Rosary makers extend their ministry in North Carolina and beyond

Deacon and ministry director Robert Murphy prays over Mary Grace Gaither while her husband Steve and son John look on, 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The Rosary Makers of the Ministry of St. Mark Church at Huntersville, North Carolina is looking to expand its membership base by tendering more baby showers among its myriad activities.

Last Sunday, the Rosary Makers tendered a baby shower for spouses Mary Grace and Steve Gaither. Mary Grace is an active member of the ministry in the past years ever since she arrived in North Carolina.

Deacon Robert Murphy blessed Grace with prayers for the safe delivery of her baby girl this March 15. Her husband and expectant father Steve and their first born Josh were also prayed over. 

Me seated at extreme left helping out with making rosaries. 

Deacon Murphy is the spiritual director of the ministry. “It is our joy to give baby showers to our members that have been with us for a couple of years. We are all about pro life.” said Susan Claire-Wild, the ministry's coordinator.

Grace and Steve already picked Stephanie as the name of their second child. Gifts given to the couple included stuff for newborn girls that are mostly colored pink from the rosary makers. 

A little throwback is in order; Steve and Grace first met in the Philippines in 2007 and got married in 2009 after Steve converted into Catholic faith.

Steve has to memorize all the Catholic prayers and pass an interview with the local priest in Lipa, Batangas. For one who never liked school, reading and memorizing, what Steve did could only be described as love. 

The Rosary Makers were excited over the arrival of the 5th baby into their circle and as expected, the party had tables laden with all sorts of Filipino food.

The first baby born to the ministry is Charlie Lightle, followed by Raymond Kelly (JR), Allan James Lightle, then Zoe and now Stephanie. Susan Claire-Wild said the Rosary Makers is becoming big and would be six years old this fall.

Spiritual director and Deacon Robert Murphy with ministry coordinator Susan Claire Wild (in blue), 

She recalled that the ministry started with only four members making rosaries at a round table but this was followed by a new member every month. 

There are now 40 members making rosaries at home who meet once a month.

“There is a need for rosaries at our church--St Mark for faith formation and that is  over 700 rosaries a year for Faith Formation, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA, Newcomer ministry,” Wild said.

Susan Wild joined the ministry three years ago and asked what she could do to help. Since then, she and other members were kept busy making rosaries for hospice homes, Ronald McDonald Homes for the ill children and their families.

They also give rosaries for free to charitable institutions, nursing homes, hospices, parish teen retreats and adoration chapel. 

The rosaries made by the Ministry of St. Mark are distributed to Africa, Japan, Peru and Ecuador. Next week, the group will be sending rosaries to Archbishop Antonio Ledesma in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. 

“We are here to help each other and support each other. We are blessed to have such wonderful caring people in our rosary makers ministry,” Wild said.

(The blogger/author is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis)