Vanity > Ranger Rosary, St. Mary's RC Parish, Annapolis MD

St. Mary's Parish, ^ | Not given | St. Mary's RC Parish , Annapolis MD

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Ranger Rosary Ministry Mission Statement: The rugged combat rosaries are to be made and sent to our service men and women serving throughout the world. The rosaries are distributed by Chaplains, especially those deployed in combat zones, and to those at stateside bases, and military hospitals.

For safety, the rosaries are made from parachute cord, dark beads, and black plastic crucifixes that do not rattle or reflect light. Included with the rosaries are "How to Pray the Rosary" pamphlets, scapulars with pamphlets, Divine Mercy Booklets, and St. Michael the Archangel medals with prayer cards. However, scapulars are only sent to the hospitals and the same with St Michaels medals and prayer cards. It is too expensive to send them with the rosaries. The Chaplains in the hospitals have requested them.

Also, included in every shipment are pictures of troops carrying rosaries, that are drawn by St. Mary's elementary school children. The Chaplains and the troops love them and put them on display in their chapels, and in their offices and living quarters. These pictures reassure the troops that they are not forgotten, even by the children. Also, the pictures are a reminder that they and their families are being remembered in prayer by those back home.

The Ranger Rosary Ministry is centered at St. Mary's Parish, in Annapolis, Maryland, where it originated. Here a weekly rosary making guild meets each Thursday. They come in the snow and in the heat, in wheel chairs, walkers, and even with oxygen tanks! In addition to making rosaries, 500 rosary making starter kits have been mailed all over the country to those who requested them and are interested in starting their own parish or home group. Each kit contains material to make two rosaries, and contains a finished rosary and instructions on how to make Ranger Rosaries. The rosary guild is a strong committed group who have become close friends.

The following is typical of the thank you responses received from military chaplains: ".......The troops continue to devour them…….We have two areas here where we dispense religious articles - at the chapel and the chaplain's office/visitor center where the transient soldiers process in and out of theater. Each morning I have to replenish the supply. Each time they empty their pockets or reach into them, they are sent a "heavenly reminder" of Our Lady's love for her children in Christ…….Keep up the good work. One never knows what harvest is reached from the seeds we sow. All are looking to find the consolation of Faith!" Chaplain (LTC) John Steiner, Iraq.

Due to the acute shortage of Catholic Chaplains, the presence and prayers of the Rosary are a constant reminder to our troops of their rich Catholic Heritage. We presently live in a time of urgent need for prayer to Mary, the Queen of Peace. Many blessings are dispersed through her intercession to her son, Jesus. The rosary is perhaps the most powerful and popular form of meditation. John Paul II referred to it as "the school of Mary that honors the mysteries of our redemption; we have the whole bible in our pocket."

During the past 3 years, the Ranger Rosary Ministry has provided more than 70,000 Ranger Rosaries to our troops. The individual cost of the Ranger Rosaries to the military chaplains, accompanied by prayer cards, and postage is about $1.00. St. Mary's parishioners in Annapolis, Maryland, have generously funded this ministry through personal donations separate from their contributions to the parish. Presently the Ranger Rosary Ministry is in need of additional funding and volunteers beyond our parish to be able to meet the ever increasing requests from military Chaplains.

Contributions are tax deductible and will be gratefully accepted. Make checks payable to: St. Mary's Ranger Rosary Mail to: St. Mary's Catholic Church Advancement Office 109 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Attention: Ranger Rosary

At St Marys church call 410-990-4100 Ext 4129

or

Contact Pat Evans for information patevans122@webtv.net

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I came across this website and thought that other Catholic members of Free Republic might be interested. They have a FAQ page which explains how to make the rosaries and where to send them upon completion.

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Thought I should add this information from the Parish’s web page.

Our Navy Chaplains have told us that they no longer need to receive any more rosaries. Your efforts in making Navy rosaries were very successful. We are refocusing our efforts to supply our Army and Marine chaplains. Army or Ranger Rosaries are the rosaries that have black beads with green cords and black crucifixes; and, the Desert Rosaries have brown beads with tan cords and brown crucifixes.

Making Ranger Rosaries
Please email us an address to mail the starter kit and indicate your preference for army (green and black) or navy (gray and blue) rosary supplies. We encourage groups to get in touch with their local military bases and build contacts to receive the rosaries your groups make.