Children's Liturgy Guide

Immaculate Conception

Year A · Advent

Mary Says Yes to God

Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

An angel named Gabriel visited a young woman named Mary with a special message from God. God wanted Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Mary was surprised but she trusted God and said yes.

Key Points

  • God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary with an important message
  • Mary was chosen by God for a very special job
  • Mary trusted God even though she did not understand everything
  • When Mary said yes to God, she helped bring Jesus into the world
  • We can say yes to God like Mary did

Background

This Gospel tells the Annunciation, the moment when Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. The feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, preparing her to be the Mother of God. This doctrine involves complex theology about grace, predestination, and Mary's unique role in salvation history. For children, emphasize Mary's trust and her willingness to say yes to God, setting aside explanations of the Immaculate Conception itself or the virgin birth. Focus on the concrete scene: Gabriel appears, delivers a message, Mary asks a question, the angel reassures her, and Mary responds with faith.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, God, for sending us your Son Jesus. Help us to trust you and say yes like Mary did when the angel came to her. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has a grown-up ever asked you to do something important that felt a little bit scary or surprising at first?

Example: One time my mom asked me to carry a big glass bowl to the table and I was nervous because I did not want to drop it, but I did it carefully.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes we feel nervous when someone asks us to do something big. In today's reading, we will hear about a young woman named Mary who got a very surprising visit from an angel with an important message from God.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Who came to visit Mary with a message from God?

    Example: An angel named Gabriel came to visit Mary. He was a special messenger sent by God to talk to her.

  2. What did the angel tell Mary that God wanted her to do?

    Example: The angel told Mary that God wanted her to be the mother of a baby named Jesus who would be very special and holy.

  3. How do you think Mary felt when she first saw the angel and heard his words?

    Example: I think Mary felt really surprised and maybe a little bit scared because it is not normal to see an angel standing in front of you.

  4. What did Mary say at the end when the angel finished talking to her?

    Example: Mary said yes to God. She said she would do whatever God wanted her to do even though it was a big surprise.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel inside your heart when you trust someone, even if you feel a little nervous?

    Example: It feels kind of warm and good because I know that person will help me and I am not all alone even if I am still a little bit scared.

  2. What is something you could do at home when your parents ask you to help, even if it seems hard?

    Example: I could help set the table for dinner or clean up my toys even when I feel tired and do not really want to do it.

  3. This week, how could you say yes to God like Mary did?

    Example: I could be kind to my little brother when he wants to play with me, or I could say my prayers before bed even when I am sleepy.

Recap

Today we heard how the angel Gabriel visited Mary with a message from God. God wanted Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Mary trusted God and said yes, even though it was surprising. We can say yes to God too, just like Mary did.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all children who are asked to do something difficult this week, that they may trust in God and have courage, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When the Creed is prayed at Mass, we bow at the words 'and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.' This recalls the very moment in today's reading when Mary said yes and Jesus began to grow inside her.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear God, thank you for Mary and for her brave yes. Help us to trust you and to say yes when you ask us to do good things. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Mary Says Yes to God

Luke 1:26-38

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

U J G T Z T F Q J M E D Y Q C
F E V Q F R K Z F K Z D P U L
H S I K Y G B U D C O E W K J
O U X V Q X Y R A C U I R N T
L S G U Y A Y V D M V Y M F G
Y B R L L O R S V E J F L A G
X T Z E E C A J E S B K D W H
R A G Y M J M G N S R I N P N
G N L Y A T T A T A T Z Y F F
A S A J S Y W B Q G U M N W M
R T T U A O Z R M E H I W O C
X Z R E T P V I N V V L T L Q
G T N D H Q S E Y H E H R R W
Y O U T L N H L J G E H R T D
L H D G P J C F W R R D M G Y

Words to find

  • Mary
  • Gabriel
  • angel
  • Jesus
  • trust
  • message
  • yes
  • God
  • mother
  • holy
  • Advent

ChildrensLiturgy.org