The love of making knitted and crochet items and a deep caring for others have been combined into a prayerful ministry which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace.  The Shawl Ministry meets once a month in both Brooklyn and Hampton.  All parishioners interested in the ministry are welcome!  Our ministry will gratefully accept monetary donations to purchase yarn.

Shawls, for centuries, universal and embracing, have been worn by women and men everywhere.  They comfort and give solace, hug and wrap.

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a new ministry.  It was the result of their experience in a program of applied Feminist Spirituality, under the direction of S. Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. 

Many blessings are knitted into every shawl.  The crafters begin each shawl with prayers for the recipient.  Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl.  When the shawl is completed, it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way.  As this gift has been sent along, some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it onto someone in need.  Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!  You can learn more by visiting their web site at http://shawlministry.com.

Our Parish Group

Since their beginning in 1998, local Shawl Ministries have spread all over the country, and even internationally.  Our parish Shawl Ministry was recently organized by Marge LaPointe.  Members meet once a month to join in prayer, fellowship, to knit or crochet, and share ideas.  On our first meeting day, two groups met--one in the morning and another in the evening.  Members could attend the meeting that best fit into their schedule.  Pictured to the right are those who attended the evening meeting.  If you're interested in joining our group, or if you know of someone who might benefit by receiving a shawl, please contact Marge at magherbs@charter.net.

Presentation of First Shawl

Our parish's Shawl Ministry received its first request for a shawl from Rev. Mary Ann Short, Chaplain at the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home in Brooklyn, Connecticut.  The shawl was presented to Carrie Mae Downing at a healing service in the Chapel at the Home on March 19, 2003.  Carrie is an employee who was recently diagnosed with cancer.  She was very grateful to receive the shawl as a symbol of God's enfolding love to wrap her as she begins her treatments.