The Rosary Altar Society, officially known as the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, is a spiritual association whose members undertake to say the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary once every week. The Society was founded in the fifteenth century by Alan del la Roche, a Dominican Friar. On October 2, 1898, Pope Leo XIII issued the apostolic constitution on the Most Holy Rosary (Ubi primum) containing the laws, rights, and privileges of the Confraternity. It states that the Confraternity was instituted so that the faithful, united in fraternal charity by the prayer of the Rosary, may praise and honor the Blessed Virgin and secure her patronage.

The right of erection the Rosary Confraternity is assigned to the Dominican Master, and the Order “holds as its inheritance all that belongs to this devotion.” The Rosary Confraternity has spread throughout the Catholic world, including the United States, where it exists in many parishes under the title of Rosary Altar Society. Although men and children may be enrolled and enjoy all the rights and privileges of the Confraternity, in the United States the parish Rosary Altar Society restricts its membership to women. Since the time of Alan del la Roche, the Confraternity has been the primary means of propagating devotion to the Rosary, and has raised the Rosary from a form of private prayer to that of shared or common prayer. 

“For whenever a person fulfills the obligation of reciting the rosary according to the rule of the Confraternity, he includes in his intentions all its members, and they in turn render him the same service many times over”  (Ubi primum 1).

Rosary Altar Society of the Immaculate Conception Church

President - Maureen Gottschalk
Vice President - Donna Gonzo
Recording Secretary - Diane Maturi
Correspondent Secretary - Nina Walczak Wojciak
Treasurer - Rosemary Hyer

Mission, (Purpose or Ministry):

The primary purpose of the society is to praise and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to secure her patronage by the recitation of the Rosary for the mutual spiritual benefit of all its members throughout the world, and to promote and aid the parish spiritually by performing any activities for the car and well being of the Church, Rectory and Pastor and the Faith Formation Program.

APOSTOLIC WORKS:

Care for Altar & Altar Linens Sunshine Committee-to acknowledge birth, death, weddings, shut-ins, etc. of members. Also, distribute Mass cards and/or send plants, gather at the wake to recite the Rosary and attend funeral masses of members of our church community. Visitation to nursing home and recitation of the Rosary.

Respect Life Committee-Pro-life Works and Mother’s Day Collection of Baby Items for Alight and Ulster County Birthright.

Traveling Madonna- The Pilgrim Madonna has been traveling through the parish for many years. Many blessings have been bestowed upon the families who have welcomed the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima into their homes and prayed to her. Each day family members say the rosary together and invite friends if possible. You may request a special week, if you prefer, by calling Rosemary Hyer at 589-5361 or the rectory at 589-5577.

Hospitality-refreshments for First Community and other church functions.

Social Activities & Fund Raisers:

Several events are planned each year which include the Communion Brunch Buffet, Christmas Continental Breakfast & Chinese Auction, Bake Sales, Retreats, etc...

Membership: 

The Society meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM in the Religious Education Cottage. The Rosary is recited followed by a business meeting and refreshments. We invite all the ladies of the parish to join us. If you are interested joining please call the rectory at 518-589-5577 or use the form below.