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: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous.

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.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross.
2. Holding the crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed.
3. On the first bead, say an Our Father.
4. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.
5. Say the Glory Be.
6. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture) then say the Our Father.
7. While holding each of the 10 beads of the decade, next say 10 Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.

   (After finishing each decade, some say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.)

8. After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen, followed by this dialogue and prayer:

   V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

   R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

   Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops