Step-by-Step Guide to the Holy Rosary
The Introduction
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Hold the Crucifix and pray the Apostles’ Creed.
On the first large bead, pray the Our Father.
On the next three small beads, pray three Hail Marys (traditionally for an increase in faith, hope, and charity).
On the space before the next large bead, pray the Glory Be.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come 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.
Our Father
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.
The Hail Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. 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.
The Glory Be
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.
The Fatima Prayer
(O My Jesus)
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Amen.
The Hail, Holy Queen
(Salve Regina)
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, 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!
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Closing Prayer
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 upon 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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To help you keep track of which mysteries to pray, here is the full weekly schedule. Each day is dedicated to a specific set of five events from the life of Jesus and Mary.
Monday & Saturday: The Joyful Mysteries
Focus on the Incarnation and the childhood of Jesus.
The Annunciation (The Angel Gabriel visits Mary)
The Visitation (Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth)
The Nativity (The Birth of Jesus)
The Presentation (Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple)
The Finding in the Temple (Jesus is found teaching at age 12)
Tuesday & Friday: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Focus on the Passion and death of Jesus.
The Agony in the Garden (Jesus prays in Gethsemane)
The Scourging at the Pillar (Jesus is whipped by the soldiers)
The Crowning with Thorns (Jesus is mocked with a crown of thorns)
The Carrying of the Cross (Jesus carries His cross to Calvary)
The Crucifixion (Jesus dies on the cross)
Wednesday & Sunday: The Glorious Mysteries
Focus on the Resurrection and the glory of Heaven.
The Resurrection (Jesus rises from the dead)
The Ascension (Jesus ascends into Heaven)
The Descent of the Holy Spirit (The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost)
The Assumption (Mary is taken body and soul into Heaven)
The Coronation (Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth)
Thursday: The Luminous Mysteries
Focus on the public ministry and miracles of Jesus.
The Baptism of Jesus (Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River)
The Wedding at Cana (Jesus turns water into wine)
The Proclamation of the Kingdom (Jesus preaches the Gospel)
The Transfiguration (Jesus is revealed in glory on the mountain)
The Institution of the Eucharist (The Last Supper)
