Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle is a beautiful expression of faith in action — where prayer, creativity and compassion are woven together stitch by stitch.
Founded in 2005, this ministry brings comfort, love and hope to parishioners and their loved ones through lovingly knitted and crocheted prayer shawls, prayer squares, chemo caps, scarves and baptismal blankets. In 2012, the ministry expanded to include the presentation of baby blankets to families as their children are baptized, marking joyful beginnings wrapped in prayer.
- Volunteers meet once a month, forming a dedicated and welcoming community of knitters and crocheters who share both talent and heart.
- Participation is flexible — those unable to attend meetings regularly are still welcome to contribute from home.
- Each piece is created with intention, whether through spoken prayer, silent reflection, Scripture or heartfelt thoughts for the recipient.
- Once completed, the items are blessed before being gifted, making them a tangible reminder of God’s love and presence.
Prayer shawls — sometimes called peace shawls or comfort shawls — serve a simple yet profound purpose. They are wearable hugs, crafted with love from maker to recipient. They may be adorned with fringe or left plain, created in soft neutrals or joyful colors, but each is unique because the prayer woven into it is unique. These shawls are not only for times of illness or loss; they also celebrate life’s milestones and moments of transition. As the ministry itself affirms, shawls may be given for medical procedures, recovery, bereavement, stress, meditation, ministry to others or occasions such as graduations, birthdays and anniversaries.
As Janet Severi Bristow wrote in 1998, “Shawls … wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify.” The Prayer Shawl Ministry truly does all of this, sharing Christ’s love one stitch at a time.
What is the Prayer Shawl Ministry?
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a faith-filled outreach that creates knitted and crocheted items — shawls, prayer squares, chemo caps, scarves and baptismal blankets — to bring comfort, love and hope to those in need.
Who receives prayer shawls and other items?
Items are gifted to individuals experiencing medical, emotional or spiritual challenges, as well as families celebrating joyful moments such as baptisms, graduations, birthdays and anniversaries.
What makes a prayer shawl special?
Each shawl is a “wearable hug,” lovingly made with prayer and intention in every stitch. Once finished, all items are blessed before being shared.
Who can join the ministry and when do they meet?
Anyone who knits or crochets — or wants to learn — can join. Participation is flexible, and volunteers may contribute from home if they are unable to attend meetings. Volunteers gather once a month for fellowship, prayer, and crafting, forming a welcoming and dedicated community.
Are prayer shawls only for times of illness or loss?
No. Prayer shawls can mark both challenging and joyful moments. They are a celebration of life, faith, healing and God’s presence.
Share the love — and your talent — by being part of this meaningful ministry.
