Welcome to the Guiding Star, a monthly newsletter sharing tips and activities to help build and strengthen your Domestic Church. What is your Domestic Church? “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) Visit the USCCB website on the Domestic Church for more practical ways to demonstrate and encourage a rich life of faith at home.
As we enter the month of August, the Church invites us to draw close to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflecting on her perfect love for God and her motherly care for each of us. This month also brings the beautiful Solemnity of the Assumption on August 15th, when we celebrate Mary being taken body and soul into heaven, reminding us of the hope promised to all who follow Christ.
From Scripture:
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially... (special intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever. Amen.
Activity: Make Mary's Immaculate Heart
- Fold a piece of paper in half to cut out a heart.
- Spread glue over the heart.
- Tear some orange strips of crepe paper for the flames and add to the top middle of the heart.
- Make little balls out of the red crepe paper and cover the heart.
- Make little balls out of the pink paper to add around the middle for the ring of flowers.