Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for May

(AP/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO)

Pope Francis just announced his prayer intentions for the Month of May:

General Prayer Intention:
That administrators of justice may act always with integrity and right conscience.

Missionary Intention:
That seminaries, especially those of mission Churches, may form pastors after the Heart of Christ, fully dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.

How to Plan a May Crowning

The Month of May is dedicated to Mary and many enjoy the wonderful tradition of a May crowning of Mary. Often May crownings are held on "May Day" which is May first but any day in May is wonderful. 

Here are the Basic Steps
1) Center the crowning around a Statue of Mary.  Some Churches have statues of Our Lady or you can bring a statue of Mary and then choose your location within or outside the Church.

2) Consider decorating around the statue with some flowers or candles.

3) Organize a processional which ends at the statue of Our Lady.  During the processional consider singing a song to Our Lady.

Here are some suggestions for possible songs:
Immaculate Mary (Ave Maria)  .....lyrics
Bring Flowers of the Rarest ...... lyrics
Hail Holy Queen ...... lyrics
We have included on our Children's Rosary CD of the Glorious Mysteries the children singing Hail Holy Queen.  This is meant as a resource for groups who would like to play music as the children process.  To order our CD click HERE.

4) Place a crown of flowers on Our Lady's head at the end of the processional.  If there are children processing it is always sweet to have the smallest child crown Our Lady if they can reach. The crown of flowers is often made of little roses but can be made of wild flowers.  Most grocery stores with a florist department will make one with a small bow for a very reasonable cost.  

5) Prayers are then said before Our Lady.  There is flexibility here to say one Hail Mary or a whole Rosary. A pdf of how to pray the Rosary is available HERE 

May Crowning at a Children's Rosary May 2013

A May crowning is a wonderful way to begin a Children's Rosary during the month of May. 

Other posts you may enjoy:
May Crowning
How to Start a Children's Rosary
How to Pray the Rosary

Favorite Quote of St. Catherine of Siena

"If you are what you should be, you would set the whole world on fire."-St. Catherine of Siena

Two Children's Rosary Groups to Meet Tomorrow

CONSIDER JOINING US IN PRAYER

The Children's Rosary at St. Thomas Parish in Thomaston, CT will meet at 11AM Sunday.  There will be a small reception of food provided by the Legions of Mary after the Rosary. 

The Children's Rosary at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton, MA will meet Sunday at 11:15 AM.  Hopkinton, MA is the town where the Boston Marathon begins.  The children will be meeting just shy of the 2 week anniversary of the bombing at the finish line.   One can contemplate that Our Lady is always praying with our children that we may be on a different course one that ends in peace and love in her Son.

Dennis McCoy

Dennis McCoy

Last week I reached out to the Children's Rosary with a call for prayers as Dennis McCoy the publisher of our Children's Rosary book and a dear friend had fallen seriously ill.  He had a chronic form of leukemia however,  last week doctors realized it had transformed into an aggressive lymphoma.  Despite the best efforts from the physicians and nurses at the University of Minnesota Medical Center Dennis passed away Monday night surrounded by his family.  His decline was a rapid one and his son recalled on the phone that they had only last week been working on repairing a car together.

For months now, every few days I had the pleasure to speak with Dennis about the development and publishing of the Children's Rosary book.  Most recently we were beginning to work on the Spanish edition.  Dennis was a gentle, kind family man with a deep faith and a love of Our Lady.  He was a joy to work with and a true inspiration to me.  His life was spent simply and beautifully in service of Our Lord through the publication of treasured Catholic books, many of which were out of print and almost lost forever.  Yesterday, Steven, one of his 5 children sent me a picture of Dennis.  It was the first time I had ever seen his face.  His deep voice on the phone led me to imagine a larger man but when I saw his face there was a wonderful peaceful feeling that entered my heart.  The image had a lightness about it almost an etherial nature to it.  Although I miss Dennis I know he is very close to us and will be a wonderful intercessor especially for the Children's Rosary which he worked so hard to promote.

May I humbly ask for prayers for Dennis and his family.  The McCoy family is a close one and the loss of Dennis has hit them all hard especially his loving wife.  Thank you all!

Preparing for Your First Holy Communion?

A MUST SEE!

