Volunteers of the Prayer Shawl Ministry meet monthly to work on shawls and lap robes for people in need of prayer, comfort, and healing. We share patterns and chat as we work, while maintaining a prayerful awareness of those for whom we labor. Most of our work is done at home, and some volunteers work entirely at home. We have donated over 500 pieces since our beginnings, with pieces going as far afield as New Orleans for survivors of hurricane Katrina. If you can knit or crochet, or would like to learn, come experience the satisfaction of making a shawl for a person in need.

Testimony to the Power of a Shawl -2/5/13 – When I was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, I was comforted by the prayers of the community at Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish, and by the knowledge that God was with me. One of the church members offered me a prayer shawl, but I objected that it should be given to someone who “really needed it”. My friend nevertheless insisted that I take one. To my surprise, when I returned home and put on the shawl, I immediately felt the prayers with which it had been crafted. It is hard to describe the feeling, but I know it comes from the power of prayer. I still find great comfort in my prayer shawl, and wear it to bed every night. I am wearing it now as I write! If you or someone you know is ill or in need of consolation, pick up a prayer shawl after any Mass at either of our churches—and feel the power! – Debbie Sarnie

Eileen Gauthier 603-893-6645