St. Mary's Reaches Out to Support the Military

Sgt Bo Ristaino, a full time Nation Guard recruiter and father of 11 children, designed this combat rosary. His children made them first but as the requests from Chaplains increased he had to ask for help. Steve Beard, St Mary's youth coordinator, went to the schools at St Mary's, the CCD students, the confirmation group and still they could not keep up with the demands.

They asked Pat Evans to coordinate the efforts. She began a weekly rosary making group and offered starter kits to those who cannot make the Thursday morning meetings at 9-12 in our mission parish St John Neumann in Annapolis.

In the past 4 and a half years 100,000 combat rosaries have been made and sent at a cost of $l each. This has been paid for by the parishioners aside from their regular parish donations. What a beautiful example of support from a single parish.

Starter kits are available at both rectories. They include materials to make 5 rosaries and a finished rosary as an example. Instructions are included. Over 500 requests for these kits have been mailed out all over the country and many more combat rosary groups have begun. A donation of $5 is asked for a starter kit to cover the cost of the materials and shipping.

Chaplains' requests are overwhelming - much more than the few rosary groups can make.  Please consider starting your own rosary making group if possible.  The need is urgent!!!

The following is an excerpt from a letter received from the Chaplain of the XVIII Airborne Corps, who knows first hand how much the Ranger Rosary is loved by the American soldier. "Once they get it in their hands, it is a powerful reminder of their Catholic faith and the love that our Lord and His Blessed Mother have for each of us no matter where harms way may take us."

The unique thing about these rosaries is that they are made of parachute cord, plastic beads, and a plastic, black crucifix . The Ranger Rosaries are made with tan cord, black and brown (desert) beads and blue beads for navy. This makes them very durable. In addition, they have no metal parts that would reflect light or make rattling noises. The men and women who receive the rosary and wallet-size prayer cards can carry them in their pockets wherever they go.

In addition to the rosaries, "How to Say the Rosary" Prayer Pamphlets, Brown Scapular with Scapular pamphlet and St. Michael medals to the hospitals. Divine Mercy Holy Cards have been donated for distribution too. These spiritual packages will provide hope and remind the men and women who receive them that God and His Mother, The Queen of Peace, are watching over them and that our prayers are with them.

The idea for making the Ranger Rosaries originally came to Staff Sgt. Ristaino during training as an army recruit in 1981. The name "Ranger" was given to this combat rosary by the designer who himself was a Ranger in the army. They used beads to keep count of the length of their training exercises. He thought to himself "they remind me of a rosary" and with that thought he made the sturdy combat rosary! Years later, when his children learned to make rosaries at a Jr. Legion of Mary meeting - children made mission (chain link and colorful beads) rosaries, he was able to turn his idea into a reality. Staff Sgt. Ristaino, his wife Barbara and the eldest of their 11 children with the help of other home school families made 800 rosaries which were distributed in Bosnia.

As the requests from other Chaplains increased, Staff Sgt. Ristaino turned to Steve Beard, St. Mary's youth coordinator. He enlisted his confirmation classes. Steve then went to St. Mary's high school and elementary school. The students were allowed to make the rosaries during their special activity classes. Many rosaries could be made in an hour! The Scouts, young adult groups, and many committee members in the parish continued the work. Rosary making kits are available at the rectories for people to make at home. St. Mary's rosary guild is meeting 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 (Noon). each Thursday at St. John Neuman Mission Church in Annapolis. Those who come have become good friends and look forward to the time spent together, They know the value of their efforts. Grandparents are sharing with their grandchildren, spending quality time together and saying prayers for the service men and women as the beads are strung.

This has become a very popular effort. People enjoy making them. It is a joy in caressing and holding the beads; it is tangible, you can see it and feel it; it honors the mysteries of our redemption; we have the whole Bible in our pocket. The immense power of our Lady's intercession, especially through her favorite prayer of the rosary, is offered to those in harms way and their families.

The media have become interested. The Annapolis papers, the Baltimore Catholic Review, National Catholic News Service, New York Times, Washington Times, Wall St. Journal, FoxTV, and EWTN have carried the story. The fact that the young want to make them shows that the students are very proud to support the military with a small service that combines spiritual and solidarity with patriotic beliefs, Many families have parents in the military as well because of the Naval Academy in Annapolis. They are aware of the risks and sacrifices involved in military service.

A national movement has now evolved. Ranger Rosary has spread to other parishes across the nation and even to other countries. Requests from our Chaplains around the globe are increasing. Word passes from one chaplain to another. "St. Mary's gifts of free combat rosaries are just what our troops need."

From the hundreds of letters received we know the Chaplains and the troops they serve are very grateful for our gifts of the Rosaries and the prayers that go with them. They know tht Mary, the Mother of God, has the power to answer all of our prayers especially through the prayers of the rosary. As our Spiritual Mother, she wants to be with her children, especially those in danger. Each dollar donated sends a rosary to our brave men and women who have left family, homes, friends and jobs to serve and protect our country.

St. Mary's Ranger Rosary Voice Mail:
 410-990-4100 x4129

St. Mary's Catholic Church
Advancement Office
109 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Attention: Ranger Rosary

E-Mail: Pat Evans