Welcome Back: Family Rosary
What is the rosary? How do we pray it? Why as a family?
The rosary is made up of 60 beads, separated into 6 segments, led by the introductory prayers, followed by the 5 decades. There are 4 mysteries, said on different days of the week, and each one has 5 parts, corresponding with the 5 decades of the rosary.
There are many ways to pray the rosary – out loud, to yourself, listening to an audio recording, watching a video, by yourself, or with your family. Here is a great link to help you get started: https://www.familyrosary.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary
While praying on your own can be a wonderful experience, praying with others, especially family, is always a very special experience. “The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together” was coined by Venerable Father Patrick Peyton and brings such a special meaning to many. It means being together, praying together, being in that moment, together.
More on togetherness: “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together…But Why?”
The term “Domestic Church” is something I am sure you have heard, at least in passing. In essence, it’s the family dimension of prayer and where evangelization starts. It started way back, when the first disciples met in homes to pray, break bread, and discuss the word. It continues today and praying the rosary as a family brings us back to the root of the faith – to our Mother Mary.
The Rosary as Family Prayer (vatican.va)
For further resources, check out these fantastic videos:
The Rosary with Bishop Robert Barron
Joyful Mysteries – Rosary with Sacred Art, Vol. I – Music: Debussy
Resources especially for kids:
Five Tips for Praying the Rosary as a Family
The Rosary with Catholic Sprouts