A WONDERFULLY MOVING INTERVIEW WITH GARVIN BYRNE AND HIS EXPERIENCE RECEIVING THE HOLY EUCHARIST FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Several years ago a friend sent me a link to a short video.  Out of curiosity I clicked on it.  The interview with little Garvin was so moving that I showed it to two of my children then 6 and 10.  They were quiet while they watched Garvin speak about his illness and about his friendship with Jesus.  Garvin goes on to describe his First Holy Communion as the happiest day of his life.  Both my children have asked to watch this short video over and over again.  It has also shaped in a beautiful way how my son is anticipating his first meeting of Jesus in his First Holy Eucharist which will occur this May.

I would strongly recommend watching this and sharing it with your children.  You won't regret the few minutes you spend here...I promise.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Aydan's Last Day

Last night at 8:30 PM Aydan Nyberg age 8 passed away.  Few know how he spent those last hours but so many have written to me since his passing that during Aydan's final hours here on earth he was very present in their hearts.  

Yesterday afternoon I received a note from a young boy who has been involved with the Children's Rosary.  He was inquiring about little Aydan's condition and was praying for him.  Last night I felt an urge to sit down and write back to this boy regarding Aydan.  I shared with him that Aydan's condition was deteriorating and thanked him for his ongoing prayers.  Just as I hit send on the message there waiting was the news of Aydan's passing.  Later I received notes from other members of the Children's Rosary.  One mom said after the Saturday evening Mass she felt called to say a Divine Mercy Chaplet for Aydan.  Another mom and group leader of a Children's Rosary wrote that last night she was at a first Communion event and began speaking with a friend.  Her friend had lost a child to cancer.  The conversation then turned to Aydan for whom they both were praying.  Later they would realize their conversation was almost the exact minute of his passing.  These little testimonies witness to how special little Aydan was to all of us and to Our Lord.  Another beautiful sentiment that has been shared is the feeling that little Aydan will be a powerful intercessor for all of us and in a special way for the Children's Rosary.  Thank you little Aydan for your brave battle on earth, you were a bright spark of light and courage for us all.  We hope that you will remember us here on earth and pray for us that we may carry our crosses as patiently and lovingly as you did. Amen.

Other posts about Aydan:
Prayers and Fasting for Aydan
Aydan at Rest

Aydan Nyberg at Rest

"Sadly I just learned that Aydan lost his battle tonight.  He passed away at 8:30PM ET.  As many of you have continued to pray and fast for Aydan over the past several weeks, I want you to know that he is now at rest.  Thank you."  Jim (Children's Rosary group leader from Hopkinton, MA)

Our Lord has shared with us through the Diary of Saint Faustina that the souls of little children send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance.

Our little Aydan leaves us in body but he is very much present with us and smiles upon us this night.  May Our Lord hold him close to His heart and console those dear to him who grieve this night at his passing. Amen.

May I humbly ask all those reading this post to say a Hail Mary for Aydan and his parents before leaving this page.  Thank you all and God Bless!

Other posts on Ayden:
Prayers and Fasting for Aydan
Ayden's last day 

Under the Watchful Eye of Our Blessed Mother

Last weekend members of the Children's Rosary gathered to lead a Rosary at the Little Audrey Santo Eucharistic and Prolife Conference.  One of the speakers sent me some of the photos he took during the Rosary.  I was struck by the images he sent.  So often I have imagined Our Blessed Mother looking down upon these children as they lead the prayers of the Rosary. These pictures seemed to capture the tenderness of Our Lady and love for these little ones who have come to join her in prayer.  With so much violence in our world today it is a comfort to know that our children are under the watchful eye of Our Blessed Mother.  Those who love her and spend time with her in prayer of the Holy Rosary receive special graces and protection.  


She is able to keep these children close to her, always moving them toward her Son who is Prince of Peace and full of Mercy.

The children take turns bringing roses before Our Lady as they finish praying each decade.  As they place the roses before her they are asking for the fruits of each mystery of the Rosary.  It is an awesome thought how one can grow in holiness through prayer of the Rosary.  With each decade graces are poured down such as humility, courage, purity, and love of God.  So often a parent wonders how to instill good values in their children. The beauty of the Rosary is that Our Lady helps us raise our children in faith and fullness in virtue.  Our Blessed Mother takes these precious moments in prayer to share the life of her Son with our little ones.  She takes them by the hand and opens a window to the childhood of her own little Son and how he grew doing always the Will of His Father.

