The Rosary can be used by anyone , but its flexibility is often underestimated.  By focusing on the prayers and on the mysteries we engage our senses.  By meditating on the mysteries we deepen our understanding of the Scriptures.  By contemplating during and in between the mysteries, we rest in the presence of God.  Use the Rosary in a way that best suits your particular style.

 How to pray the Rosary

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and pray the Apostles Creed.
2. Pray the Our Father.
3. Pray 3 Hail Mary’s.
4. Pray Glory Be to the Father.
5. Announce the mystery for reflection and pray the Our Father.
6. Pray 10 Hail Mary’s.
7. Finish the decade with the Glory Be to the Father.
8. Repeat this process (5, 6, 7) for each decade.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays) 

1. The annunciation to Mary that she is to be Mother of the Savior (Luke 1:26-38)
2. The visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 39-47)
3. The nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1-7)
4. The presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-32)
5. The finding of the Christ Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
6.  

 The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays)

1. The agony of Christ in the garden (Mark 14:32-36)
2. The scourging of Jesus at the pillar (John 18:28-38; 19:1)
3. The crowning with thorns (Mark 15:16-20)
4. The carrying of the cross (John 19:12-16)
5. The crucifixion and death of Jesus (Luke 23:33-34; 39-46)

The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays)

1. The resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-6)
2. The ascension of our Lord into Heaven (Luke 24:50-53)
3. The descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)
4. The assumption of Mary into Heaven (Song of Songs 2:8-14)
5. The coronation of Our Lady in Heaven (Rev. 12:1-6)

The Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays)

1. Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan
2. The wedding at Cana
3. The proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. The institution of the Eucharist

A note on the Mysteries:  While there is good reason to preserve the basic division of Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous  (and the traditionally recommended days for usage noted above, we are free to adapt these divisions or to choose other events from Christ’s life and the Scriptures which more closely correspond to the liturgical season or to the events of our lives.  For example, other mysteries for reflection might be:  the temptation in the desert, the calling of the disciples, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus on the cross entrusting His Mother and disciple John into each other’s care, the disciples on the way to Emmaus.