The Rosary is made up of "decades". A decade is one 'Our Father' followed by ten 'Hail Marys' and a 'Glory Be'.

Whilst it is usual to say five decades at a time, it is better to say one decade well than five decades badly.

Begin with the sign of the cross. Pray the 'Apostles Creed' holding the crucifix and continue on the straight piece of the Rosary with one Our Father, three Hail Marys abd a Glory be. Then, to start the first decade, pray one Our Father. Moving onto the circular piece of the Rosary, continue with the Hail Marys and finish the first decade with one Glory be and the "Fatima Prayer". By saying five decades of the Rosary, you will complete one full circuit of the beads. To finish completing your chosen number of decades pray the 'Hail Holy Queen'. The prayer  to 'St Michael Archangel' and the 'Memorare' are very powerful extra prayers. As you say each decade, think about a story in the life of Mary and Jesus. There are 20 stories to think about. Each story is called a 'Mystery'.

The next section will allow you to follow the five 'Joyful' mysteries, the five 'Mysteries of Light', the five 'Sorrowful Mysteries' and five 'Glorious Mysteries'