Saint Joseph Rosaries

I am a Catholic priest, ordained in 2017 for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, where I serve as both a pastor, and vocations director. Throughout my journey, I have been deeply engaged in prayer, seeking ways to assist others in their spiritual growth and fostering in them a deeper connection with God. In this pursuit, I recognized the need to find a fulfilling spiritual hobby that one can use to relax and clear one’s mind. I believe the Rosary is the best way to fulfill this need. This along with other events has led me to start Saint Joseph Rosaries. 

As I worked toward making the rosary an instrumental part of my parish’s spiritual growth, I recognized a common complaint from the men in my community: they were searching for durable rosaries that would withstand wear and tear without tangling. My own experience echoed this need. While searching for rosaries online that could fulfill these requirements, I realized they did not come for cheap. This made me wonder if I could do a better job at making a quality rosary at a reasonable price. 

Motivated by this challenge, I turned to YouTube and taught myself how to make rosaries using military grade paracord, even creating beads from knots. This process required not only a substantial amount of paracord, but also a considerable amount of time and effort, sometimes resulting in blisters on my hands. Initially, I made a few rosaries for friends, but the process proved cumbersome due to the bulkiness of the design, and the difficulty in achieving evenly spaced knots. 

Encouragement from a fellow priest, who shared valuable tips and resources (including suppliers for crucifixes and beads) proved instrumental in my development as a rosary maker. As I experimented with incorporating beads into my designs, I received positive feedback from those who received my creations. This motivated me to refine my technique, adding knots for stability and ensuring even spacing across each decade. 

During our annual parish novena, I made nearly 50 rosaries, all of which sold quickly! The demand continued to grow, with one priest friend in the Midwest urging me to consider this work as an apostolate aimed at promoting an active devotion to the Rosary among men. Recently, I created 15 rosaries for a man who wished to gift them to his brothers and family. 

I feel a strong calling to produce these durable rosaries, particularly for men, as a means of encouraging them to engage in daily prayer. To cover the costs of materials—ranging from $10 to $15 per rosary depending on the type of beads and crucifix—I typically request a donation. These contributions not only help offset expenses but also allows me to give away free rosaries to those who may benefit from them but cannot afford them. 

Each rosary is crafted from 550 military-grade paracord and includes a miraculous medal along with another saint’s medal. Additionally, a St. Benedict medal, which can be found on the crucifix, is a part of every rosary sold. While I primarily focus on creating rosaries for men, I also welcome requests from women. 

I have been profoundly moved by the testimonies of individuals who have begun or resumed praying the Rosary, reaffirming the grace it brings into their lives. One notable experience involved making a rosary for a man whom I later welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

As I balance my responsibilities as a pastor and vocations director with this passion for rosary making, I dedicate my free time (often in the evenings) to this craft. My television remains unused as I prefer to invest that time in creating rosaries and praying for their future owners. This activity not only provides relaxation, but also serves as an outlet for creativity, knowing that each rosary contributes to someone’s spiritual journey helping them come one step closer to sainthood. 

My primary commitment remains to my parish and as a vocation’s director. Therefore, any rosary-making must be pushed aside for these responsibilities. I prioritize requests from parishioners and individuals within the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Please understand that I am not operating as a business and cannot guarantee fulfillment beyond my capacity. Donations are intended solely to reimburse material costs, and I cannot offer tax deductions. 

If you would like me to bless a rosary before it reaches you, please let me know. Recipients of a Saint Joseph Rosary are encouraged to commit to daily prayer and to pray for vocations within our diocese. Your prayers for me are also greatly appreciated! 

The point of all this is that the rosary is a great weapon in our spiritual life. It is an amazing source of grace and heavenly assistance. Love the Rosary, especially the men out there. You have a particular duty to pick up your rosary and do spiritual battle against the forces of evil!