As to praying to Mary, she sleeps with all the saints awaiting the Resurrection of the body.
God alone is omniscient in all place and at all times enough to hear prayers. No human is capable of it.
Folks bow down and pray and worship Mary. She would tell you to bow down, pray and worship Christ Alone (her Savior).
Gee, it you read a fraction of a percent of what Salvation posts here, you would have NO need to even ask such a question. It is what the Catholic Church teaches. By the way, see what the Holy Spirit is doing among those who love Christ and accept His sacrifice on the Cross for their sins whether they be Catholic or Evangelical:
(You have to watch the entire video to understand the beauty of all of this. Jesus is LORD!)
http://www.jamesrobison.net/witnessing-the-miracle-jesus-prayed-for
May God bless you and yours.
;-)