4 Sunday Advent, 18 December 2011, Luke 1:26-38

Tanner's 'Annunciation' (1898)

Homily for 'Do This in Memory' Mass. This is part of the parish's preparation of children who will receive Holy Communion in May 2012.

'Mary's Yes!'
Invite the children to locate a statue of the woman who is mentioned in this Sunday's Gospel.

Why do you think is Mary so important at this time of year?

In the Gospel, Mary said 'Yes' to God.
What would have happened if Mary had said 'No'?

• No Jesus
• No Christmas

But, she didn't say 'No'. Mary said 'Yes'!
And, because Mary said 'Yes', we will soon have a good reason to celebrate. What will that celebration be?

So, today we remember Mary and her 'Yes'.
We say thank you to Mary for saying yes.
We promise to love Mary and to honour her by praying her special prayer and by trying to live like Jesus wants us to.

What is Mary's special prayer?

Perhaps you might take time after Mass to light a candle and to pray the 'Hail Mary'.