Church of the Home for Saturday, August 12

The Assumption of Mary

On Tuesday this week, we will gather to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. At the end of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven by the power of God. This feast of the Assumption of Mary is important because it reminds us to contemplate her beautiful example of fulfilling God’s Will in her life. The Assumption of Mary also points us to the day when our bodies will be raised and united to our souls in heaven.

Christians have believed for more than a 1000 years that Mary was assumed into heaven. In 1950, Pope Pius XII officially recognized this belief as a true and necessary part of our Catholic beliefs about Mary. The Assumption illustrates to us the truth about Christ’s promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the faithful.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Franciscan Media

3-Minute Retreat: The First Follower

Assumption Connection from Loyola Press

Ways to celebrate the Assumption within your Church of the Home

Go to (or watch) Mass

The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means Catholics are urged to attend Mass. Make it a priority to get to Mass. We gather to show our love and affection for Our Blessed Mother and by doing so we bring glory to her Son.

Plant a Mary Herb Garden

In Europe and throughout the world, it was (and is still) traditional to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption by bringing the summer harvest to be blessed. The first fruits — herbs, tomatoes, summer squash, etc. — are often associated with the Feast of the Assumption both because of the time of year and because Mary was the first believer in Jesus to experience the promised resurrection. She is the first fruit of a great coming harvest. This year, celebrate her Assumption Day by planting a Mary herb garden in your window with a small statue or image of Our Lady. Check out this article from the University of Dayton with a list of Herbs related to Mary: Herbs and Mary

Eat!

Oh, how we love to have something special to eat for a feast day! Your plans can be as simple as a picnic or cookout or as fancy as a formal sit down dinner or a proper tea. Try using fresh herbs and summer produce from your local farmers market. Check out this recipe for Assumption Salad. Or why not put those fresh herbs and veggies on a pizza! These are great recipes for an afternoon tea. Try this fun and colorful dessert recipe that looks like clouds in the sky. Add a “Hail Mary” or “Hail, Holy Queen” to your meal blessing. Have fun! Be joyful! This is a day of celebration!

What is the Assumption of Mary?

A brief overview of Catholic Church teaching on the dogma of the Assumption.

Pop-Up Catechesis: The Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption calls us to appreciate more deeply the dignity of the human body and its intimate link to our spirituality.

60 Days to 60 Years Continues

As we continue the countdown to our 60th Anniversary,

Resurrection invites you to participate in the many events being offered

Check out the 60th Anniversary Webpage

Join us for Mass this weekend in person

at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES

Sunday Readings

Scripture Reflection by Roger Vanden Busch

Sunday Connection from Loyola Press

VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION

What storms have you experienced in your life, either literally or figuratively? While we can experience God in the midst of storms, it is in the quiet afterward that we can truly hear God's voice. It is important to take time to reflect and connect deeper with God once the storm passes. Join Tony as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.