After all the prayers are done little Mary Clare sits beside Our Lady content to just be quiet and restful.  Many are surprised at how well the children behave during the Children's Rosary.  



By having children of different ages there is a wonderful sharing and helping of the little ones. As time goes by the little ones quickly want their turn leading the prayers and feel quite comfortable saying the prayers.  

The Rosary is so perfectly suited to children through its repetition.  Even very young children or those with disabilities find they can learn the Rosary with ease.

Happy Birthday Mother Angelica

Mother Angelica celebrates her 90th Birthday today!  She is the founder of EWTN a Catholic global television network.  Last weekend at the Little Audrey Santo Conference in Medway MA, Fr. Apostoli who has a regular show on EWTN "Sunday Night Prime" shared the story of how Mother Angelica began EWTN.  It is a beautiful story of faith.

Mother Angelica began with a small television show in Birmingham, AL USA.  The network her program was on began airing some shows she felt were blasphemous so she asked the owner of the network to stop airing such shows.  The owner of the network refused to cancel the shows in question and so Mother Angelica said she would have to stop using his network for her own program.  The owner responded that she needed them more than they needed her.  This was all Mother Angelica needed to hear and so she walked out for good.  She decided she would build her own studio and asked her fellow sisters to begin calling companies that sold satellites as she knew she would need one if she were going to broadcast her show herself.  She found one company and asked for a satellite for her show.  The sales person said that these satellites cost millions of dollars.  She asked about their least expensive model.  He said that one would cost 600,000 dollars.  She told him she would take one.  Now Mother Angelica only had 200 dollars in the bank.  When the satellite arrived the delivery man approached her and asked for payment.  She asked the gentlemen to wait a moment while she went inside.  Mother Angelica went into the chapel and told Jesus that His satellite was here and He needed to pay for it.  Moments later another nun rushed in asking Mother Angelica to come to the phone.  A man was asking for her and he had called several times before.  He was calling from his yacht.  When she took the phone the man on the other end told her that he had heard her speak and that she had made a life changing affect on him and his family.  He wanted to thank her by sending a donation of 600,000.  Mother Angelica asked that the money be wired immediately and that was how EWTN began.

This week I have reflected on this wonderful story of faith and courage many times.  Today the daily Mass I attended had been requested for Mother Angelica in honor of her birthday.  As I stayed after Mass for the rosary several women praying the rosary offered decades in thanksgiving for Mother Angelica and her ministry.  They also had a large picture of Mother Angelica displayed to the side of the altar.  Saying the Rosary this Morning looking at Mother Angelica's face a love seemed to well in my heart for this women to whom I know very little.  Her courage and faith have inspired me and I feel compelled to wish her a Blessed Birthday today and write to her.  

Reflections from the Little Audrey Santo Conference

Last weekend the Children's Rosary was invited to lead a Rosary at the Little Audrey Santo Eucharistic and Prolife Conference at Betania II in Medway, MA USA. Members from several Children's Rosary groups traveled to Massachusetts.  They came before the Blessed Sacrament to lead those present in prayer of the Holy Rosary.  Several children were new to the Children's Rosary.  Four children were from Gardner, MA and another family was from Long Island, NY. 


Looking into the crowd of those joining the children in prayer of the Holy Rosary many smiles could be seen.  The sounds of these little voices alternating in prayers brought a joy to the room.  A local radio host was among those present and asked permission to tape the children praying.  He has asked to broadcast pieces of the Rosary on his Sunday morning show "Cause of Our Joy" which can be heard on WACE AM 730.  This broadcast covers portions of the following US States: MA, NH, and CT.  The show will air this Sunday April 21st from 7-8AM on WACE AM 730.

