A Contemplative Rosary: Leader's Guide

Inspired by Pope John Paul's apostolic letter on the rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae), Bob Hurd and friends have created a resource that invites us to rediscover the rosary as a form of contemplative prayer. Designed for both communal and individual recitation, A Contemplative Rosary engages the whole person through music, Scripture readings, icons and meditations.

Music

• Allows you to fully "sing the rosary" -- provides simple chant settings for the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory to the Father
• Includes choral harmonies and instrumental accompaniment, with parts for cello, piano and hand bells, for communal recitation (complete score available in Leader''s Guide)
• Includes several pieces for gathering and preparing to pray the rosary, and a song for sending forth
• Beautifully recorded CD illustrates how A Contemplative Rosary sounds in its most communal form, prayed in a church with an assembly, presiding minister, choir and readers
• One CD for each of the four sets of mysteries: joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious
• An excellent learning tool, the CD can also serve as accompaniment for individual and small group recitation
• People''s book and CD-ROM feature stunning, full-color icons for all 20 mysteries; the CD-ROM lets you project them onto a wall or screen for groups to see and study throughout the prayer

Scripture & Meditations

• Includes Scripture verses for proclamation by a reader at various points across each decade
• People''s book includes biblical meditations prepared by Dr. Elaine Park, professor of biblical studies at Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR
• Designed especially for personal recitation, the reflections invite the reader to delve more deeply into each mystery before turning the page to study the icon and pray the decade

The books also contain three enlightening essays: one by Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, reflecting on the papal encyclical, which inspired him to initiate this project; "Incarnation and Icon," by Charles Rohrbacher, explaining how icons can help us "encounter" the living God; and a helpful overview and introduction by Bob Hurd, with suggestions for getting the most out of this resource.

Meticulously prepared, beautifully designed and revolutionary in its approach, A Contemplative Rosary can help Christians everywhere "contemplate Christ with Mary" through singing and praying the sacred mysteries of the holy rosary.