activity for you and your child, celebrate Assumption Day by blessing the summer harvest. Plant herbs, summer squash, fresh fruit, and more. 

• Have a feast: Organize a special feast with your family that can be a picnic, formal dinner, cookout, or other dining activities. Be sure to use fresh herbs and vegetables from your Mary garden in your meal blessing, and incorporate the color blue, which symbolizes the heavenly skies.

 

St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

The Scripture has a prayer for every situation. Morning  prayers, also called Lauds, are one of the most important hours in the “Liturgy of the Hours (the official prayer of the Catholic church).” Here are some prayers your child can say in the morning! We start it off with the Morning Offering written in 1844 by Father François-Xavier Gautrelet, S.J., one of the founders of the Apostleship of Prayer.

Morning Offering by Fr. François-Xavier Gautrelet, S.J.

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,

for the salvation of souls, the reparation for sins, the reunion of all Christians,

and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Amen.”

“Children’s Morning Prayer” by Mary Fairchild

“Lord, in the morning I start each day,

By taking a moment to bow and pray.

Beginning with thanks, I then give praise

For all your kind and loving ways.

Today if sunshine turns to rain,

If a dark cloud brings some pain,

I won’t doubt or hide in fear

For you, my God, are always near.

I will travel where you lead;

I will help my friends in need.

Where you send me, I will go;

With your help, I’ll learn and grow.

Hold my family in your hands,

As we follow your commands.

And I will keep you close in sight

Until I crawl in bed tonight.

Amen.”

“Good Morning, Jesus” (Author Unknown)

“Jesus, you are good and wise

I will praise you when I rise.

Jesus, hear this prayer I send

Bless my family and my friends.

Jesus, help my eyes to see

All the good you send to me.

Jesus, help my ears to hear

Calls for help from far and near.

Jesus, help my feet to go

In the way that You will show.

Jesus, help my hands to do

All things loving, kind, and true.

Jesus, guard me through this day

In all I do and all I say.

Amen.”

Morning Prayer for Children (Author Unknown)

“For this new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends.

For everything Thy goodness sends,

We thank Thee, dearest Lord.

Amen.”

St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

 

Developing cooking and baking skills is essential for your child’s upbringing. Start teaching her how to work in a kitchen with these Catholic snacks. These delicious recipes are perfect for First Communions, Holy Thursday, and more!

Unleavened Bread
You don’t need to be a master baker to make unleavened bread. In fact, the process is simple and doesn’t involve yeast or rising. Not only does it provide a lesson in baking, but it also gives your child a lesson about the Last Supper. This recipe creates about 12 pieces and requires:

• 5 cups flour
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 8 Tbsp. honey
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbsp. softened butter
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix all of the ingredients, except the flour.
3. Add the flour slowly and knead until bread is elastic.
4. Put oil on your hands, then shape the dough into balls. Flatten them into a patty, and poke holes with a fork.
5. Grease a pan, and then put the bread on it.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.

Caramel Cross Krispy Treats
For any holiday, we recommend this caramel cross recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 package 10-oz marshmallows
• 1 box purple Fruit-by-the-Foot candy
• ½ cup caramel ice creaming topping

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows in, and stir until completely melted.
3. Remove from the heat, then stir in the caramel topping.
4. Add in the Rice Krispies, and stir until fully coated.
5. After oiling your hands or spatula, press evenly into a pan that is coated with cooking spray.
6. Allow cooling for a couple of hours, or put them in the refrigerator.
7. Once they are firm, use a cross-shaped cookie cutter.
8. Cut the purple fruit snacks into strips, then drape them over the crosses.

 

St. Brigid Irish Tot-chos
If your child loves tater tots and nachos, then this snack for her! Perfect as an appetizer, it layers potatoes — an Irish staple that represents the Irish saint St. Brigid. St. Brigid was the patroness of dairy maids, which is symbolized by the sour cream and cheese piled on to cooked tater tots. She is also connected to pigs as well, which is represented by the layer of bacon bits. Finish it off with guacamole and green onions to symbolize the Irish green!

St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Poetry can teach your child all about creative writing, spelling, grammar, comprehension, structured writing, and more. Writing poems can be a part of your home learning schedule. Poetry is a great teaching tool to show your child literary elements, such as rhyme and similes, through language and expression. Use this guide to learn more about teaching your child religious poetry.

Picking the Poems
So that your child will be more likely to enjoy the experience, allow him to choose the poems he studies. Give him some control and independence so he doesn’t grow to resent the activity and experience. To prepare for the lesson, read it in advance before you share it with your child. Have discussion points like metaphors and topics ready. There are many great poems for children about Jesus and prayer, including:

 

“Pray Today” by Roger W. Hancock:
Before each day remember to pray,

 

that we be safe at play.

Pray at night, for it is right,

then sleep within God’s light.

All through the day, remember pray,

Jesus will guide each day.

 

“Bless the Father” by Prayers for Special Help:

 

Dearest God,

thank You for giving us

joy and love.

You have given us children

that gives us all we need

Happiness and joy

through all our days.

Bless Your name

and all your works

for without You

we will live in sadness

and madness will be with us.

Read Together
After your child chooses the poems and you’ve reviewed them, read them together. This creates a bonding experience, which makes your child feel more comfortable learning a new activity. Encourage your child to relax by creating a comfortable space and lighting candles.

Discussions
Start a dialogue about the poems. Ask him what he enjoyed about the pieces, or what he didn’t understand. Then get into literary points, such as tone, theme, and so forth. Then, re-read the poem, much slower than the first time. Have your child point out the literary elements as you go along. Pointing them out himself will give him a better understanding of what he’s reading and make him feel confident. Continue the process and have him memorize the poem so he develops his rhythm. 

Use Examples
When it’s time to write his own poem, use the poems he selected as a guide. Break down the structure of the poem into sections. Makes notes highlighting writing mechanics. Then, have him follow the guideline piece by piece.St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.