The Vice Postulator for the Cause for Canonization of Little Audrey Santo had formally invited the Children's Rosary to the conference some time ago.  As the conference was out of state there was some initial worries that it would be difficult for us to gather enough children together for a Rosary.  However we continued to pray and Trust that Our Lord would provide.  Seeing close to 20 children kneeling before the altar one could see that even distance could not keep these little children from spending this special time with Our Lord and His Mother.  This Children's Rosary was particularly special as it was held at a Conference remembering a young girl who treasured visits of children to her bedside during the many years she remained confined to her bed.  She was given permission from the local Bishop to keep the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle in her bedroom.  She thus spent years silently in the presence of Our Lord, unable to speak or swallow solid food.  Yet there was one thing that she was able to consume daily and that was the Eucharist.  Seeing these children kneeling in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament it was a wonderful way to remember a very special young girl who through her suffering and life brought many closer to Our Lord. 




You may also be interested in the following posts:
Prayer for the Beatification of Audrey Santo

For more information about Audrey Santo please visit the Foundation for her Beatification

Reflections From Divine Mercy Sunday

Just over a week ago we celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday.  That weekend we had 6 Children's Rosary groups which met between Friday and Sunday.  The first meeting of the Children's Rosary at St. Joseph Church in Adrian, Michigan was a huge success with 12 children who attended.  These children knelt in front of the Blessed Sacrament and together prayed the Rosary.  Sara who organized this new group said their were tears in her eyes seeing all the children praying together including her own little children.  She couldn't believe how still the children stayed during their prayers and their reverence.

Several of the members of the Children's Rosary in Steubenville
leading one of the decades 

The Children's Rosary in Stuebenville, Ohio also met that Friday with many families attending.  Several of the children are pictured here leading the other children and families in one of the decades of the Rosary at St. Peter's Church.

Children's Rosary at St. Thomas the Apostle Church
 in West Hartford CT during a Divine Mercy Celebration

The Children's Rosary in Naples, Florida which met on the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday shared that a new family joined them.  This new family had three daughters all under 5 years of age.  They felt particularly blessed to help this new family who had never prayed the rosary before that morning.

The Children's Rosary in Waterbury, CT met Saturday afternoon for a beautiful Rosary at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

On Divine Mercy Sunday two Children's Rosary groups met one in Thomaston, CT and one in West Hartford, CT USA. 

The group in West Hartford was invited to lead a Children's Rosary at a special Divine Mercy Celebration which drew several hundred people.  The Rosary was held during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  

Connor pictured in the black sweater kneeling
places a rose before Our Lady with the help of his mother

Each child took turns leading a decade of the Rosary or placing a rose before a statue of Our Lady.

Prayers Answered

St. Faustina's Convent in Poland

A little over 2 weeks ago the Children's Rosary received a prayer request.  A friend who has been very involved with the Children's Rosary over the years was leading a pilgrimage to Poland beginning on Divine Mercy Sunday and then continuing through Europe ending in Rome.  The pilgrimage was designed for the group to spend Divine Mercy Sunday at the tomb of St. Faustina and Shrine of Divine Mercy.  Days before the trip, Scott who was leading the group became concerned as there was unseasonably cold weather in Poland and significant snow.  Many of the members of his pilgrimage were from states like Texas and Florida within the United States, places which rarely see cold temperatures and snow.  He worried for these individuals that they would not be prepared for the cold temperatures or have appropriate clothing.  As we approached the weekend of Divine Mercy Sunday we had six Children's Rosary groups meeting.  Prior to their meeting I sent each group leader a list of the petitions we had received for the children to pray over during the Rosary.  Scott and his pilgrimage group were included in this list of intentions sent to the groups. 

Saturday evening the day before Divine Mercy Sunday I received an email from Scott who was already in Poland.  Indeed the weather was as predicted cold and snowy.  However,  something wonderful happened.  Something for which Scott was deeply grateful.  Scott who is a veteran tour guide had brought his group to the Divine Mercy Shrine.  Just at that moment of their visit an old nun appeared.  A women Scott knew from years earlier.  She was visiting as well.  She recognized Scott and invited his group into St. Faustina's convent for lunch.  She also told them that during Divine Mercy Sunday they were welcome to go into the convent to get warm.  As Divine Mercy Sunday usually draws several hundred thousand people to this place and participating in this event usually requires being outside for 6 hours with no shelter this gift was a true God send.  When I emailed Scott that all the children were praying for his group he responded with assurance that these were indeed prayers answered.  

Scott (pictured far left) and His pilgrimage staff in Poland
on a prior trip when the weather was much better.

I share this small story that you may know how Our Lord cares for us.  In His Mercy He answers all our prayers and in such beautiful ways.  Thank you to all who joined the Children's Rosary's that weekend in prayer.

