American Martyrs Church Home

A welcoming community helping one another to live holy lives through Jesus Christ.

In May, we honor our mother, Mary

Traditionally the Catholic Church has honored Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the month of May. Some parishes hold May processions - participants sing hymns about Mary, recite the Rosary, and crown a statue of Mary with a wreath of flowers.

Some people believe, mistakenly, that Catholics worship Mary. Worship is reserved to God alone. From the earliest times, however, Christians have sought Mary's prayers and help. They ask Mary to intercede on their behalf, which is entirely appropriate given Mary's preeminent role in salvation history.

The Church teaches that Mary is the first and the greatest of all the disciples of Christ. Through her "yes" to the angel, she conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit and truly became the Mother of God. As the Mother of God, it was fitting that she was given the great gift of being preserved from Original Sin. This is called the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Paul VI gave Mary the title of Mother of the Church. Just as Mary prayed with the Apostles and disciples after Jesus' Death, she continue to pray before God for the Church and all humanity.

The Church honors Mary on various days throughout the liturgical year. In many parts of the world there are popular, local devotions to Mary. Mary in her Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States. This feast is usually celebrated on December 8.

This Fact of Faith article was originally published
on the For Your Marriage website. Copyright © 2017,
Catholic News Service-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
[USCCB], 2003), Washington DC. All rights reserved.

High School Senior Contact Information

Funeral Arrangements for Fr. Jesus Vela, OFM CAP

It is with great sadness that we inform you about the passing of our friend and priest at St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Fr. Jesus Vela, who passed away unexpectedly on Friday May 25. He was a shepherd to countless people in the Watts community for over 15 years. We are all better people because of his care for us. His bright smile and kind heart will be greatly missed.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training and Recertification sessions

"Protecting God's Children," an awareness session on Child Sexual Abuse is required for all adults involved in ministry that interact with children.

Summer Fun for Everyone at American Martyrs Field and Gym

The only skill required is how to have fun! We will be having fun with games that every kid loves to play all day long, Whiffle ball, Kickball, Capture the Flag, water games, and lots of other creative games to keep your child having fun all day long.