In an effort to serve and engage with the parishes and ministries of South Carolina, the Office of Communications will release a social media toolkit each month for the coming year with social media assets and resources to promote a monthly theme. This coming month, May, is the Month of Compassion.
As we reflect on the compassionate heart of Mary, all parishes are encouraged to share and amplify the message #BeCompassionate across their own social platforms with the help of the toolkit below.
Resources
| Title | English | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| All Social Media Graphics – Zip |  | |
| Bulletin Inserts |  | |
| Intercessory Prayers – PDF | | |
| Intercessory Prayers – Word |  | |
| May 2023 – Homily Helps – PDF | | |
| May 2023 – Homily Helps – Word | | |
| May 2023 – Toolkit – PDF | | |
| May 2023 – Toolkit – Word | | |
Graphics
Click to see a larger version. Right-click to Save image as. Captions are in the May 2023 (PDF and Word doc) above, or you can copy/paste from below each image. Descargar gráficos en español arriba.
Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
During May, the Month of Mary, the Church invites us to pray the rosary, attend Masses dedicated to our Mother, and participate in other devotions to honor her. Some parishes also hold May Crowning ceremonies in which a statue of Mary is crowned with flowers as a symbol of her queenship. May is a time to reflect on the life and virtues of Mary, her model to us of humility, obedience, and trust in God. It is also a time to ask for her intercession in our lives and to deepen our relationship with her as our spiritual mother. The Month of Mary is a beautiful opportunity for Catholics to draw closer to the Queen of Heaven and to honor her as the Mother of God. #becompassionate #maycrowning
Pope's Intention - May
This month, in unity with Pope Francis, we pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world. #popesintention #becompassionate
Feast of St. Joseph the Worker - May 1
Today we honor the life and work of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Joseph is the patron of workers, carpenters, and fathers. The celebration of this feast reminds us of the dignity of work and the importance of treating workers with respect and fairness. We ask for St. Joseph's intercession and blessings on all those who work to earn a living for themselves and their families. St. Joseph, pray for us!
Feast of St. Athanasius - May 2
A blessed feast of St. Athanasius, a bishop and theologian who lived in Egypt during the fourth century AD. He played a significant role in the early Christian Church by defending the doctrine of the Trinity and combating the Arian heresy. St. Athanasius was exiled several times for his beliefs but remained steadfast in his conviction. He is a Doctor of the Church and his writings on theology, such as the Incarnation of the Word, are still studied by scholars today. St. Athanasius, pray for us, that we may be bold in defending the faith.
Our Lady of Fatima - May 13
Today we celebrate the feast of our Lady of Fatima, who appeared to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917. Her message of prayer, penance, and reparation still guides us today. May we center our lives around Christ and seek Our Lady of Fatima's intercession in our daily lives. #OurLadyofFatima #Prayer #Penance #Reparation
Mother's Day - May 14
Happy Mother's Day! Today, we honor all mothers, both biological and spiritual, who carry out their vocation as a beautiful reflection of the nurturing and compassionate love of God. Thank you to all mothers for your sacrifice, strength, and grace. Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother, pray for us! #mothersday #becompassionate
St. Dymphna - May 15
St. Dymphna, patron of those who suffer from mental illness or emotional distress, pray for us! #feastday #becompassionate
The Ascension of the Lord - May 21
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which marks the physical, bodily raising of Jesus into heaven. The ascension powerfully signifies Christ's victory over death and his reign over all creation. Today also marks the beginning of the waiting period for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. #ascension #easterseason
Pentecost Sunday - May 28
The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekostos, which means fiftieth, referring to the 50 days after Easter. Today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the 12 Apostles, the Blessed Mother, and other followers of Jesus. Pentecost is the birth of the Church, which was empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. The apostles, who were previously fearful and uncertain, were transformed into bold and charismatic leaders who spread the teachings of Jesus throughout the world. Holy Spirit, come into our Church and our hearts, just as you did on the first Pentecost, and enliven us to live out the Gospel without fear.
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. From the beautiful account of this meeting in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55), we receive the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Mary, where she gives glory to God for the miracle she carries within her womb. Let us follow Mary's example of complete acceptance of God's will, and joyfully share the love of Christ with those around us. #FeastOfTheVisitation #BlessedVirginMary