✢Devotional Guide

How to Pray the Rosary

A clear, respectful step-by-step guide to praying the Holy Rosary with confidence, reverence, and peace.

What You Need to Begin

To pray the Rosary, all you need is an open heart and a willingness to spend 15 to 20 quiet minutes meditating upon the life of Jesus Christ. If you have a set of Rosary beads, hold them gently in your hands; if not, you can use your fingers or follow our Interactive Rosary Guide.

The Step-by-Step Sequence

Part 1

Opening Prayers (On the Crucifix & First Beads)

Sign of the Cross: Make the sign of the cross on your forehead, chest, and shoulders: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Apostles’ Creed: Holding the crucifix, recite the Apostles' Creed professing faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Our Father: On the first large bead, pray one Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Three Hail Marys: On the next three small beads, pray three Hail Marys for an increase in the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love).
Glory Be: Pray one Glory Be giving praise to the Holy Trinity.

Part 2

Praying the Five Decades

For each of the five decades:

Announce the Mystery: Proclaim the mystery (e.g. "The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation") and spend a few moments meditating on the scripture and spiritual fruit.
Our Father: On the large bead, pray one Our Father.
Ten Hail Marys: On the ten small beads (the decade), pray ten Hail Marys while holding the mystery in your mind and heart.
Glory Be: Seal the decade by reciting the Glory Be (Gloria Patri).
Fatima Prayer: Recite the Fatima Prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy."

Part 3

Closing Prayers

Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina): Pray the ancient antiphon honoring Mary as Mother of Mercy.
Concluding Prayer: Recite "O God, whose only begotten Son..."
Sign of the Cross: End with the Sign of the Cross.

Source:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) — Prayers of the Rosary & Traditional Catholic Prayers

Canonical English doxology prayer text used in liturgical and private devotion across the United States.

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