The Rosary is a great way to help deepen our Catholic Culture and Identity and we can do it right at home.
The benefits of making the Rosary a family prayer are:
- All members of the family can be involved. The Rosary begins with the sign of the cross, continues with the Apostles’ Creed, goes on to prayers for the Pope’s Intentions and brings us to the five decades of each Mystery (Joyful Mystery, Sorrowful Mystery, Glorious Mystery and Mystery of Light). Each Mystery can involve eight persons. If children have a role to play, they will prepare for it and participate in it more fully.
- Make it personal. Each member of the family can have their own Rosary. They can use it any time they wish.
- Set the tone. Create a special prayer space at home. Decorate the prayer space with a beautiful cloth, a candle, soothing music, a crucifix, a bible and any other holy icon that may help. Young children will quickly learn that prayer is different from other activities. Set aside a special time each day for a family rosary. Don’t make it stressful. Choose a time, perhaps in the evening before the dinner, when everyone can be present and participate. Your family prayer can then lead you into your family meal.
- Patience. It takes time for everyone to become comfortable and appreciate prayer. Adjust for those who have a different pace.
- Wonderful catechesis. The Rosary is a wonderful catechetical tool. Young children will learn the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Creed, the important events in Jesus’ life and the special moments in Mary’s life.
- No time like the present. Start today.
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