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Anyone who would like to make prayer shawls can pick up yarn and directions at the rectory. If you know someone who is seriously or chronically ill, having surgery, diagnosed with cancer, on hospice, or suffering a loss, please call the rectory to ask for a prayer shawl for him/her. One of our team members will visit and pray with them. If someone is in a nursing home or home-bound and has not received a prayer shawl, please call the rectory. We do give shawls to people who do not belong to the parish. We will also give you one to mail to a sick relative. This ministry has been such a blessing to the parish, our team members, our benefactors, and those who have received them.
If you have questions about the ministry, or would like to volunteer to crochet or knit a shawl please call Pat Hansbury 610-698-4327. We are always looking for people to help deliver shawls. If you can’t knit or crochet, consider joining the ministry by helping to deliver shawls. What is a prayer shawl ministry?In 1998, Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor (Sr.) Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.
Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, loving God! For more info on the Prayer Shawl Ministry please visit www.shawlministry.com. |
Directions
Remember to begin your knitting or crochet time with prayers for the person who will receive your shawl.
DIRECTIONS for making the original Prayer Shawl: cast on / chain - in multiples of 3 (a reminder of the Trinity) usually 54-60 stitches For Knit: work 1st row in K3, P3. Following rows will be knit the purls & purl the knits. For Crochet: into your foundation chain work 1 row SC. The pattern to follow is 1row SC, 3 rows DC – repeat to end. Finished shawls should measure 57-60” from wrist to wrist and the drop should be from shoulder to about the waist. |
"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..." Janet Severi BristOW
