“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20
Christian prayer, from its very first day, has been communal. The Acts of the Apostles describes the disciples gathered together in the Upper Room, “with Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14), praying with one heart. The Christian community has been meeting to pray together in just this way for two thousand years — in catacombs, in monasteries, in attic rooms, in great cathedrals, in suburban living rooms.
Praying alone is good. Praying together is something more. The Catholic tradition has produced an extraordinary variety of prayer communities — lay movements, third orders, Marian apostolates, online groups, and small parish circles — through which the faithful pray together, encourage one another, and serve the Church. This page is a guide to some of the most beloved.
On this page
- Marian Movements
- Third Orders — the lay branches of the great religious orders
- Modern Movements and Apostolates
- Online Prayer Communities
- Starting your own Rosary group
Marian Movements
The great lay movements of Marian devotion. Each is officially recognized by the Catholic Church and present in many countries.
The Legion of Mary
Founded 1921 in Dublin, Ireland · present in 170+ countries
The largest lay apostolate in the Catholic Church, with several million active members worldwide. Founded by the Servant of God Frank Duff. Members meet weekly in small groups (called praesidia) to pray the Rosary together and undertake works of mercy — visiting the sick and homebound, evangelizing in the parish, supporting young families. The Legion is open to lay men and women of all ages.
Knights of Columbus
Founded 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut · over 2 million members worldwide
A fraternal order of Catholic men founded by Blessed Michael McGivney to support Catholic families and parishes. The Knights have a strong Marian devotion — the Rosary is prayed at every council meeting — and run major charitable, educational, and pro-life programs. Open to practicing Catholic men aged 18 and over.
The Schoenstatt Movement
Founded 1914 in Schoenstatt, Germany
A Marian apostolic movement founded by the Servant of God Father Joseph Kentenich. Members make a “Covenant of Love” with Mary and live a particular spirituality of self-formation and apostolic service. The movement is present in over 100 countries and has built more than 200 small replica chapels (the “Shrines of the Schoenstatt Mother”) around the world.
The Knights of the Immaculata
Founded 1917 by Saint Maximilian Kolbe
A Marian apostolate founded in Rome by Saint Maximilian Kolbe before his return to Poland. Members consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Mother of God and pledge to use every legitimate means to bring others to her. Today the Militia Immaculatae has members in many countries; the movement is closely associated with the Conventual Franciscans.
Third Orders — the lay branches of the great religious orders
A “Third Order” (or, in modern language, a “secular order”) is a way for lay people to live the spirituality of one of the great religious orders without leaving secular life. Members make promises (not vows), follow a Rule of life, meet regularly with the local fraternity, and live in the world as branches of the order. The three largest in the Catholic Church are:
Lay Carmelites (OCDS / TOC)
Following the spirituality of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross
The Carmelite charism is contemplative prayer and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Lay Carmelites pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, practice mental prayer, wear the Brown Scapular, and meet monthly with their local community. Doctors of the Church such as Saint Therese of Lisieux and Saint Edith Stein were Carmelites.
Secular Franciscans (OFS)
Founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century
The Secular Franciscan Order is the lay branch of the Franciscan family — men and women living in the world according to the Rule of Saint Francis. Members commit to simplicity of life, peacemaking, fraternity, and prayer. Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and many other lay saints were Secular Franciscans.
Lay Dominicans (OPL)
Following the spirituality of Saint Dominic
The Dominican charism is the preaching of truth in love. Lay Dominicans live according to the Rule of Saint Dominic in the world — praying the Rosary daily (the Dominicans are the great preachers of the Rosary), studying the faith deeply, and bringing it to others through their lives and work. Saint Catherine of Siena was a Lay Dominican.
Modern Movements and Apostolates
In the twentieth century, the Catholic Church saw a flowering of new lay movements, many of them now found in dozens of countries.
Focolare Movement
Founded 1943 in Trent, Italy by the Servant of God Chiara Lubich
A Catholic movement of “spirituality of unity” focused on living the Gospel in everyday life through deep love for one another. Focolare is present in over 180 countries and is also engaged in interreligious dialogue. Members live in local communities, gather for prayer, and serve in their professions.
Communion and Liberation
Founded by the Servant of God Father Luigi Giussani in Italy
A Catholic movement focused on encountering Christ in the events of daily life. Members meet weekly in “School of Community” groups to read and discuss the writings of Father Giussani and to live the faith together. Present in many countries.
Apostleship of Prayer / Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
Founded 1844 in France · over 35 million members worldwide
A worldwide network of Catholics who unite their daily prayers and works to the prayer intentions of the Pope each month. Members make a daily Morning Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The network is now coordinated by the Vatican and has a beautiful monthly video from the Pope (“The Pope Video”).
Online Prayer Communities and Resources
In the twenty-first century, much Catholic prayer has moved online. The following are among the most beloved resources for daily prayer and community.
Hallow
A Catholic prayer and meditation app
A widely-used Catholic mobile app offering guided Rosaries, daily Mass readings, audio meditations, sleep prayers, and community challenges (such as praying the Rosary together for Lent). Free for many features; some content requires subscription.
Pray as You Go
Daily 10-15 minute prayer audio from the Jesuits
A free daily audio prayer published by the British Jesuits, combining Scripture, music, and reflection — designed for the morning commute or quiet time. Available on the web and as an app.
The Living Rosary Association
Founded 1826 in Lyon, France by Blessed Pauline Jaricot
A simple devotion in which 15 (now 20) people each pledge to pray one decade of the Rosary daily — together, the small group prays a complete Rosary every day. The Association has spread around the world and is one of the most accessible ways to participate in continuous Marian prayer.
Starting your own Rosary group
You do not need to be part of a formal organization to gather a Rosary group. The simplest Catholic prayer community in history is two or three people meeting once a week to pray the Rosary together.
A few suggestions, gathered from those who have started successful small groups:
- Start very small. Two or three people. A friend. A neighbor. Your spouse. A relative. Do not worry about size at the start.
- Choose a fixed time and place. Once a week, same day, same time. Your home, a parish chapel, a coffee shop, a park. The reliability of the time matters more than its prominence.
- Begin with the Rosary alone. Twenty minutes. Don’t add too much — the prayer itself is the heart of it. You can always grow later.
- Tell your pastor. Most pastors are delighted to hear that parishioners are starting a Rosary group; some will even offer space in the parish.
- Pray for those who do not yet know they want to come. Many of the great Catholic prayer movements began with two friends in a kitchen.
“With one accord they devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus.” — Acts 1:14
Journey with Mary: A Path to Jesus 