Catholic Identity

October - a time for prayer and almsgiving

Traditionally in the Catholic Church, October is regarded as the Month of the Rosary. Some of us may recall praying the Rosary as a family, at school, before Mass or prior to a funeral. It might also be prayed when seeking the intercession of Our Lady for a special need. The Rosary is a combination of traditional prayers that are recited whilst reflecting upon particular moments in the lives of Jesus and his mother Mary. Each of these contemplations is grouped as a set of mysteries of which there are four: the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries and the Luminous Mysteries. The prayers comprising the Rosary are the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and the Hail Holy Queen. When praying the Rosary, it is common for people to have in their hands a string of Rosary beads. These beads are arranged in a repetitive pattern that helps the petitioner to meditate upon each of the Mysteries being prayed.

October is also designated as “Mission Month” in Australia. This is a time when the Church encourages us to become familiar with and support the mission of spreading the Good News. We can help by praying for those who are involved in mission work and by providing financial assistance through fundraising.

 - Stephen Kealy, Religious Education Leader