Thank you for your interest in our effort to offer the power of Our Lady’s intercession through the Combat Rosary.

Ranger Rosary Ministry Mission Statement: The rugged combat rosaries are to be made and sent to our service men and women serving throughout the world. The rosaries are distributed by Chaplains, especially those deployed in combat zones, and to those at stateside bases, navy fleets (not much call) and military hospitals.

For safety, the rosaries are made from parachute cord, dark beads, and black plastic crucifixes that do not rattle or reflect light. Included with the rosaries are "How to Pray the Rosary" pamphlets, scapulars with pamphlets, Divine Mercy Booklets, and St. Michael the Archangel medals with prayer cards. However, scapulars are only sent to the hospitals and the same with St Michaels medals and prayer cards. It is too expensive to send them with the rosaries. The Chaplains in the hospitals have requested them.

Also, included in every shipment are pictures of troops carrying rosaries, that are drawn by St. Mary's elementary school children. The Chaplains and the troops love them and put them on display in their chapels, and in their offices and living quarters. These pictures reassure the troops that they are not forgotten, even by the children. Also, the pictures are a reminder that they and their families are being remembered in prayer by those back home.

The Ranger Rosary Ministry is centered at St. Mary's Parish, in Annapolis, Maryland, where it originated. Here a weekly rosary making guild meets each Thursday. They come in the snow and in the heat, in wheel chairs, walkers, and even with oxygen tanks! In addition to making rosaries, 500 rosary making starter kits have been mailed all over the country to those who requested them and are interested in starting their own parish or home group. Each kit contains material to make five rosaries, and contains a finished rosary and instructions on how to make Ranger Rosaries. The rosary guild is a strong committed group who have become close friends.

The following is typical of the thank you responses received from military chaplains: ".......The troops continue to devour them…….We have two areas here where we dispense religious articles - at the chapel and the chaplain's office/visitor center where the transient soldiers process in and out of theater. Each morning I have to replenish the supply. Each time they empty their pockets or reach into them, they are sent a "heavenly reminder" of Our Lady's love for her children in Christ…….Keep up the good work. One never knows what harvest is reached from the seeds we sow. All are looking to find the consolation of Faith!" Chaplain (LTC) John Steiner, Iraq.

Due to the acute shortage of Catholic Chaplains, the presence and prayers of the Rosary are a constant reminder to our troops of their rich Catholic Heritage. We presently live in a time of urgent need for prayer to Mary, the Queen of Peace. Many blessings are dispersed through her intercession to her son, Jesus. The rosary is perhaps the most powerful and popular form of meditation. John Paul II referred to it as "the school of Mary that honors the mysteries of our redemption; we have the whole Bible in our pocket."

During the past 4 and a half years, the Ranger Rosary Ministry has provided more than 75,000 Ranger Rosaries to our troops. The individual cost of the Ranger Rosaries to the military chaplains, accompanied by prayer cards, and postage is about $1.00. St. Mary's parishioners in Annapolis, Maryland, have generously funded this ministry through personal donations separate from their contributions to the parish. Presently the Ranger Rosary Ministry is in need of additional funding and volunteers beyond our parish to be able to meet the ever increasing requests from military Chaplains.

Contributions are tax deductible and will be gratefully accepted.
Make checks payable to: St. Mary's Ranger Rosary
Mail to: St. Mary's Catholic Church
Advancement Office
109 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Attention: Ranger Rosary

At St Marys church call 410-990-4100 Ext 4129

or

Contact Pat Evans for information
pat.rosary@hotmail.com