Welcome, Young Cadet!
Are you ready to join a special army? Not an army with weapons, but an army of prayer! As a Cadet for Mary, you become a young soldier in Our Lady's army, helping to bring souls to Heaven through prayer, sacrifice, and devotion to the Eucharist.
A Cadet for Mary is a young person (ages 8-17) who dedicates themselves to serving Our Lady of Fatima and her Immaculate Heart. Just like the three shepherd children of Fatima—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—you can help save souls through prayer and sacrifice!
Our Lady told the children at Fatima that many souls go to Hell because there is no one to pray and make sacrifices for them. As a Cadet, you become that someone! You become a spiritual warrior in Mary's army.
Our Mission
To pray daily, make sacrifices, and spread devotion to Our Lady of Fatima and the Most Holy Eucharist among our friends and families.
Our Armor
The Rosary is our weapon, the Brown Scapular is our shield, and the Eucharist is our strength!
When you become a Cadet for Mary, you make this simple promise:
"Dear Jesus and Mary, I want to be a soldier in your army. I promise to pray the Rosary every day, to make sacrifices for sinners, to love the Eucharist, and to wear the Brown Scapular. Help me to be brave and faithful, and to bring many souls to Heaven. Amen."
You can say this prayer with your parents and ask Our Lady to help you keep your promise!
As a Cadet for Mary, here are the things you try to do every day. Don't worry if you miss something—just try your best and ask Our Lady to help you!
Pray the Rosary Daily
Our Lady asked us to pray the Rosary every day. Even if you can only pray one decade (10 Hail Marys), that's wonderful! The Rosary is your most powerful weapon as a Cadet.
Make Daily Sacrifices
Offer small sacrifices throughout the day. Share your toys, help with chores without complaining, give up dessert, or be kind to someone who's mean to you. Say the Fatima Prayer: "O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."
Love Jesus in the Eucharist
Go to Mass as often as you can. When you receive Holy Communion, remember that Jesus Himself is coming into your heart! Visit Jesus in the tabernacle like Francisco did. Make a spiritual communion if you can't go to Mass.
Wear the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular is like Mary's hug that you wear all day! Ask your parents to get you a blessed Brown Scapular. Wear it always as a sign that you belong to Our Lady.
Spread the Message
Tell your friends about Our Lady of Fatima! Invite them to pray the Rosary with you. Be a good example by being kind, honest, and loving. Your actions speak louder than words!
First Saturday Devotion
On the first Saturday of each month, try to go to Confession, attend Mass, receive Holy Communion, pray the Rosary, and keep Our Lady company for 15 minutes while meditating on the Rosary mysteries.
First Friday Devotion
On the first Friday of each month, receive Holy Communion in reparation for sins against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Spend extra time with Jesus in adoration if your parish has it.
Learn About Saints
Read stories about the saints, especially young saints like Blessed Francisco and Jacinta, Saint Dominic Savio, and Saint Maria Goretti. They show us how to be holy!
Family Rosary
Encourage your family to pray the Rosary together! "The family that prays together stays together." You can even start a Rosary group with your friends.
As you grow in your devotion, you can advance through these ranks. Ask your parents or Cadet leader to help you track your progress!
🌟 Beginner Cadet
Learning the Rosary and making your first sacrifices
⭐⭐ Junior Cadet
Praying the Rosary regularly and wearing the Brown Scapular
⭐⭐⭐ Senior Cadet
Faithful to daily Rosary, sacrifices, and First Saturday devotion
🏆 Cadet Commander
Leading others in prayer, living the message fully, and helping younger Cadets
Remember: The goal isn't just to get a rank—it's to become a saint! Each rank helps you grow closer to Jesus and Mary.
Morning Offering
"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart. Amen."
Spiritual Communion
When you can't receive Jesus in Holy Communion, pray this:
"My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen."
Evening Prayer
"Dear Jesus and Mary, thank You for this day. I'm sorry for any times I wasn't good. Please bless my family and all the Cadets for Mary. Help us save many souls. Good night! Amen."
Francisco's Example
Francisco loved to spend time with Jesus in the tabernacle. He would sit quietly in church and just keep Jesus company. He said, "I like to tell Jesus that I love Him!" You can do this too!
Jacinta's Example
Jacinta made many sacrifices to save sinners. She would give up water on hot days, share her food with poor children, and pray for hours. She said, "Sacrifices are like flowers we throw at Jesus' feet!" Even small sacrifices matter!
Lucia's Example
Lucia was faithful to Our Lady's message her whole life. She prayed the Rosary every day and taught others about Fatima. She showed us that we can live the message no matter what happens. Be faithful like Lucia!
"The children who are going to save the world are here in this room." - Pope Pius XII to a group of children