Pop-Up Catechesis: The Calming Effect of Praying the Rosary

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki

Many contemplative practices involve the use of a mantra, or the repetitive uttering of a sacred word or group of words (or sometimes a sound) in order to deepen one’s focus, avoid distractions, and create a sense of calm that permits one to enter into an “altered state.” Too often, Catholics are suspicious of such practices, thinking of them as foreign to our tradition. Nothing could be further from the truth! One of the best examples from our tradition is the praying of the Rosary, which involves the mantra-like repetition of prayers, namely the Hail Mary, which we recite 53 times as we reflect on a Mystery of the Rosary. People who regularly pray the Rosary will attest to the fact that the practice brings about a state of calm. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the calming effect of praying the Rosary as we enter into the Month of the Holy Rosary and prepare for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.

For more information about praying the Rosary, check out the following links:

About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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