Courtesy of Catholic Stewardship Consultants (Aug/Sept. 2023 Newsletter)
It was only about five months ago that Mary Warren began leading the Children’s Rosary. She is hoping that this ministry will provide an opportunity for children to not only learn how to pray the Rosary but also to develop a relationship with Jesus and His mother.
“This group serves the two-fold purpose of teaching children about the wonderful devotion to the Rosary, but also teaching them the meaning of Eucharistic Adoration,” Mary says. “It is a chance for children to become friends with Jesus by spending time with Him and His mother.”
The Rosary is a very powerful prayer, and giving children a chance to pray it together opens up many opportunities for them to learn about and grow in their understanding of the faith. One of Mary’s main goals for the ministry is to give children confidence in their relationship with Jesus so they can bring this special prayer into their homes.
“We want to increase the number of children praying the Rosary at home and hopefully get the whole family involved,” Mary says. “It will make a difference in their lives. Children are busy with so many things, constantly running here and there. We want to help them see the importance of carving out a short period of time to focus on Jesus and His mother. Even if it is just once or twice a week, taking the time to think about and reflect on the Rosary will be a great benefit to the children and their families.”
Mary believes that it is important for the children to gather because they motivate each other. Seeing other children praying and growing closer to Christ helps them find joy and peace in their own prayers.
“We have one child who is teaching her friend how to pray the Rosary and they are calling it ‘the Jesus Club,’” Mary says. “Other children have asked me if we can go see Jesus again. I think they recognize the peace and quiet that comes with adoration, and it helps them focus and learn how to pray. Teaching children has to go beyond just knowing their prayers — they need to know Jesus as well. This relationship with Jesus and His mother will stay with them throughout the rest of their lives.”
The Children’s Rosary Ministry meets on the last Sunday of each month after 9 a.m. Mass, in front of the Blessed Sacrament at the adoration chapel or in the church itself. Children of all ages and their families are invited to join together in prayer.
For more information about the Children’s Rosary Ministry, contact Mary Warren at 808-895-8703.
