Beads

A rosary comprises 60 beads. The main circlet is made up of five sets of 10 small beads. These 10 beads form a decade. Each decade is separated by a large bead. Five additional beads are attached to the circlet by a larger bead or medal.

Prayers

Catholics say specific prayers on each rosary bead. On the crucifix, they make the Sign of the Cross and a profession of faith known as the Apostles' Creed. On the large beads, Catholics say the Our Father and the Glory Be prayers. On each of the ten small beads, Catholics say a Hail Mary. Additional prayers can also be said, depending on customs or circumstances, but the prayers said on the main circlet form the rosary prayers.

Prayers

The key to the rosary is not so much prayer recitation, but prayerful meditation. Catholics "finger the beads" and repeat prayers as aids in pondering the mysteries of faith. These mysteries represent events in Jesus' life and are categorized into four sets: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious. The mysteries are further broken down into events. For example, a Catholic may say an entire rosary while meditating on the Luminous Mysteries. As she progresses through each decade, she reflects on Christ's baptism, his first miracle at Cana, his preaching, his transfiguration and the events of the Last Supper.

Misconceptions

It's a misconception that Catholics worship the rosary, or that they repeat the prayers in hopes of personal gain. This would be considered a grave sin. Catholics do honor the rosary and its prayers as a vehicle that helps them increase their faith and receive graces.