Thank you Lord for always providing for us in ways we might never have anticipated with such beauty and care. Amen.

If you would like to submit a prayer petition to the Children's Rosary they can be sent to blythe.kaufman@gmail.com or submitted directly to the individual group leaders for each Children's Rosary group.  A list of groups and their contact information is available here.

Prayers Needed

Last fall efforts began to have our little Children's Rosary book published.  After a very short search which involved visiting the website of one very large Catholic publisher, Divine Providence seemed to lead right to a small family run Catholic Publisher named Neumann Press.  A call to the publisher brought a friendly hello.  When I asked if I could speak to someone about having a book published I was surprised to find that the man welcomed this inquiry and forwarded me to the owner who happened to also be his father.  A man took the phone named Dennis McCoy.  I explained my interest in having a book published but confessed that I had little experience with such an endeavor.  Despite my inadequacies in  such a project, I did mentioned that many rosaries had been said for this intention and he replied "Well this is a good place to start".   Recently I heard that 60 percent of what someone shares with you is conveyed through the tone of their voice.  In the way Dennis spoke these words, I felt a deep faith existed within him and a love of Our Lady and the Rosary.  There was no doubt in my mind the Children's Rosary had found a home at the Neumann Press.  


This family run publishing house was founded by Dennis McCoy many years ago in the rural town of Long Prairie, Minnesota USA.  He purchased an old creamery building and set up his press within it.  Most of the employees at the Press are family members.  All the work from idea to final product happens within the walls of this little creamery.  

During the process of having the Children's Rosary book made I was always impressed with the steady even temper of Dennis McCoy.  Despite glitches and setbacks he patiently spent many hours making everything right.  Though I have never seen a picture of Dennis his personality has created a very warm image in my mind.  He is always quick to laugh and full of joy.  He is a wonderful patriarch for his family and solid rock much like the apostle Peter for our early Church.  After some time, his son mentioned to me that Dennis has been suffering from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).  This winter was particularly rough with a severe bout of flu that left Dennis weak.  Despite this suffering, Dennis and his family lovingly completed the Children's Rosary book in the end of February.  In the past few weeks we have been in contact as we prepare to have the Spanish edition of the Children's Rosary book published. Just this week, I received word from his son that Dennis is seriously ill and his Chronic Leukemia has transformed into an aggressive lymphoma.  Dennis is currently hospitalized at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. After speaking to my husband who is an oncologist about these recent changes in his cancer, my husband indicated that such a transformation from a chronic form of leukemia to an aggressive lymphoma carries with it a very poor prognosis.  I would like to humbly ask any of you reading this post to say 1 Hail Mary before leaving this page to Our Lady that she may intercede for Dennis before her Son and see him through this difficult time.

Thank you all for being a bright light in a dark time.  Your prayers are a priceless gift to a family who stands beside their loved one in pain.

Rosary for the Victims of the Boston Bombing

Dear Friends,

May the Peace of Christ be with you and all those you love.  This morning as the sun shines so brightly there is a heaviness as we greet our loved ones that there are others who meet great pain this morning.  With the bombing in Boston yesterday, there are grieving parents who lost a child and other families mourning loss of life.  There are those injured who lost limbs and have been permanently changed forever.  May we take our Rosaries in hand this day and wrap these grieving souls in prayers of love.  The Children's Rosary would like to join together from their homes in a Rosary today for those victims and their families from yesterdays bombing at the Boston Marathon. As we come together today with our families may we pray that Our Lady will bless and console these families that have experienced such tragedy and pain.  May Our Lady spread her Mantle of Peace over this tired world in such need of true peace. Amen.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Children's Rosary to Meet Today

JOIN US IN PRAYER

The Children's Rosary at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, CT USA will hold their weekly Children's Rosary today at 11AM ET. Please consider joining them in prayer either at the Church or from your home.  

The Children's Rosary Turn's 2

Two years ago a small group of children came together for the first meeting of the Children's Rosary in a parish in West Hartford, CT USA.  The Children's Rosary was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  

One year later the Children's Rosary celebrated their 1 year anniversary by dedicating the following year to Renewal of Family Prayer.  Forty-two Masses were said for the intention of Renewal of Family Prayer. Children's Read Aloud Bibles were given out as part of these efforts as well.  Over 500 have been given to families this year.  Each Bible had a Saint written inside who had been prayed to in a 9 day novena asking that Saint to help the family receiving the Bible renew family prayer.

