2. Any study of Mary is “interwoven” with the study of Christ “Mariology is always Christocentric” (John Henry Newman) “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it” (CCC964) In this Unit our Learning Intentions are to understand: That through God’s call and her response Mary is our Model of Prayer How MY life should reflect this Model of Prayer Our Success Criteria are: *I know that Mary’s “fiat” means she said “yes” to God. *I understand that Christian prayer means saying “yes” to God. *I can express my understanding of how MY life can reflect Mary’s example of Prayer.

3. “Mother of God” (CCC963) “Mother of The Church” (CCC967) “Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediatrix” (CCC969) “Mother to Us” (CCC968)

4. Each group choose one of Mary’s titles Discuss as a group what you think the title means: a)In relation to Mary’s nature and her role in the life of Jesus. b)In relation to Mary’s role in our lives and the life of The Church today. BE READY to FEED BACK and DEFEND your views to the rest of the class

5. Mary is seen as the highest created being. She is the pure and perfect vessel for Christ’s Incarnation. She is “Theotokos” (“The Mother of God”) No other created human being has ever had nor ever will have such an elevated role.

6. NO!! Not that kind of “Fiat”!!!!! Collect your Bible and look up the reference: Luke 1:26-48 Make notes in your jotter on what you read.

7. “Here am I The Handmaid of the Lord: Let what you have said be done unto me” Work in pairs a)Reflect together on Mary’s words - Can you think of any time when WE in prayer say something similar to God? b) Share your thoughts in a class discussion.

8. Pay close attention to the ideas in this video – your teacher will be asking you to use/work with them at the end

9. It can be difficult for us to be like Mary – to comply with God’s “will” and put it before our own - but we should always remember that He has a purpose in all that He does, that He has a purpose for all of us. Each individual one of us has a purpose in being here. We must accept God’s “will” if we are to find and follow our purpose Mary was frightened by the prospect of following God’s purpose But she followed it! Because she had faith in God and in His protection of her When we are feeling most vulnerable, most afraid and perhaps most alone we too can find help if we have faith in God and turn to Him, as Mary did, through prayer Listen to the song

10. As we have discussed God uses each of us to fulfill His purpose But we have to CHOOSE to accept His will and to follow His purpose (or not  ) When asked to choose Mary did not hesitate to say “YES” We perhaps are inclined to put the choice “off” until tomorrow If we do put it “off” until tomorrow WHAT ABOUT NOW?!

11. Watch the video and listen to the song again. In your groups discuss what YOU will do during Advent NOW to BE the difference – to work towards His purpose... To be all that YOU were meant to be. WE are His hands on earth... So...