PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
Over the centuries, shawls have come to symbolize shelter and peace. The Ecumenical Prayer Shawl Ministry began in 1998 and has grown into an international cause, with shawls being knitted or crocheted, and given to those in need of consolation and healing. The website for additional information about the history and activities of the worldwide ministry is: www.shawlministry.com

A Prayer Shawl ministry was formed at Our Lady of Peace Parish in February 2009.
Since then, almost  200 shawls have been knitted or crocheted by our members and more than 170 blessed shawls have been distributed. Many of the shawls have been given, as an offering of consolation and prayer, to those within our own parish community who are coping with illness, grief, uncertainty, or in other times of need. Sister Martha has distributed shawls to the homebound of our parish or those living in nursing homes and all have been deeply touched by this tangible reminder that they are still a valued and prayed-for member of the Our Lady of Peace community. The ministry also has reached far beyond the boundaries of our parish, shawls having been sent all across the country to family members and friends who are facing a physical, emotional or spiritual crisis.

WHO WE ARE/ WHAT WE DO:
MISSION: As part of our Christian calling to serve God and others, the people of Our Lady of Peace Parish wish to provide prayerful comfort and support to those of our community in special need of healing and consolation. The mission of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of the parish is to prayerfully create knitted or crocheted shawls for those in physical, emotional or spiritual crisis. It is our hope that the gift of these blessed shawls from the parish community to those in need will provide not only physical warmth and comfort, but also embody our constant prayers for them as they seek God’s grace and healing.

If you know of any need in your circle of friends or family, please contact the Parish Office or a Ministry member (Lisa Gallant at 262-3277 or Elaine Guilfoyle at 447-1863) and a shawl will be provided. Please know that no need is too small and the recipient need not be a member of our parish.

ACTIVITIES: Members crochet or knit prayer shawls for distribution to members of the parish community and to those beyond our parish family known to be in need of prayerful support. Prayers for the eventual recipients are offered by the individual creators as the shawls are knitted or crocheted. Each month members of the ministry gather to work together as a community and pray for those to whom the shawls will be given.The shawls are blessed by Father Kavanagh or Deacon Fortkamp and readied for distribution with a sewn-on label that reminds the recipient that he or she will remain in the prayers of the people of Our Lady of Peace.

MEETINGS: Members come together on the first Tuesday of each month to knit and crochet in the Gathering Space of the parish at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Many involved in this ministry come together on the first Tuesday of each month to knit or crochet in the Parish Gathering Space at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend these gatherings, but it is not required. Many of our "handworkers" prefer to work on their knitted or crocheted prayer shawls at home and according to their schedule. Interested parishioners may use the contact information below to learn more about suggested patterns and yarn weight and there is a bin in the rear of the church for the donation of completed shawls. Others who wish to support this ministry may do so through cash donations or the purchase of gift cards through our parish SCRIP program which are used for the purchase of yarn.

CONTACT: