Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for July

Photo credit: AFP photo/Filippo Monteforte

Universal intention: "that sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth."

Evangelical intention: "that the Holy Spirit may support the work of the laity who proclaim the Gospel in the poorest countries."

Teenagers...Yes You Can Help Too!

Two teenage girls from Immaculate Conception Church in North Delta, British Columbia Canada are taking the lead to help grow the Children's Rosary in their parish.  Romina and Elisha have designed an advertising campaign. With the help of some of the smaller children they will be making announcements after each of the weekend Masses this weekend to spread word of their monthly Children's Rosary which is held the first Sunday of each month at 3PM.  As they stand before all the parishioners at each of the 5 Masses they plan to invite all the children present to stand and share with them information about the Children's Rosary and personally invite them to the upcoming meeting. This effort to grow their group and their approach was completely their idea. They are so excited to share this prayer group with other children their excitement is infectious.  Hearing today about these two girls brought such a smile to my heart.  Such a wonderful story of hope. Young people are so dynamic it is truly inspiring to see them direct their efforts in service of Our Lord.

While the target age of the Children's Rosary is between 4-14, children at either end of the age range are always welcome if they have an interest. Older children can be wonderful mentors to the younger children and also be a wonderful help.

You may also enjoy the following post:
How to Start a Children's Rosary

"for although you have hidden these things from the wise and learned you have revealed them to the childlike"

Children's Rosary at St. Mary's Parish in Pontiac Illinois USA

"At that time Jesus declared, I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and learned you have revealed them to the childlike; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)

This was the Gospel reading today on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.  There are so many beautiful parts to this Gospel.  Our Lord so beautifully shows us that it is the childlike who His Father has chosen in a special way.  What is the Father sharing with these little ones that He is hiding from those who are wise and learned?  The priest saying Mass today had an interesting interpretation.  He suggested it is Divine Love that the Father is revealing to these simple little ones, for Jesus Himself says "I am gentle and lowly in heart".  To follow the example of Jesus and lower oneself to the simplicity of a child, totally dependent on the help of others and their Heavenly Father is to be open to receive the Love of the Father.

This is one of the mysteries of how precious children are to Our Lord and how much Our Lord wishes to have them close to Him in prayer.  For such openness is pleasing to God the Father.  It is also a wonderful reminder to us who are older how we should approach the Lord.  Not through facts but through a sincere humility and simplicity.

Please consider joining the children in prayer over the next few days.  The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them.

Friday June 27th (Solemnity of the Sacred Heart)
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Saturday June 28th (Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary)
Children's Rosary at St. Mary's Parish in Corvallis Oregon 9AM PT

Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET

Children's Rosary at St. Mary's Parish in Pontiac IL at 4:45 PM CT
Sunday June 29th
Children's Rosary at Our Lady and St. Patrick's Church in Nottingham, England 9AM local time  (4AM ET)

Children's Rosary at St. Mary's Parish Pontiac IL to meet at 6:35 AM CT, 8:30 AM CT and10:00 AM Central Time
Children's Rosary at St. Margaret Church in Waterbury, CT 10 AM ET
CTChildren's Rosary at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, CT 11AM ET 
Children's Rosary at St. John the Evangelist Hopkington, MA 11:15 AM ETChildren's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at St. Patrick's Chruch in Tacoma WA 11:30 AM PT
Children's Rosary at St. Anthony Church in Lorain, Ohio 3PM ET in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Children's Rosary at Assumption Church in Umoja, Kenya 2PM local time 
Monday June 30th
Children's Rosary at Holy Trinity Academy in Shenandoah, PA 12:20 PM ET
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at Holy Family Church in Gladstone Michigan 4:30PM  ET
Children's Rosary at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac, New York 4:30 PM held in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

"You don't know how to pray?"

Children's Rosary in Brentwood, CA

"You don't know how to pray? Put yourself in the presence of God, and as soon as you have said, 'Lord, I don't know how to pray!' you can be sure you have already begun."-St. Josemaria Escriva 

Today is the optional memorial of St. Josemaria Escriva and we are blessed to have at least three Children's Rosary groups meeting.  Two groups are meeting at the exact same time despite being in different time zones and many miles a part. Please consider joining the Children in prayer from your home.  The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them.

Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago, Nigeria 1PM ET
The Children's Rosary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood, California will meet at 6:30 PM ET in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Children's Rosary at St. Martin Church in Kingsville, Texas will meet at 6:30 PM ET.

Mass Offered Today for Members of the Children's Rosary

Children's Rosary in Middleboro, MA

A Mass was offered today for all the members of the Children's Rosary and all those who help the Children's Rosary.  We continue to have a Mass said for the this intention on the 25th of each month. A special thank you to the member of the Children's Rosary who sponsored this Mass.

