St. Mary’s Church - Prayer Shawl Ministry

Shawls ...…. made for centuries, universal and embracing,

symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.

They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify.

Those who have received these shawls have been  uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to 

fly above their troubles…”

St. Mary’s Prayer Shawl Ministry began in September, 2004 with approximately 25 women volunteering their time and talent to create Prayer Shawls.  Since that first gathering, over 165 Prayer Shawls have been made, blessed and given away, and the number of Ministers has more than doubled. 

A prayer shawl can be knitted or crocheted.  While it is being made, the person creating it offers prayers for the unknown person who will receive the shawl.  When completed, the shawl is then blessed before being passed on.  When a person is given a prayer shawl, a card accompanies the shawl with the name of the shawl creator and a prayer for peace.  The shawl recipient is then wrapped in the warmth of the shawl and the prayers of the St. Mary’s Community. 

Prayer Shawls celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, friendship and love, and professional and personal achievements. Shawls console those who are grieving, comfort those who are ill, bring hope to those who are in despair.  If one could wear the heartfelt sentiments often found in a greeting card, it would be as a shawl.  

Many who’ve received prayer shawls have sent very touching words of thanks.  Here are just a few excerpts from the many notes we’ve received:

“….when I wear the shawl, I feel as if someone has their arms wrapped around me”

“.…I put the shawl on and immediately felt better, wrapped in love and prayer”

“I wrap myself in it and feel comforted and connected to a greater existence”

“When I wrap myself in the shawl, I know I’m enveloped in the prayers and thoughts of the St. Mary’s Community”

“What a comfort to know that other praying hands of people I do not even know have held and blessed this beautiful shawl – that is very powerful!”

If you would like to participate in this Ministry or would like to request a Prayer Shawl, please contact the St. Mary’s Rectory.  There is no charge for the shawls; however, donations toward the cost of yarn would be welcomed.

Click here to view: St. Mary's Church - Prayer Shawl Ministry 1st. Anniversary Pictures

Click on either button to read the instructions for either the Prayer Shawl Knitting pattern or the Prayer Shawl Crochet pattern.