St. Margaret of Scotland Parish

The Rosary

The Rosary is a special prayer to the Virgin Mary that helps us think about the mysteries--the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Rosary beads help us count the prayers we say in the rosary.

While saying the rosary, we think of the mystery of the rosary. It is customary to pray the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Thursday; the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday; the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday and Saturday. Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries on Sunday during Advent; pray the Glorious Mysteries on Sunday during Lent, and pray the Joyful Mysteries on Sunday during the rest of the year.

How to Pray the Rosary

Begin to pray the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.

While holding the Crucifix, recite the ancient profession of faith, the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes everything that we believe as Catholics.

On the first bead after the Crucifix, say the prayer that Jesus taught us, the Lord's Prayer.

Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads and then pray one Glory Be to the Father.

The next bead begins the first decade of the Rosary. For each decade, announce a mystery, reflect on that mystery and what it means in our lives today. Say the prayer Our Lord taught us, the Lord's Prayer.

Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries Luminous Mysteries
Monday and Saturdays  and Sundays during Advent
Tuesday, Friday, and Sundays during Lent Wednesday and Sundays during the rest of the year Thursdays
The Annunciation The Agony in the Garden The Resurrection The Baptism of Jesus
The Visitation Scourging a the Pillar The Ascension The Wedding at Cana
The Birth of Jesus Crowning with Thorns Descent of the Holy Spirit The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Presentation Carrying of the Cross The Assumption The Transfiguration
Finding in the Temple The Crucifixion The Coronation The Institution of the Eucharist

Pray the Hail Mary on each of the ten beads for each decade. Conclude each decade by saying the Glory Be to the Father.

When you have reached the end of the last decade, finger the medal that connects the beads and pray the Hail Holy Queen.


The Prayers of the Rosary

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Glory be to the Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope;
to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, O most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray

O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life,
grant we beseech thee that meditating on these mysteries
of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.


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