Opening Game
Play protection dodge ball:
- Choose three people to throw the dodge balls.
- Divide the rest of the group into teams of two.
- One person on each team (“protector”) should try to protect the other person (“protectee”) from being hit.
- If the “protectee” is hit, the team is out.
For complete instructions, see how to play protection dodge ball.
Follow up with a few questions:
- Was it easier to avoid being hit with someone helping you?
- Do you think this game is easier as a team?
- How well did you work together?
Discussion
As Catholics, we believe that all who are baptized are members of the mystical body of Christ. We are all connected in a very special way. We support each other in our faith journey.
- Have you ever asked another Christian to pray for you? Why?
- Have you ever prayed for someone else?
Yes, part of that support includes praying for each other.
The bible tells us that we should pray for each other.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
James 5:16
We also believe that the faithful, when they die, go to heaven, where they worship God with the angels and all of the saints. And the book of Revelation tells us
Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel.
Revelation 8:3-4
So the angels and saints in heaven are able to pray to God. But they aren’t praying for themselves, since they are already in heaven.
So who are the angels and saints praying for? Us!
Catholics believe it is totally appropriate to ask others for prayers. We do this all the time with other Christians on Earth. This is why we pray to the saints. We are asking them to offer prayers to God for us. As members of the mystical body of Christ, it is right that we ask those who are already in heaven to pray for us also. This is why Catholics pray to the saints.
And it is important to understand that prayer is not the same as worship. Worship is for God alone. When we worship God, we recognize him as our creator and the ultimate mover in our lives.
Prayer is a spiritual conversation. When we pray to the saints, we are not worshiping them. We know that they have no power on their own. But in prayer, we ask them to repeat our requests to God and ask for his help for us. This is no different than asking a friend to pray for us.
Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary?
So why do Catholics pray to Mary in particular?
Jesus listens to Our Blessed Mother
Mary, as the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, has a special place in our hearts. And we know that when she asks something, Jesus listens to her. Consider the wedding at Cana
When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”John 2:3-5
We know the rest of the story, Jesus turns the water into wine. He does this at the request of his mother Mary.
Mary is the Queen
It is also important to understand a little history. During the time of King David and the later kings, the king’s mother held a very important position. She advised her son, the king, especially concerning the needs of the people.
In fact, the title of queen did not belong to one of the king’s many wives. Instead, the king’s mother was the queen. And she was greatly honored. Consider how King Solomon treated Bathsheba, his mother
Then Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, and the king stood up to meet her and paid her homage. Then he sat down upon his throne, and a throne was provided for the king’s mother, who sat at his right.1 Kings 2:19
She is advocating for one of Solomon’s brothers. Solomon stands up, bows to her, and sets up a throne for her.
Mary, as the mother of our Lord, holds this position in our spiritual lives. We proclaim Jesus Christ as our king. According to Jewish tradition, this makes Mary, his mother, our queen. And just like the queens of the past, we believe she advocates for the needs of us, the people of God.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Small group discussions help students think more deeply about why Catholics pray to Mary and the saints. Encourage open and respectful sharing. Remind students that asking questions is a good way to grow in faith. If someone is unsure about something, guide them back to scripture and Church teaching.
- Have you ever asked someone to pray for you? Why did you do that?
- How does asking Mary or the saints for prayers compare to asking a friend for prayers?
- What do you think is the difference between worshiping God and honoring Mary and the saints?
- How does the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) help us understand why we pray to Mary?
- How do you feel knowing that the saints in heaven are praying for us?
- What would you say to someone who thinks Catholics worship Mary?
- How does understanding the Communion of Saints help us see why we pray to Mary and the saints?
- How can praying to Mary and the saints help us grow in our faith?
Challenge
When you pray this week, ask one of the saints or our Blessed Mother to pray with you. Remember, you are never alone in your faith. The saints in heaven are part of God’s family, just like you. They care about you and want to bring your prayers to God. Choose a saint you connect with or simply turn to Mary, who is always ready to pray for you.
You are part of something much bigger than yourself. As a member of the mystical body of Christ, you are connected to all believers—both on earth and in heaven. Let this remind you that your prayers matter and that others are praying for you too.
Prayer
A printable copy of the Memorare is available here.
As we finish this lesson, let’s take a moment to pray together. We have learned why Catholics pray to Mary and the saints. We do not worship them, but we ask for their prayers, just as we ask friends and family to pray for us. Mary, as the mother of Jesus, has a special place in our faith. She always leads us closer to her Son.
One beautiful way to pray to Mary is by saying the Memorare. This prayer asks for her help and reminds us that she always listens when we turn to her. It has been prayed by Catholics for centuries, especially in times of need. As we pray, let’s remember that we are never alone. Mary and the saints in heaven are praying for us, and we are part of a great family of faith.
Let’s pray together:
The Memorare
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.”
Take a moment to reflect on these words. Think about a need in your life or the life of someone you know. As you go forward this week, remember that Mary is always ready to pray with you. Turn to her in times of joy and in times of struggle. She will always bring your prayers to Jesus.
More Resources
For more resources and information, see https://young-catholics.com/10337/why-do-catholics-pray-to-mary-saints/