How to Say the Catholic Rosary

The Rosary is arguably the most well-known devotion in all of Catholicism. The main facet of the Rosary is known as the "Hail Mary," a prayer so recognizable that an American football play was named after the prayer. There are several other portions of the Rosary than the "Hail Mary," however, and each is just as important as the other. Once you know each part of the Rosary, you can spend quality time in devotion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose what you want to reflect on while saying the Rosary. There are four different sets of "Mysteries" that can be called to mind while praying the Rosary (see Resources below). You can also reflect on a special personal intention, such as healing for a sick loved one.

2. Make the sign of the cross while saying "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Then say "Amen."

3. Recite the Apostles' Creed. A link to the Catholic Apostles' Creed can be found in the Resources section below.

4. Say The Lord's Prayer (also known as the "Our Father"). Remember that Catholics say the Lord's Prayer slightly different than some Protestant denominations. Use the link in the Resources section to locate the Catholic version of The Lord's Prayer.

5. Say the Hail Mary three times (see Resources below).

6. Recite the "Glory Be" prayer (see Resources below). Some individuals will make the sign of the cross when the say the phrase "Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit." Doing so is optional.

7. Say out loud (or think about) the first Mystery. If you're praying for a person or special intention, you can substitute the person's name or your intention for the Mystery. Spend a few moments reflecting on the Mystery or intention.

8. Say The Lord's Prayer once.

9. Recite the Hail Mary ten times. You should be thinking about the Mystery or intention while you say these prayers.

10. Say the Glory Be when you have finished ten Hail Mary's.

11. Recite "The Fatima Ejaculation," also known as "The Virgin Mary's Rosary Ejaculation." This is optional and does not have to be done after the Glory Be.

12. Repeat step 7, this time moving on to the next of the five Mysteries (or once again thinking about your intention).

13. Repeat steps 8 to 11.

14. Do steps 12 and 13 three more times. When you've finished, you should have said the Apostles' Creed once, The Lord's Prayer 6 times, 53 Hail Mary's, 6 Glory Be's and 5 Fatima Ejaculations.

15. Finish the Rosary by repeating step 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Many Catholics add the "Hail, Holy Queen" prayer to the end of the Rosary. If you choose to say the Hail, Holy Queen, do so before Step 15. Rosary beads are not necessary when saying the Rosary. They can be very useful for keeping track of how many prayers you have said during the Rosary, though. A Rosary can be said anywhere while sitting, standing or kneeling.

Resources

• The Apostles' Creed
• The Lord's Prayer
• Hail Mary
• Glory Be
• Fatima Ejaculation