By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Parish knitting ministry begins

MERRILL -- "A hug to the heart" is how Kathy Graham, RN, describes the newly formed knitting ministry at St. Francis Xavier Church in Merrill. Graham, who is the parish nurse and an avid knitter herself, started the group, patterning it after hundreds of other knitting groups throughout the country that make shawls to warm the body and the soul.

The prayer shawl ministry at St. Francis is an outreach of love, healing and compassion to fellow parishioners who are hurting physically, emotionally or spiritually. It is part of an ecumenical movement of women who pray while knitting or crocheting shawls for someone in need. Volunteers make the shawls using the pattern provided, or one of their own if they choose. Their handiwork becomes an expression, not only of their love and concern, but also of the love of God who works through them in creating the shawls.

Weaving their prayers of love and healing into the shawls, the volunteers thank God for the individuals who will receive their shawls and intercede on their behalf, lifting up their needs to the Lord. The knitters are also encouraged to pray for the doctors, nurses and caregivers who attend the recipients.

In turn, those who receive the shawls are asked to include in their own prayers the parish and the volunteer who made the new shawls for them.

Graham prefers that both donor and recipient remain anonymous to one another. "That way," she said, "the shawl represents the whole parish rather than just one individual."

In less than two months a dozen shawls were made, and approximately 20 women are working on more. Although most follow the specific directions provided, each shawl is unique in color, texture and size. "Sometimes, when a shawl comes in, I just instinctively know who it is meant for," said Graham.

Graham has given the shawls to the elderly, the homebound and the sick that she visits regularly. "These shawls go right to their hearts," she said. The people immediately wrap them around their shoulders and touch them to their cheeks.

When she comes to visit she finds the shawls being used and not just tucked away in a closet. "When we pray together, most of them put the shawl on, which gives us both a strong sense of the presence of the rest of the parish family being with us," she added.

Genny Wieloch, a parishioner at St. Francis, was one of those who received a shawl. "I don't feel so lonely when I put it on," she said, "and it helps me know I can get through another day. Even when I take it off I can still feel the hug around my shoulders."

The women who create the shawls also feel blessed. One woman said the pleasure she receives from knowing her talent is bringing joy to another is well worth the discomfort she experiences in her wrists from the repetitive stitches. Another said, "I feel my knitting now has a purpose and that God is taking care of the person who will receive my gift."

The symbolism in this creative endeavor is very evident, said Graham. Not only do the shawls wrap the recipient in the love and care of the parish, but the repetition of three specific stitches throughout the pattern symbolizes the Holy Trinity and is a reminder of God's love as well. "There is a connection here that crosses physical and spiritual boundaries and really touches hearts," said Graham.

Editor's note: For anyone interested in starting a prayer shawl ministry in their own parish or community, more information can be obtained on the Web site at www.bshellhorn.com. Simply click on "Prayer Shawl Ministry" to find knitting and crocheting directions along with suggested prayers to say while making the shawls. Another good resource is the book Knitting into the Mystery, co-authored by Susan S. Jorgensen, a Catholic laywoman and spiritual director. Graham is also willing to share more of her own personal experience. She can be reached by calling the St. Francis Xavier parish office at 715-536-2803.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004