A wonderful surprise.  The group leader from the Children's Rosary from Sacred Heart Church in Middleboro, MA also had a Mass offered today for the success of the Children's Rosary.

Thank you all for your efforts to help spread the Children's Rosary.  May God Bless you all. Amen.

Join Us in Prayer

Today is the beautiful Solemnity of St. John the Baptist. We invite you to join the children from your home in prayer of the Rosary.
The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them.

Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate, Lago Nigeria 1PM ET

Children's Rosary at Holy Redeemer Parish in Menominee, Michigan 5PM CT

"Do not be anxious about your life"

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? See how the flowers of the field grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day." (Matthew 6:24-34)

This is the Gospel reading for today Saturday June 21st. It is one of my favorite pieces of Scripture in the Bible.  Walking by this sea of flowers on my way home from Mass a few weeks ago this piece of Scripture came to mind.  The overwhelming beautiful of such a collection of wild flowers seemed a taste of Heaven itself.  It is true "not even Solomon in all his Glory was arrayed like one of these".  As I have problems with the joints of my hands I could not take a picture of these flowers but on arriving home, I found my husband apologizing for not having had time to get flowers for our wedding anniversary.  It was a prayer answered. I asked him if he wouldn't mind coming to take a picture of these flowers.  This would be better then buying flowers. He seemed happy with this swap and we were off.  

Today is the summer solstice and the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.  To see such beauty in nature is a wonderful reminder of  the Hand of God and how it is always providing for us in every way.  Just as summer will be gone too fast there is a feeling that like these flowers our time is brief. Therefore let us "not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

"Store up treasures in heaven...." (Mt 6:20)

Children's Rosary at Assumption Parish in Umoja, Kenya

"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be" (Mt 6:21)

Please consider joining the children in prayer.  The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them. 

Friday June 20th 
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at St. Marguerite Parish in Brookfield CT 3PM ET

Saturday June 21st
Children's Rosary at St. Michael's  Church in Garden City South Carolina 10:30 AM ET

Children's Rosary at St. Mary's Parish in Corvallis Oregon 9AM PT
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Sunday June 22nd
Children's Rosary at Our Lady and St. Patrick's Church in Nottingham, England 9AM local time  (4AM ET)
Children's Rosary at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, CT 11AM ET 
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at St. Patrick's Chruch in Tacoma WA 11:30 AM PT
Children's Rosary at St. Anthony Church in Lorain, Ohio 3PM ET in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Children's Rosary at Annunciation Church in Hanover Pennsylvania 3PM ETChildren's Rosary at Assumption Church in Umoja, Kenya 2PM local time 
Monday June 23rd
Children's Rosary at Holy Trinity Academy in Shenandoah, PA 12:20 PM ET
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at Holy Family Church in Gladstone Michigan 4:30PM  ET
Children's Rosary at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac, New York 4:30 PM held in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Cardinal O'Malley Blesses Members of the Children's Rosary

Cardinal Sean O'Malley and members of the Children's Rosary
from Sacred Heart Church in Middleboro, MA

On the Beautiful Solemnity of the Holy Trinity Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston Massachusetts had the opportunity to meet members of the Children's Rosary from Sacred Heart Church in Middleboro, MA which is part of a three Parish Collaborative.  The children gathered around him and he gave the children and their families a very special blessing.  All the children were so excited to meet him and share with him the Children's Rosary.


In a special way we thank Our Lord who continues to show us that He will not be out done in generosity... giving the children so many special gifts and blessings.  As was mentioned several days ago our new Children's Rosary CD was just completed on the eve of the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity and was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.  

I have to draw attention to a very sweet part of the picture below which so beautifully highlights the spirit and innocence of children.  One of the small children in the right corner, is lifting another smaller child up to have a better view of Cardinal O'Malley.  In lifting the child he himself is thrown back to balance the weight and probably now can't see so well himself.  I just love how children are so quick to help others even at their own expense.

Join the Children in Prayer

Today we are blessed to have at least four Children's Rosary groups meeting.  Two groups are meeting at the exact same time despite being in different time zones and many miles a part. Please consider joining the Children in prayer from your home.  The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them.

Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate Lago, Nigeria 1PM ET
Children's Rosary at Resurrection Parish in Rye, NY 5PM ETThe Children's Rosary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood, California will meet at 6:30 PM ET in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Children's Rosary at St. Martin Church in Kingsville, Texas will meet at 6:30 PM ET.

