THE ROSARY

​"A world at prayer is a world at peace."
Father Patrick Peyton
Watch "Why We Should Love The Virgin Mary"- Pope Francis Minute 

How to Pray the Rosary with Your Children

  1. Place a picture or statue of Mary for your children to view.
  2. Be comfortable. Take a few slow deep breaths. Experience quiet.
  3. Light a candle. 
  4. Pray the "Sign of the Cross" slowly while holding the crucifix. 
  5. On a "mystery" bead (see picture below), announce a particular event in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Be silent. Offer a petition or an intention. Then, pray the "Our Father."
  6. Afterwards, pray a "Hail Mary" while holding each of the next three beads. 
  7. Next, pray a "Glory Be to the Father."
  8. End by holding the crucifix while praying the "Sign of the Cross" slowly and reverently.  

Deepen your families experience of the Rosary: Focus on the words of the prayers. Reflect on the mysteries of Christ's life. Contemplate the scenes. Focus on the holy name of Jesus speaking it tenderly and with love. 
The Mysteries of the Rosary
HE JOYFUL MYSTERIES 
(Monday and Saturday)

  1. The Annunciation 
    The angel Gabriel tells Mary that God has chosen her to be the mother of his son, Mary says, "Yes I will!"  Mary, help me to what God wants. ​
  2. The Visitation
    Mary visits and helps Saint Elizabeth. Mary, help me to be loving and kind.  
  3. The Nativity
    Jesus  is born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph care for him.  Mary, help me to love Jesus always. 
  4. The Presentation  
    Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. Thank you, heavenly Father for sending us Jesus our Savior!
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
    When Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple talking about God, they take Jesus home. Jesus, help me to obey at home and at school.​
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THE MYSTERIES OF LIGHT  
(Thursday)
  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan 
    John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River. God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. Jesus, help me to live as a child of God. 
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana 
    At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle. Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding party in Cana. Jesus, I believe you are truly God! 
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
    Jesus teaches people about the Kingdom of God. Jesus, help me to listen when you speak to me in my heart. 
  4. The Transfiguration of Jesus 
    Three of the apostles, Peter, James, and John, see Jesus shining with God's glory on Mount Tabor. Moses and Elijah are with him.  Jesus, I want to love you always. 
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist 
    Before he dies, Jesus gives us his Body and Blood at the Last Supper-a great mystery. Jesus, help me to love and treasure you in the Eucharist. 

THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES  
(Tuesday and Friday)
  1. The Agony in the Garden 
    Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies. He prays to be strong.  Jesus, help me when I'm sad or afraid. 
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar
    Jesus is tied up and whipped. Jesus is badly beaten. He does not complain.  Jesus, it makes me sad to see how you suffered.  
  3. The Crowning With Thorns
    Jesus is crowned with thorns and made fun of. Jesus, may I never make fun of anyone. 
  4. The Carrying of the Cross
    Jesus carries his cross to Calvary.  Jesus, help me when I have something hard to do.  
  5. The Crucifixion
    Jesus forgives those who hurt him. He dies on the cross for our sins because he loves us so much.  Jesus, help me to be forgiving like you. 

​THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
(Wednesday and Sunday)
  1. The Resurrection
    Jesus comes back to life! He rises from the dead because he is God.  I believe that you can do everything, Jesus! 
  2. The Ascension
    Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. Jesus, help me to remember that you wait for me in heaven. 
  3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
    Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to bring new life to Mary and the Apostles.  Mary, help me to listen to the Holy Spirit every day. 
  4. The Assumption of Mary
    Jesus takes Mary, body and soul into heaven. Mary, may I live a good life like you.
  5. The Coronation of Mary
    Jesus crowns Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary, keep me close to Jesus your Son. 
The Rosary as a Tool for Meditation​
​Rediscover the Rosary-Explore the Power of Contemplative Prayer​