The Assumption of Mary - August 15

What is the Assumption of Mary?

The Assumption of Mary is the dogma of the Church that states that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into Heaven. There is some controversy over whether or not Mary died before this happened but the Church has made no ruling on this matter.

Crafts

1. There are many pages for kids to color of Mary that can be printed off the internet.

For more advanced colorers http://www.maintenantunehistoire.fr/mechants-buissons-blanches-robes-et-tres-gente-dame/coloriage-assomption/

For those just starting to color

http://www.saintanneshelper.com/assumption-coloring.html

Want to add a little more to the craft? Get some blue (traditional color of Mary) balloons and fill them with helium. Attach your little one’s picture and let them release it so the Mary can float to Heaven.

2. This last craft I think even my 18-month-old can enjoy. Print of the picture of Mary and cut out. Then attach Mary to a string and the string through a blue cup. Glue some cotton balls on for some clouds and watch Mary disappear into the sky. WILL ADD BETTER DIRECTIONS AND PICTURES WHEN I COMPLETE.

Activities

I love incorporating other cultures into my homes. In many, more predominantly Catholic countries there are public celebrations of the Assumption of Mary.

1. In ancient times, public bonfires were had. I’m always up for a good reason for a bonfire.

2. In Italy and the United States, it is celebrated by decorating streets with different colors of light and firework displays. Why not get out those sparklers you didn’t use from the Fourth of July and have a little “fireworks” display?

3. In Rome, the people take a statue of Mary through an arch where she greets a statue of Jesus. This symbolizes her meeting her Son in Heaven. I love the idea of having a family procession and going to give this a shot. I’ll add pictures afterwards.

Other ideas:

1. Let the kids draw Mary in some shaving cream (clouds). A little messy but very little prep.

Food

Credit: http://munchkinsandmoms.com/jello-cloud-parfaits/

These would be perfect to celebrate the Assumption. Even if you only did this for dessert what an easy way for the whole family to talk about the Assumption. Plus they look pretty and delicious.