St. Rose of Lima

Praying the Rosary

The Rosary is a way to meditate on the life of Christ. Pope John Paul II once said, "Praying the Rosary is like going to the School of Mary and meditating on Her Son's life." In a matter of a few days, the the Rosary will lead you through the stories of Jesus' birth, his public ministry, his suffering and death, and his resurrection. This is why the Rosary has been called a mini Gospel of Jesus Christ. Praying the Rosary, because of its repetitive style, invites us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ. It should be treated like a mantra or a "prayer of the heart." The Gospel of Luke tells us that Mary treasured "all of these things in her heart." Continually meditating on the mysteries of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection will help you to treasure Our Lord in your heart. However, it takes daily practice. That's why Pope John Paul II said, "Go to the School of Mary and meditate on Her Son." Here’s how to pray the rosary, click here.

Sacred Heart Installment

If you would like to consecrate your family to Jesus Christ and to his most loving and sacred heart, follow these simple steps:
1. Obtain a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and place it in a frame.
2. Gather the family around and hang the framed picture in a prominent place in your house (living room, front door entrance, etc.)
3. Offer this prayer:

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, you revealed to the blessed Margaret Mary your desire to rule over Christian families; behold, in order to please You, we stand before you this day, to proclaim your full sovereignty over our family. We desire henceforth to live your life, we desire that the virtues, to which you have promised peace on earth, may flower in the bosom of our family; we desire to keep far from us the spirit of the world, which you have condemned. You are King of our hearts by our love of you alone, with which our hearts are on fire and whose flame we shall nourish by frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist. Be pleased, O Sacred Heart, to preside over our gathering together, to bless our spiritual and temporal affairs, to ward off all annoyance from us, to bless our joys and comfort our sorrows. If any of us has ever been so unhappy as to fall into the misery of displeasing you, grant that he may remember, O Heart of Jesus, that you are full of goodness and mercy toward the repentant sinner. And when the hour of separation strikes and death enters our family circle, whether we go or whether we stay, we shall all bow meekly before your eternal decrees. This shall be our consolation, to remember that the day will come, when our entire family, once more united in heaven, shall be able to sing of your glory and your goodness forever. May the immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph vouchsafe to offer you this our act of consecration, and to keep the memory thereof alive in us all the days of our lives.
Glory to the Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father! Amen.

Mass Attendance

Why attend Mass? The pastor of another parish says it well. Visit St. Mary’s Parish site for an answer to this question and other questions: click here

Praying the Scriptures

Have you ever wondered how you and your family can get the most out of the scripture readings at Mass? Here’s a helpful hint:
· Find the Scripture for the next Sunday.
· Read the Gospel and the other readings.
· What word or phrase hits you?
· How can you apply the readings or Gospel to your life as a parent, a spouse, a child or teenager, a co-worker, a minister in the church?
To find the Sunday and daily readings, click here

Treasures of the Heart Retreat

Have you ever tried a family retreat? You are encouraged to make one retreat by downloading a PDF file called, Treasures of the Heart. This retreat promises to be a great way for you and/or your family to get to know God.

Special Election Prayer

O Virgin of Guadalupe,
Your appearance in the Americas changed the course of human history.

In this portion of God's Vineyard, millions came to know your Son, Jesus Christ.

Change hearts and minds to uphold the dignity of all human life, and defend our marriages and families.