We suggest using the US Postal Service Priority Mail Flat Rate service for mailing mission rosaries.
You can fit 50 completed rosaries in a USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail envelope ($13), or 300 rosaries in a USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail Box ($44).
We suggest waiting until you have enough rosaries to fill one of these packages to get the most bang for your buck.
USPS Boxes and Customs Forms
USPS Flat Rate Envelope (50 Rosaries):
If you choose this option you will need PS Form 2976.
Both the envelope and the forms are available for free at your local post office.
Filling in PS Form 2976:
- In the upper left section fill in your address and the address of the missionary.
- On Line (1) “Description of Contents” box write, “Mission Rosaries.”
- On Line (2) “Qty” (2) write “50.”
- On Lines (3) and (4) “Weight” Leave theses columns blank. The Postal worker will fill in these areas.
- On Line (5) “Value” write $.01 (One Cent)
- On Line (10) check the “Airmail/Priority” box.
- On Line (6) “Total Value” write “$1.00. The Value box is how customs duties are calculated by the foreign postal services. Because you are giving these as gifts, and because they will not be resold, please value your rosaries at one cent each. No more, and no less. Please DO NOT leave the value at zero.
- On Line (11) check the “Gift” box.
- On Line (16) Sign and Date
- On Line (17) check either “Return to Sender” or “Redirect” and enter the OLRM Mission address.
USPS Flat Rate Box: (300 Rosaries)
If you choose this option you will need PS Form 2976-A and PS 2976-E (A clear plastic envelope).
The box, form and envelope are available for free at your local post office.
Filling in PS Form 2976-A
- In the left column check the “Gift” box.
- On Line (1) “Quantity and Description” write “50 mission rosaries.”
- On lines (2) and (6) “Weight” Leave these columns blank, the postal worker will fill in these areas.
- On Line (3) “ Value” write “$0.01” (1 cent).
- On Line (7) “Total Value” write “3.00” (3 dollars. The Total Value box is how customs duties are calculated by the foreign postal services. Because you are giving these as gifts, and because they will not be resold, please value your rosaries at one cent each. No more, and no less. Please DO NOT leave the value at zero.
- On Line (8) Sign and date the green document.
- In the right column fill in your address and the address of the missionary.
Preparation
Gather the rosaries into groups of 10. Place a piece of wire of cord through the jumpring, bow, or loop attached to the crucifix. This helps to keep the rosaries from becoming tangled.
Place the rosaries in the box or envelope. It may help to alternate the direction of the crucifixes. This helps prevent the package from becoming lopsided.
On the box you should write the following: “GIFT, NO COMMERCIAL VALUE, RELIGIOUS GOODS FOR CHURCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.”
Now place your completed form letter, or your personal letter in the box. This letter should be the first thing to be seen when the box is opened. A properly folded form letter will have the 3 language messages facing outward. This is in case the package is opened by customs. Your personal letter should also contain these 3 messages facing outward. You can always cut this portion off of the form letter and/or make copies to lay on the top of the box.
Now seal up the package. You DO NOT need to seal the package with additional tape. This may cause mailing problems or draw unwanted attention to your package by hostile foreign customs officials.
If you have in questions please contact the Mission Network at missions@olrm.org.