7 Rosary Challenges to Bless Others

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In “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” St. John Paul II wrote “With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer.”

While many of us want to spend more time praying the Rosary or learn how to pray it, it can sometimes be difficult to find that elusive time. Many of us also have a desire to be a blessing to more of our neighbors in need. But the same problem arises. What’s the solution? If, on occasion, we combine the two, we can honor Jesus through prayer and meditation, while doing some of the good work He calls us to do. Here are seven Rosary challenges that can help us meet both goals.

Knit or Crochet a Prayer Shawl

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Many churches already have prayer shawl groups that you can join. They generally knit or crochet the shawls for specific people who are ill, grieving or going through a time of crisis. Praying for them as they make the shawls, the crafters give them a tangible reflection of God’s comfort, peace and unconditional love. The shawls are also frequently blessed by priests.

For this challenge, it’s important to find a Rosary CD, App, online audio recording or YouTube video, so that you won’t lose your place as you pray. It’s also important to knit or crochet an easy section of the shawl, so that your focus is on the mysteries you’re praying and not the stitches.

Sew a Cheery Pillowcase

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Although it might be less likely that your church has a sewing group that makes cheerful pillowcases for kids who are ill, homeless or in foster care, there are several charities that are in need of your sewing talent. If you don’t find one that seems to be a good fit, you can donate the pillowcases to a hospital, orphanage or family shelter.

As with the last challenge, you’ll need to find an audio or video recording of the Rosary, since your hands will be holding a needle and some fun fabric that’s sure to make a child smile. If you can’t find an App or recording that you like, the Catholic cable channel EWTN frequently (nearly every night at 9:30 p.m. EST) broadcasts a taping of the late Mother Angelica praying the Rosary.

Paint an Attic Treasure

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Many churches and nonprofit organizations hold annual or semi-annual rummage sales. The attic treasures people donate help churches support initiatives and programs such as mission trips to help those living in poverty, holiday dinners for people who are poor or homebound and the donation of Christmas gifts for children and families who are struggling.

Do you have something that’s been collecting dust for years? If it just needs a fresh coat of paint, you could bring your Rosary recording outside or to a well-ventilated area and paint it while praying. Donating it to a rummage sale fundraiser will make a difference for someone in need.

Plant Seeds

While we’re aware that there are many people in the world who don’t have enough food to eat, we don’t always realize that hunger is a problem in our own communities. Because wages have not increased as much as the cost of living, many people still struggle to put food on their tables and keep rooves over their heads. Many local food banks have seen an increase in the number of families they serve. For many of these organizations, providing fresh produce is difficult.

If you have a patch of land or pots you can use, why not plant seeds to grow vegetables while listening to and praying along with your Rosary App or recording? Whether you donate the harvest to a food bank or to people you know who don’t have easy access to nutritious produce, you can feel good about feeding the hungry, while feeding your soul.