Mission Statement

The Word for Life Rosary Mission exists to bring people to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through the rosary. Throughout history the rosary has been known to stop wars, turn back advancing armies, keep families together, heal the sick, reconcile enemies and ward off danger. We want to teach people how to pray the rosary and surrender to the Holy Spirit as they encounter Jesus in the mysteries of his life, accompanied by Mary. There are such depths to this most powerful prayer, and discovering its secrets is the path to profound inner peace and freedom. It is the little way to the heights of holiness for ordinary people.

Central to Word for Life Rosary Mission is the Scriptural Rosary Hour, an event that draws many people, young and old, to the parish for an evening/afternoon of intimacy with Jesus through praying with the scriptures, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration, singing, intercession, fellowship, and when available, the sacrament of confession. Equally central to the mission are the Word for Life Rosary CDs, created for the purpose of helping parishioners incorporate prayer, and the Scriptural Rosary Hour, into their busy lives. Also at the heart of this mission is the rosary outreach to youth called StTtOP, or Students Take Time To Pray! StTtOP is designed to reach children in parochial schools but can be easily adapted for youth in religious education classes and other ministries. Parish missions are also available on request.

Janis Clarke

Janis Clarke is a consecrated laywoman from Montreal residing in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Janis received a BA in music at McGill University in Montreal and an MA in theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Janis’ training as a classical singer and her ability to sing from the heart enable her to reach a wide spectrum of listeners, and she often incorporates introductory “singing lessons” into her ministry. Her theological formation helped Janis plumb the depths of her Catholic faith and shape a dynamic ministry. Her work with children and youth spans over 30 years and has covered a wide range of activities including sports, music, service to the poor, spiritual formation and evangelization.

Janis has produced eight CDs, and several of her own compositions were featured at the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec at which she performed in a musical drama with the Eucharist for Life Children’s Mission which she founded in 2006. Janis sang for John Paul II in Toronto, an experience that inspired deeper commitment to reaching children with the message of the gospel through the Rosary. Janis has spoken and sung at parishes all over North America and is president and founder of Word for Life Rosary Mission.

Janis Clarke, whom I have known for many years, has contributed to the life and spirit of the Archdiocese of Montreal. Janis has used her musical talent to proclaim the Gospel and has developed a ministry of evangelization that has been well received everywhere she has gone. Her work is producing fruit and from all accounts is beneficial to the local Church. She is a person of excellent character. She has a good understanding of the teachings of the Church. Her work with children is effective and appreciated by both the children and their families. ..I have no doubt that she can be counted upon, and I recommend her to you.

-Most Rev. Anthony Mancini V.G., (former) Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal/ Archbishop of Halifax

Fr. Francis Martin

Fr. Martin was ordained at St Joseph’s Abbey in 1956 and received his licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome and his doctorate in Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Renowned preacher and scholar, esteemed author and university professor, Fr. Martin is a priest of the archdiocese of Washington, D.C., currently preaching and teaching the word of God through Fr. Francis Martin Ministries. Fr. serves on the board of directors for the Word for Life Rosary Mission.

Board of Directors

Janis Clarke

Fr. Francis Martin

Dr. Mary Healy teaches scripture at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. She is a gifted author and popular speaker who travels nationally and internationally giving talks on the word of God and John Paul II’s theology of the body.

Fr. Phil Forlano is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as an assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale, PA.  Ordained in 2003, he is the chaplain for the local Hispanic community and is active in the lay ecclesial community Communion and Liberation.

Joseph Melookaran is a certified public accountant and president/CEO of a national financial consulting and information technology practice headquartered in Overland Park, KS. He is involved with several charitable organizations in an advisory capacity and as financial supporter. One of his major involvements is with a charitable mission in India called Teenagers for Christ (Christeen) that provides programs for youth and children in India and in several countries. Some of these programs are specifically focused on orphans.

Jennifer Caterini, a resident of Arlington, Virginia has many years experience serving on the boards of many non-profit organizations. Jennifer is married with two children and works as a real estate agent when she is not busy at home or serving the Church and the wider community.

Word for Life Rosary Mission is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status in the United States. All contributions are tax deductible.