In total 770 Saints were prayed to in individual 9 day novenas by hundreds of children and adults.  The intention that was prayed for in the 9 day novena is included below.

MAY THE CHILDREN’S ROSARY, THEIR FAMILIES, THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHILDREN’S ROSARY INCLUDING OUR PRIESTS, OUR BISHOP AND OUR HOLY FATHER THE POPE BE THE EXTENDED HANDS OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND HER SON.  MAY WE GATHER A GREAT MANY SOULS ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE LORD.  MAY WE EXPERIENCE RENEWAL OF FAMILY PRAYER AND SPREAD IT ACROSS THE GLOBE. IN A SPECIAL WAY WE ASK EACH SAINT TO CHOOSE AN INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY OR A PRIEST, ASSOCIATED WITH OUR CHILDREN’S ROSARY GROUP TO LEAD IN THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. DEAR SAINT PRAY FOR OUR EXTENDED GROUP THAT WE MAY EMBODY THE VIRTUES YOU EXEMPLIFIED HERE ON EARTH.

The children this year had an opportunity to participate in many wonderful events. 

A pumpkin carved by one of the members of the
Children's Rosary on Halloween

On September 14th the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross the Children's Rosary invited members of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish to come before the foot of the Cross and place cards indicating the number of weeks they would say family prayer as a gift to Jesus.

Members of the Children's Rosary were invited to join in prayer and fasting on October 11th for the success of the Year of Faith.

A special Prayer Event was held on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.  Hundreds gathered for a Children's Rosary and to hear the mother of Little Audrey Santo speak about her daughter who is currently being considered for Beatification and Canonization.

Day of the
Little Candles

Some members of the Children's Rosary joined in a Colombian tradition of the "Day of the Little Candles" on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Lanterns were made with images of Our Lady with candles placed inside.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
in Waterbury, CT USA 

On several occasions members of different Children's Rosary groups tried their hand at making cupcake rosaries, first to celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and later to celebrate the first meeting of the Children's Rosary at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Stations of the cross led by members
of the Children's Rosary

The members from several Children's Rosary groups participated in leading the Stations of the Cross during Lent at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle.  


Some of the children this year found new ideas for Christmas presents.  Teachers at school, friends and family were given handmade cards with a message inside that one Rosary had been said for them.








Another highlight this year was the release of our new Children's Rosary book which is available to order from Neumann Press.

In a beautiful act of love, hundreds of children and adults joined together in a day of prayer and fasting for little Aydan Nyberg who is dying of cancer.

The year has brought with it the formation of many new Children's Rosary groups.  Each one has been such a blessing.  

On this second anniversary of the Children's Rosary a Mass has been requested for to be said today for all the members of the Children's Rosary.  Thank you all for a wonderful year!

Second Anniversary of the Children’s Rosary April 10th

A Look Back Over the Past Year

“The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

This was part of the Gospel reading today at Mass and seemed a fitting way to begin to look back over the past year.  One year ago the Children’s Rosary was a small prayer group in one parish.  Few had any idea where the wind or Spirit would take us. 

The Spirit picked up the Children's Rosary and carried it west on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary with a new group forming in a small Island off of Washington State USA.  On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception a new group was formed in a Basilica named after the Feast day. On the Solemnity of Our Lady Mother of God a new group was formed in Thomaston CT. The Spirit would once again carry our group to another corner of our country this time south to Naples Florida.  As new groups continue to form in areas such a Steubenville Ohio and Adrian Michigan the words of the Gospel seem to assure us that there is little use in spending time trying to predict the direction the Holy Spirit will carry something.  One only has to be ready for the Spirit to open the door and then be ready to move with it.

Today there is good news, as our year comes to a close there is a new group forming in the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi.  A name that has taken on such wonderful importance with the selection of our new Pope.  

It truly has been a blessed year.

New Children's Rosary In South Windsor, CT USA

There is a new Children's Rosary forming at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in South Windsor, CT USA.  They will have their first meeting on May 12th at 8:45 AM in the Main Church.  

