On a beautiful Thursday morning, Saint Clement School students, faculty, and staff, along with some family members and a few parishioners, celebrated the Blessed Mother with a prayer service on the plaza, led by Fr. Manny Dorantes. With the musical accompaniment of music teachers Mr. Jesse Roe and Ms. Anna Bax, the service included traditional Marian songs and prayers.

The Gospel proclaimed was the Annunciation -- the account in Luke's Gospel of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, announcing God's plan for her to bear the Son of God. Pastoral Associate Christina Bax helped the students reflect on Mary's important role in our faith by naming five qualities they heard about Mary in the Scripture story. These qualities allowed Mary to say yes to God, which allowed Jesus to be manifest in the world. The students were encouraged to think about Mary as a role model, and to imitate these same qualities, so that they might bring Jesus in the world through their example and prayer.

The group also prayed the Litany of Loreto, and three six graders led the group in the Hail Mary. Then, each child was able to bring forth a flower and place it in front of a large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the steps of the church, with the singing of "Immaculate Mary" over and over to accommodate the many prayerful students. Thank you to the 7^th grade boys for their help in keeping the singing strong until the very end!

Photos courtesy www.amyboylephotography.com