1) It is no more “necessary” to pray the Rosary while on this earthly journey of ours, THAN IT IS “NECESSARY” TO HAVE ICING (or frosting) ON YOUR CAKE. The only thing (necessary) is to trust in JESUS as your Savior. Follow whatever means He leads you personally. (through His wisdom, given to Him by The Father, and to you by the inklings of The Holy Spirit) AND continue in that guided spirit until which time He decides you are ready for the transformation from this life of time to your LIFE OF ETERNITY.
2) WHAT DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACH? (This seems to be a viable question, as it seems “they” are credited with, or criticized for, this series of prayers coming into popularity)
Having spoken to numerous Priests of the Catholic Church about the “praying of the rosary” NOT ONE HAS BEEN FOUND to say it is “Necessary” to pray the rosary to “Get to Heaven”. Although close to 100% of the Roman Catholic Priests do believe that praying the Rosary is an enlightening means of beckoning the Graces of Heaven, to not only take root within the injured soul, it is an efficient method of maintaining the necessary Virtue of Humility needed for continued spiritual growth.
In my lengthy conversations (and not being one that gives up easily, as am reasonably sure several of the Priests and Ministers spoken with wished would be the case) It has been expressed to me that in my situation (that of an extremely sinful life) it is not uncommon for a human to feel unworthy to approach such a Holy God directly as we should. (because of our pride having finally received a decent dose of the first gift of the Holy Spirit, “Fear of the Lord“)
In that situation, we find it much more palatable to go crying to our (or a) Mother. And that (this particular Mother Mary) has no other goal then to lead (me and) all of Gods human creations to the life of eternal bliss, as God has given her. (Every minister of every denomination ever spoken with on this subject, has reassured me that she (Mary), just as any “good Christian”, would have no other goal ) You may wish to also read ( the misnomer of worshipping Mary )
3) If praying the rosary is not “right for you” don’t do it. (or at least maybe not as your main devotion) While many have come to relish in the hours we spend speaking with Our Lord and, depending on the direction of the meditation, envision Mary at His side in the company of all the other Saints and the Angels, DON’T FEEL Left Out. this can only cause jealousy which all too easily leads to malice. GOD may be leading you to some other wonderful charisma. (for further thought read Do YOU call the Virgin Mary Blessed? )
(Someday the time may be taken to rewrite the following paragraph but for now this is faster)
We are all to be members of the same body (Holy Family if You will) and somewhere in the holy words of the bible there is something about this (Sorry paraphrased and will look for the chapter and verse someday) “should the foot be envious of the hand or the hand envious of the eye”.
(OK the verse has been found, which was stuck in my head and here it is.( 1Corinthians Chapter 12: 14-17 ).. my “paraphrasing” was off but you can judge for yourself as to the interpretation.