The Catholic Community of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

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Ministries Singles and Family Ministries Shawl Ministry

 Next Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008

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Will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 108 of the Faith Formation Center. There are many ways you can be involved, such as knitting/crocheting, tying on fringe, sewing on labels, financial contributions, donating yarn, etc. Please contact Tish Allen at 972-335-6501 or at circleofyarn@hotmail.com You can also visit our website at http://chancy.org/setonshawls/

 
  


The Shawl Ministry 
Staff Liaison
Tony Fleo
cjones@eseton.org
972-596-5505 ext. 4222

In the Beginning…
The History of the Shawl Ministry www.shawlministry.com .
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates from the Hartford seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, created the Shawl Ministry. Care and the love of knitting and crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace as well as those celebrating baptisms or other milestones of life. Many blessings are knitted or crocheted into the shawl. Designers begin each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. The shawl is based on a 3-stitch seed pattern. The pattern of three’s can be found in every religion and society. This is a reflection of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope. In the tradition of Christian faith, the number three symbolizes the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It is said that the number three is used 523 times in scripture!
When the shawls are completed they receive a final blessing before being sent on their way.

Our Mission
The Shawl Ministry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is dedicated to:

  • Providing a prayerful ministry that combines ritual, care and compassion with the love of knitting or crocheting.
  • Providing a ministry that touches the lives of others by distributing the shawls through the various outreach ministries of our parish.
  • Providing a contemplative experience that winds itself through our hearts and into the presence of God..
  • Providing a fellowship of people working together to make God visible in the world, enabling us to care for others in a straight-from-the-heart approach.
  • Providing a ministry that will encircle our parish in an eternal shawl of peace, healing and compassion.

The concept and development for a shawl ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, was inspired through Renew 2003.

Opening Our Hearts
A special thank you to those who taught us to knit and served as teachers, mentors and friends.
We praise God for His divine intervention through all the people who have stepped forward to give this ministry the strength to move to the next level.

Thank you to all those individuals who will join in the knitting or crocheting of the shawls as well as the many other contributors. It’s been said, "God does not call the equipped. He equips the called." So come join the mystery that unfolds silently in the rhythm of knitting or crocheting.

"…He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."--Proverbs 11:25
Contact: Tish Allen 972-335-6501 circleofyarn@hotmail.com 

Ministry Journal: 
http://chancy.org/setonshawls/

Lion Brand Yarn: 
www.lionbrand.com

 

 
How Can I Help?
Any contributions are greatly appreciated. We have listed some examples below.

  • Knit or crochet shawls.
  • Donate yarn: 4 skeins of Lion’s Brand Homespun. MAKE SURE ALL THE SKEINS HAVE THE SAME DYE LOT NUMBERS.
  • Donate financially to help support this ministry.
  • Write prayers to add to our collection of prayers for the various seasons of life to be included with the shawls.
  • Sew on labels.
  • Tie on fringe.
  • Pray for this ministry.
  • Pray for the recipients of the shawls.
  • Pray for our volunteers.

Excerpts from Knitting into the Mystery

Community is like a large mosaic…a fellowship of people who together make God visible in the world. 
--Henri J.M. Nouwen

May I begin, O God,
and merely begin again
to knit essential habits
of the heart in this my life…
in this our community…
May I begin by listening…
yes listening to the rapid beating
within my heart…
to the slow rhythm of my breathing…
to the clatter and pain of the world…
to a still small voice that says, Peace: 
Be still…
and know that I am God…
Let me be open to surprise
as you show the unique pattern
for my life to grow in solitude…
and in solidarity with all…
Knit your Love throughout my life,
till I wear it like a well-worn garment,
suited well for my unique frame within,
suited to changes of time and place without,
keeping me secure in your changeless Love
and always facing toward the world with hope;
for the sake of your Name
and for the sake of the world.
Amen
--Kent Ira Groff

"She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands."-Proverbs 31:13

Out of a single strand of yarn, a flowing fabric emerges, eventually wrapping itself around another’s shoulders. Speaking love and prayers into another’s heart, a visual expression of the mystery of God, a steadfast presence in our lives. 
--Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo 
  

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