Our Constitution says that anyone who believes in our work can become a member of Our Lady's Rosary Makers of Australia.
There is no bar on account of religion, race, sex or age. We have Rosary makers from about age 8 up to 80+
- What is it I need to believe in to qualify for membership?
Basically you need to believe in Jesus Christ and His mother Mary. If you are new to the Rosary,
perhaps not a Catholic and don't know anything much about the Rosary, the various pages on this
site will give you much information.
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- What is "our work"?
"Our work" is to promote devotion to Jesus through Mary, and we do this in two different ways- one a spiritual
way and one a practical way. Some members do both, some gravitate towards either one or the other.
The Spiritual way is that we promote the praying of the Rosary, in homes, in churches, in schools, etc.
Many people of other faiths pray the Rosary - one of the very good books written on the Rosary was written by a
Minister of another religion. We don't go around beating drums, or running ads on TV etc, we do what we do in a
quiet way - the way Our Lady herself does.
The late Bishop A.R.E.Thomas, in a letter giving us his blessing back in 1971 said "...we must always keep in
mind the quiet unobtrusive life of Mary. Forcefulness was never evidenced in her life. So we must be gentle in
approaching others......"
The Practical way is that we make Rosary Beads for free distribution to all those who cannot otherwise
obtain them. In some countries, the people are too poor to buy Rosary Beads, in some countries and in some areas
Rosary Beads are simply not available. Anyone can pray the Rosary without having Rosary beads, but with them it
is so much easier.
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- What kinds of membership are there?
There are two basic types of membership - Member of a Guild, or Individual member. There are established Guilds
in various towns and cities, and if you live near one of these you would probably want to join that Guild.
If you live too far away from an established Guild, then you would join as an individual member.
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- How much does it cost?
Most Guilds have a very nominal annual membership subscription of around $1.00. Individual members are asked to pay
an annual fee of $2.00, for which they receive a copy of the printed Annual Reports of the Guilds and the National
Association. The $2.00 goes towards the postage costs.
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- Is it necessary for me to actually make Rosary Beads, or say any
particular prayers, in order to become a member?
No it is not. Within the Guilds, or for Individual members, there is no requirement that you do either. We have many
members who do not make Rosary Beads, but assist in other ways. They may help financially - perhaps help in packing orders -
perhaps in providing premises and/or tea/coffee etc for monthly meetings of a Guild - perhaps acting as Catechists
in schools, and teaching children about Jesus and Mary or the Bible stories,etc. - perhaps only in mentioning
Rosary Makers in their prayers, and/or praying the Rosary.
The Rosary is not found in the Bible, rather the Bible is found in the Rosary.
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- What kinds of Rosary Beads will I learn how to make?
Basically three kinds. Two kinds of Mission Rosaries, and then "Specials". The Mission type can be either Cord or
Chain Rosaries, specials are generally always of the chain type.
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- How will I learn how to make them?
Most people learn how to make them by following the
Chain type,
or Cord types instructions.
If there is a guild near you, then members are always happy to assist. Beyond that we have instruction Videos
that you can borrow. The first set you make, like any new craft you try, will seem like a big job, take a long time,
and probably be quite frustrating as you learn. But after you have made about ten sets, you will be quite efficient,
and it will seem a very easy and relaxing endeavour.
Most people make the Rosary Beads whilst watching TV. For busy people there is quite an element of relaxation and
freeing from the stress of the day, by using your hands making Rosary Beads. As well, you have the knowledge that what
you are doing is indeed a worthwhile job, not a simple time-filler like TV.
After some practice, you should be able to make a Chain Rosary in about 45 minutes, or a Cord Rosary in about 8 minutes.
I am a Rosary Maker - and you could be too. What's stopping you?
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- What happens if I join, and then later find that I can't or don't want
to continue?
Nothing. You simply do not buy any further supplies, and do not renew your annual membership. There are no promises
or responsibilities on your part that have to be observed.
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- How do I go about joining?
Simply contact us, and let us know that you are interested
in learning more about Rosary Making and we will send you a catalogue of the supplies available,
and details of your nearest Guild, if there is one.
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- Is my privacy protected?
Absolutely. We do not release, sell, or give away information relating to our members.
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- Must I give away all the Rosary Beads I make?
No - only the "Mission Rosaries". We buy the Mission supplies at a reduced price on condition that Rosary Beads
made from them are given away free of any charge to those who need them. So we pass on that same condition.
You can also make "Special" Rosary Beads, using all sorts of special materials available from us, as well as
from craft shops, which can be kept, or given away to friends and family etc. or even sold at a profit.
The profit you make is yours.
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- Do I send my Mission Rosaries to you, or how do I know to
whom to send them?
You may send them wherever you like - to Headquarters if you do not have any specific person or group in mind and
we will send them on and notify you where they went.
You can send them direct to addresses which we will give you, of Missions, hospitals etc in need. We send Rosary Beads
all over the world, to Aboriginal Missions in Australia, and to hospitals, schools, catechists, jails etc., as we become
aware of their need. We often have requests from places such as India and parts of Africa for 25,000 Rosaries,
50,000 Rosaries etc. so there is no need to worry about where to send them.
Russia and China could use several million Rosary Beads, if they could be provided.
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