Third Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A week from this Friday is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In preparation please consider joining members of the Children's Rosary by saying a novena in Honor of Jesus' Sacred Heart.  This is also the same Novena St. Padre Pio prayed daily for those who asked for his prayers. We will be starting the novena Wednesday June 18th and concluding on June 26th.   Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of......(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request) Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. Say the Hail, Holy Queen* and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. -- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque *Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.  To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O Clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Consider including our Children’s Rosary petition in your novena.  Many thanks. 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 THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE EACH ONE OF US ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

Join Us in Prayer

Please consider joining our children in prayer today.  We have at least two Children's Rosary groups meeting.  The children always pray for those unifying prayers with them.
Children's Rosary at St. Augustine Church in Iba Estate, Lago Nigeria 1PM ET

Children's Rosary at Holy Redeemer Parish in Menominee, Michigan 5PM CT

A Special Dedication

Last week as we were finalizing the new Children's Rosary CDs one of the final pieces was to write the dedication.  So many prayers have gone up by so many people including countless children that these CDs would be inspired by the Holy Spirit and turn out as Our Lady had envisioned, all for the Glory of God.  So many people have contributed their time, talent and treasure to help see this project through.  Songs have been composed, little children have come together to lead prayers and the Rosary, others providing music through guitar and piano.  Yet even more have joined together to practice song so that they might be one voice together honoring Our Lord.  Through all this there was an awareness that such a project could not be done alone. Only through many hands together with the guidance of Our Lady and her Son could such a place be reached.  But how could one thank everyone sufficiently.  Through all these prayers Our Lord had taken such little people and brought them together...the result a humble compilation of love and sacrifice.  One that found its ways to completion through the generosity and grace of Our Lord.  Now in receiving we want only to give it back to God and Our Lady. Thus in our dedication we in one voice dedicate these CDs to the Holy Trinity and Our Blessed Mother.  In a special way we also thank St. John Paul II for his intercession for he has helped us from the beginning.  Just as the dedication was penned to paper the next morning a beautiful surprise... a package containing a picture of St. John Paul II and Our Lady of Czestochowa holding the baby Jesus arrived.  A gift from one of the members of the Children's Rosary who had received these pictures from a friend from Vatican City.  The beautiful Glossy pictures commemorate the Canonization of St. John Paul II and were sent out immediately following the Canonization from the Vatican.  Holding the pictures and looking at them it was again a beautiful reminder that Our Lord will not be outdone in generosity.

As if this was not enough another package arrived the same day as the pictures.  This was from the Children's Rosary at St. Thomas Becket in Cheshire, Connecticut.  The children had done fundraising for the Children's Rosary and had sent what they raised.  As this project has been a walk of faith, one that has appeared uncertain, at least financially at times, there has always been an awareness that indeed Our Lord would see it through.  Again through the hands of little ones funds had arrived to help meet the need.

As the Lord loves to work in threes the final surprise came just Saturday night when the master CD arrived from Norman at the Recording Studio.  The CD was done ready to listen to in total and then to be sent to the record company to go "to press".  Holding the CD on the eve of the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity one could not mistake the perfect timing.  A project which began in the end of September 2013 had come to fruition in 9 months. Just as a baby grows, this project had gently progressed until it was ready to meet the world.

The Dedication:
This CD is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Our Blessed Mother and in thanksgiving for the intercession of St. John Paul II.

I am happy to report that our CD should be available to you all  in July although I have learned never to predict such things to the day as it is wonderful to let the Lord act and be surprised.

Other posts you may enjoy:
Pure Joy Comes from the Lord

Sorrowful CD Liner

Lyrics for the Song "At the Cross Her Station Keeping"

At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother, weeping, close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, all his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has passed.

O that blessèd one, grief laden, Blessèd Mother, Blessèd Maiden, Mother of the All-blest one.

Who could see, from tears refraining, Christ’s dear Mother uncomplaining in so great a sorrow bowed?

Who, unmoved, behold her languish underneath his Cross of anguish, ’mid the fierce, unpitying crowd?

Fount of love and sacred sorrow, Mother! May my spirit borrow sadness from thy holy woe.

May His Wounds transfix me wholly, may His Cross and Life-Blood holy mortify my heart and mind:

Thus inflamed with pure affection, in the Virgin’s son, protection may I at the judgment find.

When in death my limbs are failing, let thy Mother’s prayer prevailing lift me, Jesus, to Thy throne;

To my parting soul be given entrance through the gate of Heaven, there confess me for Thine own.

To view the sheet music for our theme song "Rosary Children" click here.

Glorious CD Liner

Lyrics for the Song Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria! Hail, Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria!

refrain Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below, O Maria! Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!

refrain Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria! To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!

refrain Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

When this our exile is complete, O Maria! Show us thy Son, our Jesus sweet, O Maria!

refrain Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!

To view a pdf of the Sheet music for our theme song "Rosary Children" click here.