Rediscovering the family Rosary during the pandemic

With pandemic rules keeping Mass attendance low, Catholics across western Oregon have increased prayer and worship in their homes. Like many families, the Rasks were forced to adjust quickly as Holy Week approached. On Easter, everyone put on their best clothes to view Mass on television. Now, the Rasks are regulars watching livestreamed Mass —while attending Mass in person as often as they can. They often pray a family Rosary at home, with relatives joining in online. “We decided we wanted to bring the Church inside our home as best we could,” said Michele.

The pandemic presented challenges that actually have kept the family spiritually fit. “It has created a situation where we have to grow,” Michele explained. “The structure we were used to was shaken, but that has given us an opportunity to explore our faith in different ways. It has taken a different level of discipline.” As a busy mother who had to help her children continue studies, Michele has been sustained by her personal prayer.

A mother of three, including a 7-month-old, Angela Stout and her husband give each other moments of solitude to pray at home. They also pray as a couple in the morning and evening. On occasion, the couple will sit for spontaneous prayer if life throws them a curveball. The children miss their friends, struggle with wearing masks and don’t feel as safe as usual. Nightly family Rosaries can be chaotic but fruitful. “The kids are not wonderfully chanting the prayers,” said Angela. “But they are there. Sometimes they just fall asleep.”

She gives the older children books on the Rosary and helps them pray about what matters to them. Sometimes, she helps the youngsters pray against spirits of anxiety and fear. Angela has set up a home prayer table that includes wooden dolls of biblical figures and saints. Being able to hold something is a big help to the kids, she explained. The family sings hymns and lights a candle to signify that a sacred moment is at hand. “It does not go perfectly, but it’s setting a foundation,” Angela said. “It’s teaching kids that we can be with God in everything.”

Adapted from an article by Ed Langlois for the Catholic Sentinel, August 25, 2020