Our Call To Serve
Shawls and Prayer Squares are available for parishioners to give to friends and family for comfort during illness or after a death or for celebrating special birthdays or happy occasions. The shawls have been knit or crocheted by our Prayer Shawl Ministry and have been blessed, packaged and adorned with a medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The shawls are stored in a cabinet in the parish office conference room during their regular business hours. In keeping with the original blessings of this ministry, the shawls are free, however, free will donations are always appreciated to help defer the expenses.
Please note: We do not ship prayer shawls so please stop by the Parish Office to pick one up.
What We Do
Our members hand knit or crochet shawls and meet once per month to turn in and pray over shawls, exchange ideas and pick up supplies
Can You Serve?
We always welcome new members to join our dedicated group who knit and crochet with love and care for the recipients. Members do not have to be Catholic, attend meetings or even live in state. Shawl patterns are simple for a beginner to learn.
Zoom Link
If you are interested in joining us for our monthly gathering via Zoom, use the link below:
Meeting ID: 867 4295 2020
Passcode: 618961
Did You Know?
- We have about 25 members who create the beautiful shawls and 15 members who attend in person or by zoom as their schedules permit.
- As our inventory allows the shawls have also been donated to: McLean Home Hospice Care; Hartford Hospital, Spiritual Care Dept; Dover Air Force Base, for families of returning deceased soldiers; and PS4FS, Prayer Shawls for Families of Fallen Service members, a national volunteer organization.
- In addition to shawls Pocket Prayer Squares are occasionally available.
- Our group evolved from the Prayer Shawl Ministry started in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two grad students at The Hartford Seminary. Their ministry has spread through word of mouth and the internet to all 50 states, 5 continents. The original group still meet at St. Patrick – St. Anthony’s Church in Hartford. Our St. Mary’s Prayer Shawl Ministry was formed in spring 2010.
Our Core Team
Rhoda Obermeier
Chris T.
Ann Mikkleson
Spiritual Gift Alignment
All gifts and those who feel called are welcome! Some gifts which are particularly helpful in growing and running this ministry include:
- Encouragement
- Helping
- Faith
- Evangelism
- Servanthood
Testimonials
Members receive a wonderful sense of fulfilment on completion of these beautiful prayer shawls and squares knowing the comfort they provide others The church has received heartfelt notes of appreciation from recipients in their times of need