How to Say the Rosary

The Rosary is an important part of the Catholic faith.

Praying the rosary is a Catholic tradition focused on a devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. Catholics believe that she is the mother of God.Mary promises favors to those who devote time and focus on the rosary.The traditional rosary is a string of beads with each row identified with certain prayers.

Instructions

1. Start by blessing yourself. You should say, “In the name of the father, son and holy spirit.” This is done by touching the forehead, two shoulders and your heart. Each touch represents part of the blessing of the individual.

2. Decide what genre of the mysteries are going to be used. Each day of the week uses different mysteries. Joyful Mysteries are said Mondays and Saturdays. The five Luminous Mysteries are said Thursdays. The five Sorrowful Mysteries are said Tuesdays and Fridays. The five Glorious Mysteries may be said Mondays and Wednesdays.

3. Focus by saying the intent and voicing the needs of the family member, friend or other loved one you are praying for after blessing oneself. A preparatory prayer is rehearsed, and the rosary starts with the Apostles’ Creed.

4. Next say the “Our Father” followed by three “Hail Marys.” After the three “Hail Marys” are recited, the “Glory Be” follows and the announcement of the mystery and the rosary begins. See the link in our Resources sections for the words to the prayers mentioned.

5. There are five “decades” or sections of the rosary that each contain one “Our Father” and 10 “Hail Marys.” Each one is followed by the “Glory Be” and then the Fatima prayer. After the final decade is finished, the “Glory Be” is recited flowed by the Fatima prayer. This is followed by the “Hail Holy Queen.”

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to recite the correct mystery of the Rosary relating to the correct "decade" because this will help keep track of prayer order.

Resources

• Our Father prayer
• Hail Mary prayer
• Glory Be prayer