The Our Lady of Lourdes Rosary Group: A Community of Prayer Growing in Christ Together

When we look around our community, country and world, there are always people in need of prayers. And, we know one of the most powerful Catholic prayers is the Rosary. In fact, Mary has asked of us that the Rosary be prayed.

Recognizing the power and importance of the Rosary, Jacki Retka and Tina Dolan talked about starting a Rosary group when they crossed paths between Eucharistic Adoration hours. What started a small group of three or four people has grown to a group of 15 to 20, with many more people joining via the livestreaming on the triparish Facebook page — Little Falls Catholic. Thanks to Tina and Jacki, the Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Rosary Group was formed. The group meets at Our Lady of Lourdes each Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

The group had to take a break in spring 2020, as churches were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that Jacki realized what a gift the OLOL Rosary Group has truly been. She also missed attending Mass and being with other parishioners.

“It was like a hole in your heart, it was just devastating,” Jacki says. “I felt so lost. The livestream Mass helped, but it was just not the same as being in your church.”

Jacki is glad to be back with her church and OLOL Rosary Group family.

“Jesus says, ‘Where two or three are gathered, there I am among them,’” Jacki says. “It’s important to have your personal relationship with Jesus and Mary, and it’s important to pray as a community. You get your strength from other people, as well.”

The group kneels in front of the statue of Mary during the Rosary. They also pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the St. Michael Prayer and Hail Holy Queen.

This ministry is not only for Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners — anyone is invited. The OLOL Rosary Group serves all three parishes and the broader community, because they also take prayer requests. They use the beginning of the time to list the requests.

Jacki appreciates that she has had the opportunity to make new friends through the OLOL Rosary Group. After all the isolation of the past year, this ministry has offered a valuable way to join with others in prayer. Jacki has also grown in faith and devotion to the Rosary.

“It’s been amazing,” Jacki says. “We started it to be as a community and to help pray for others. It’s helping me, too.”

If you would like to get involved in the OLOL Rosary Group, please come to Our Lady of Lourdes at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Please call Jacki Retka for prayer intentions at 320-630-2103.

This ministry is not only for Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners — anyone is invited. The OLOL Rosary Group serves all three parishes and the broader community.

Parishioners from all three of our parishes gather to pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet on Thursdays at 5:30 at Our Lady of Lourdes.