Signal Graces            

The Rosary is for EVERYONE! Here are directions on how to pray the rosary:

The introduction begins with The Sign of the Cross (a prayer to the Trinity: the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit). It is followed by The Apostles' Creed (a statement of faith dating back to the Apostles), an Our Father (The Lord's Prayer), three Hail Marys (asking for the virtues of faith, hope, and love), and the Glory Be (prayer to the Trinity).

Non-Catholics don't worry- by praying the Hail Mary you are NOT worshiping Mary. You are just praying scripture (see Luke: 1:28, 42) and asking Mary to pray to her Son, Jesus, for you. Don't under-estimate the power of a mother's prayers!

Now you begin meditating on the mysteries of the rosary. You state the mystery (see below) that you will meditate on, pray an Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, a Glory Be, and an Oh My Jesus prayer all while thinking about the mystery (scene from the life of Jesus or Mary). After you are finished praying at least five mysteries you conclude with the prayer, Hail, Holy Queen.

For example on Monday, you would pray the introductionary prayers and then announce: The First Joyful Mystery- The Annunciation to Mary. Then begin praying the Our Father while thinking about the Angel Gabriel coming to a very young Blessed Virgin Mary and asking her to accept what God had chosen her to be- the Mother of the Savior. I often ask God to help me say, "Yes," to Him and His will for my life, just as Mary accepted His will for her life.

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(Done while making the Sign of the Cross- crossing yourself with your right hand)

THE APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amoung women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

OH MY JESUS

O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us. And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.