Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a rosary maker at The Catholic Woodworker? In this interview, we chat with our very own Madeline Pierce about how being a rosary maker has helped her balance work, prayer, and life as a mom of young children.
1. How long have you worked at The Catholic Woodworker as a rosary maker?
I started working for The Catholic Woodworker back in June of 2021—before we even had a storefront or warehouse! As the second full-time hire, I made rosaries in the spare bedroom of my first apartment in my free time. I helped with customer service and fulfillment of orders, but spent much of my time making (and inspecting) rosaries.
Now, I still call myself a rosary maker, but my role has since evolved. Today I work as a Rosary Maker Coordinator where I spend most of my days organizing production, coordinating shipments to our makers, and inspecting the rosaries that come back through our door for sale.
When time allows, I get to make rosaries and pocket rosaries to ensure that we keep them in stock as best as possible. I enjoy creating the rosaries and often wonder whose hands will pray with them one day. Plus, now that I’m a seasoned pro, they are so comfortable and easy to make!
2. What inspired you to join The Catholic Woodworker as a rosary maker?
When my husband and I first got married, I began to question whether or not I was called to work full-time. I knew I wanted to be the one to raise my children, but I didn't know how we were going to make ends meet if I decided to stay home with the kids. Since we were young and just starting out, it didn't seem possible.
I took this concern to prayer and the name Jonathan Conrad was placed on my heart. I was praying with a Catholic Woodworker rosary my husband made years ago (as one of the first rosary makers) when he was in college. I thought to myself—well, I could do that! I like working with my hands and that is something I could do from home. This could be the answer!
I asked my husband for Jonathan's number and email and reached out to him. By divine intervention, they were hiring! Being a rosary maker was the perfect meld of faith and work and allowed me to evangelize, pray, and pay the bills.
3. How did The Catholic Woodworker team help you to learn the craft of rosary making?
When I was first hired, I had never made a corded rosary in my life. I was nervous because I wanted to do this company right and hoped my rosaries would be just as great as everyone else's.
Before I even made my first rosary, Jonathan matched me up with a local rosary maker who had previously trained a few other rosary makers. I went over to her house and we had two or three 1-2 hour sessions where she showed me all of the basics.
Taking up the skill was harder than I anticipated, mostly due to the amount of precision in which The Catholic Woodworker rosaries are made. It was tough making those knots tight! I was embarrassed when my knots would slip and the whole rosary would be thrown off balance.
However, despite my initial shortcomings, my trainer and the rest of the team made me feel at ease that this was something that they each to some degree struggled with when they first started out. Eventually with enough practice by undoing and redoing the knots, it finally clicked.
That reassurance continued along the way as I received some advice and feedback on how my rosaries performed against TCW's rigorous standards. With that feedback and lots of practice it was only a couple of months before I was confidently making heirloom-quality rosaries.
4. What do you love most about this role?
What I loved most about working as a rosary maker is the flexibility and that it’s remote. I can take my work with me if I go out of town. I can work ahead of schedule and then take some time away from work while still meeting expectations. As a mom, it works beautifully with my busy schedule and lifestyle at home.
Rosary making and Assembly Associate work is not stressful either! I have worked in pediatric behavioral clinics, as a substitute teacher, and a daycare teacher and this work is a breeze in comparison.
The quiet, repetitive nature of the work at TCW is almost reminiscent of the rosary itself. It allows you to slow down, focus, and stay on task. I typically make rosaries at my kitchen table and even sometimes on my couch. It has also happened once or twice that I have made rosaries in the car on the drive during a vacation or when visiting family out of town.
Prefer to listen to Madeline’s answer to this question? Click the video below to hear what she has to say.
5. When do you find time to make rosaries? What does that workflow process look like?
I am home with my children nearly every day which means I work less traditional hours. I get up early in the morning with my husband as he goes to work and then begin making rosaries until my children start to stir and need breakfast. Then, when it is time for their afternoon naps, I get a few household chores done and begin working on more!
I work only a couple of hours a day and still produce dozens of rosaries and accomplish all of my other duties each month. The timing and duration can change a bit day-to-day as things like appointments, illnesses, and life get in the way. But at the end of the day, I don't stretch myself too thin with my commitments and I am able to get things done on time!
6. Why would you recommend this position to others?
I think TCW is perfect for someone looking to make some supplemental income. It is quiet work that becomes relaxing and comfortable once you get in the groove. This work is perfect for people of all ages and stages. It is such enjoyable work that I plan to work for TCW in some capacity for many years to come. And the skills I learn along the way I keep for a lifetime.
Interested in joining The Catholic Woodworker team?
Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling part-time position or a way to support your family while working from home, being a rosary maker gives you the unique opportunity to join our mission of bringing more souls to Jesus through Mary.
If you’re interested in joining our team, check our jobs page to see if we’re currently hiring rosary makers.
