The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries:
- Joyful Mysteries (Mon/Sat): Focus on the incarnation and childhood of Jesus.
- Sorrowful Mysteries (Tue/Fri): Focus on Jesus' passion and death.
- Glorious Mysteries (Wed/Sun): Focus on the resurrection and ascension.
- Luminous Mysteries (Thu): Focus on Jesus' public ministry.

The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group.