RANGER ROSARY MINISTRY: Sharing Prayer, Faith and Love with the Members of Our Military

As Catholics, we know the power of the Rosary, as the Blessed Mother comes to our aid and hears our prayers. We also know the men and women of our Armed Forces need prayers of protection and comfort. Thanks to a dedicated group here in our Antigo Area Catholic Churches, rosaries have been put in the hands of 30,000 members of the Armed Forces.

Our Ranger Rosary group makes rosaries specifically for the Army. Cathy Levis started the group in 2009. She learned about the national Ranger Rosary program through her sister, Mary Knabel, who had heard about it at her church, St. John the Evangelist in Kohler, Wis. The ministry’s tagline is “Putting Rosaries in Our Forces Hands.” Since its 2003 founding in Annapolis, Md., the ministry has sent rosaries to more than 1 million members of the Armed Forces both here and abroad.

Cathy and her husband, Rob, have a son who made his career in the Army — this is one reason Cathy was interested in this program. The supplies are different colors based on the branch to which they are sent. All rosaries are made with parachute cord, plastic beads, and plastic crucifixes. The plastic makes them quieter so they are safer in a combat zone.

“For some of them, this is the only connection that they have to the faith,” Cathy says. “This brings them closer to the Blessed Mother, as they are out there in danger and risking their lives.”

The rosaries are also sent to chaplains of many faith traditions, not just those who are Catholic. There are currently eight women making the rosaries in our community. They meet at St. John’s on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. — some of the women also make them at home via supply kits that are put together. Most years, the group is far enough ahead that they can take a break from making rosaries in the summer.

The group also carefully checks each rosary to make sure no beads were missed. Assistance is also needed in preparing the rosaries for shipping and ordering supplies. Cathy is looking for help from anyone who has a passion for supporting our military men and women.

Fortunately, this ministry was able to continue its work during the COVID-19 pandemic of the past year and a half, as the rosaries can be made at home. Cathy says that one member of the group is 99 years old and appreciated being able to work on the rosaries through the pandemic.

Fr. Joel Sember also blesses the rosaries before they are shipped. Recipients receive a card with directions on how to pray a Rosary. The Altar Society pays for most of the supplies, along with generous donations by parishioners.

“I feel this is something I can do to support our military,” Cathy says. “I feel sad for the ones that are overseas and can’t contact family or anything. This is just one way we can show them that we care, and we are there for them.”

Most years, the group gathers at a restaurant around Christmas to celebrate the year and enjoy time together.

Thanks to a dedicated group here in our Antigo Area Catholic Churches — the Ranger Rosary Ministry — rosaries have been put in the hands of 30,000 members of the Armed Forces.

If you would like to get involved in the Ranger Rosary Ministry or to learn more, please call the parish office at 715-623-2024. You can also give to the group in the collection by indicating it is for “Ranger Rosaries.”