Father Bill Kneemiller, pastor of parishes in Hills, Lone Tree and Nichols, is encouraging parishes in the Davenport Diocese to take part in a city-wide rosary campaign next month. Area Catholics are invited to the following locations on Fridays in May, the month of Mary:
• Clinton — Prince of Peace Church, Mass at 8 a.m., followed by the rosary.
• Davenport — St. Paul the Apostle Church, rosary at 6 a.m., Mass at 6:30 a.m., fellowship breakfast at 7 a.m.
• Iowa City — St. Patrick Church, Scriptural rosary at 8 a.m., Mass at 8:30 a.m., followed by coffee and rolls.
• Washington — St. James Church, Scriptural rosary at 8 a.m., Mass at 8:30 a.m.
St. Paul the Apostle has conducted a May rosary campaign on Friday mornings since 2003. The early-bird rosary at 6 a.m. attracts 150 to 200 people. “I have been praying the rosary with a group of men each weekday morning at 6 a.m. for over 10 years,” said John Heidemann, a member of St. Paul’s. “It took a long time to fully understand how deep into our heart and soul this prayer can touch. Praying the rosary gives me a daily reminder of some of the events of Christ’s life on this earth and what he suffered for our sins.”
St. Joseph Parish in Hills has been praying the Scriptural rosary before daily Mass. In this rosary, a line of Scripture associated with a particular mystery of the rosary is recited before each Hail Mary. “This adds a depth of grace to this devotion,” Fr. Kneemiller said. “Also, before praying the rosary, we ask the grace to pray ‘with the heart,’ which reminds us that prayer is both conversation with God and a strengthening of our relationship with the Lord.”
“The rosary is a time of peace and prayer for my heart,” said Judy Stebral, St. Joseph Parish secretary.
“It’s a special means of opening through Mary to Jesus to the throne of grace,” said parishioner Liz Hammes.
