CAN I JOIN?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+ See our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for much more detail. FAQ Questions answered are as follows-
The SpirituA2. "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..." etc...." 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.al 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..." etc...." 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.
The Rosary is not found in the Bible, rather the Bible is found in the Rosary.
If there is a guild near you, then existing members are always happy to assist. And 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 on its own, or cards, or board games, etc.
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 completely. 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, and 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. And, when I wrote this, there was a tremendous need for Rosary Beads in the Tsunami affected parts of Asia. Over the years this one small group grew into a National Association, then International, spreading to many different countries, and in 1971 we started it here in Australia. Coonamble, a small rural town (Population approx 3400) in north-western NSW is the Headquarters of the organisation in Australia, and it is here that we keep the stocks of supplies we have built up over the years since 1971. On the last Sunday in October each year we have a National Conference, to which all members are invited. Many members travel hundreds of kilometres to be present, and we have a wonderful friendly day.
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