Prayer Shawl Ministry

In the Fall of 2005, the Prayer Shawl Ministry was created as an offshoot of the Ministry of Care here at SFX. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is rooted in the person of Jesus—who was sensitive to the vulnerable at all stages and from every walk of life. Its purpose is derived from his gospel mandates of the Sermon on the Mount, and in Jesus’ own lived example of the importance and power of prayer. The ministry is yet another expression of the Consistent Ethic of Life, articulated by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. The Consistent Ethic focuses attention on the total spectrum of life issues, including the way we care for the sick and elderly. It also stresses the importance of prayer and contemplation as a primary means of fostering an outlook that sees the deep value of each human being and all of creation, and supports life with its power and efficacy.

Over the last several years, many parishioners and friends of the parish (young and young-at-heart alike) have received the shawls which were lovingly and prayerfully crafted specifically for those who are home or hospital bound, suffering from chronic illness, in retirement and nursing homes, or recuperating from injury or accident. Many blessings are woven into every shawl created. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient, and intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed, it is offered a final blessing before being sent along its way with the gifts of comfort, hope, solace and healing.

Right now, opportunities exist for involvement in this ministry. There are currently 27 women who are crafting the shawls either by knitting or crocheting, and additional persons—both male and female, young and not-so-young—are welcome to contribute their experience and talents in knitting and crocheting. However, this is not the only way to support this important parish ministry. For example, you could:

• Donate supplies – soft yarns in a variety of colors (for men, women and children) are needed to make the shawls; colorful fabric ribbon (by the spool) is needed to wrap the shawl for presentation.
• Make a monetary contribution to purchase supplies.
• Contact someone you know who might be interested in this ministry, but who is not aware that it exists.
• Volunteer to deliver shawls to recipients in the area.
• Learn to knit or crochet in order to craft the shawls (there are several members of the ministry who can teach you!).
• Keep all those involved in your prayers.

If you know of a friend, neighbor, family member, or other parishioner who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl, you may request and pick up a shawl at the rectory.

Interested in being a part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry?

Please contact:

Sarah Szulc at sarahsmiles17@yahoo.com

Barbara Szulc at baszulc@aol.com

Rita Baumgart at djbaum@copper.net

or

Sue Matthews, Pastoral Associate, at 708-352-0168 or smathews@sfx-lg.org