This group has chosen to hold their first meeting on Mothers Day which falls on May 12th this year in the United States.   It is our hope that Our Blessed Mother will find joy in seeing her little children gathered together to pray with her on a day reserved for honoring mothers. 

If you would like to send a petition to be prayed over by the children or have any questions about this new group please contact Marie at stfrancischildrensrosary@gmail.com

Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord

THE ANNUNCIATION

Gabriel greets the Virgin Mary "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." (Lk 1:28 NAB) Mary humbly responds, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NAB)

This interaction between Mary and the Angel Gabriel is one of the few times the Blessed Virgin Mary speaks in Scripture.  To reflect on her words is to see a simple servant of God.  So many times I have hoped and prayed that the Children's Rosary would be like Our Lady a humble servant ready always to do God's Will.  

The Annunciation, as we know, is also the first joyful mystery of the Rosary.  The fruit of this mystery is humility. 

In honor of this beautiful Feast day a Mass was requested to be said today for the following intention: may the members of the Children's Rosary and their families be given the grace to have a true and sincere spirit of humility.

6 Children's Rosary Groups to Meet During the Next Three Days

During the last 3 days of the Easter Octave this year we have been especially blessed to have 6 Children's Rosary groups meeting.

Two members of the Children's Rosary
on Divine Mercy Sunday 2011

Friday

The Children's Rosary at St. Peter's Church in Steubenville, Ohio will have their monthly Children's Rosary at 4:30 PM EST in the Main Church. 

At 5PM EST the Children's Rosary at St. Joseph Parish in Adrian, Michigan will hold their first meeting of the Children's Rosary.  They will begin by consecrating their group to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  In this way the group is under the guidance and protection of Christ and His Mother. This new group has chosen to hold their monthly Rosary during Eucharistic Adoration.

Saturday 
The Children's Rosary at St. Agnes Church in Naples, Florida will meet at 9:30 AM EST in the chapel.  

Later that day, the Children's Rosary at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, CT will meet at 3:30 PM EST. A small reception of treats to follow.

Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday)
The Children's Rosary at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, CT will hold their weekly Rosary at 11AM  EST with a small reception of food to follow provided by the Legions of Mary.

At 2PM EST, the Children's Rosary at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hartford, CT will hold a Children's Rosary during a special Divine Mercy Celebration.  The children will be leading the rosary during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and confessions will be available.  Reception to follow at 3PM. 

Consider joining us in prayer either at one of the Churches or from your home. The Children will be praying for all those intentions held in the hearts of those physically joining them or those unifying their prayers from home.

You may also enjoy the following posts:
How to Start a Children's Rosary in Your Parish
What is the Children's Rosary
Find a Children's Rosary Near You

New Children's Rosary Group to Meet in Adrian, Michigan USA

There is a new Children's Rosary Group meeting for the first time at St. Joseph Parish in Adrian, Michigan this Friday.  The group will meet at 5PM EST in the Main Church.  They will begin by consecrating this new group  to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.  In this way the group will be guided and protected by Christ and His Mother.  This new Children's Rosary group has chosen to hold their monthly Rosary during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The group will be praying for the intentions of all the members of the Children's Rosary but if you would like to submit a special prayer request to be placed before the children praying the rosary please email Sara at corndog8302@yahoo.com

Thank you all and God Bless!

Update on Aydan Nyberg

Several weeks ago a request came from the Children's Rosary group in Hopkinton, MA USA to join a day of prayer and fasting for little Aydan Nyberg dying from cancer. The outpouring of prayers and fasting by so many including children was a beautiful witness of love.  

There is some good news to report:
Following Aydan's release from St. Jude's hospital after being diagnosed with a third form of cancer the doctors felt his organs could not handle any further treatment; some organs were failing.  They had estimated he had 2-4 weeks left to live with comfort care.

He has now been home for over two weeks and his parents have just received word that some of his organs are back functioning at almost normal levels! His doctors now want to take this one day at a time, and see what happens.  At a minimum, his parents are hopeful to have more time with him.

This recent news is a blessing to be sure.  May I extend a heartfelt thank you for your ongoing prayers for this family.

You may also be interested in the following posts:
Aydan at Rest
Aydan prayers and fasting

Ayden's Last Day