Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our mission is to provide hope, comfort, and healing to those who most need a reminder of God's love for them through the work of our hands and the prayers in our hearts.

Meetings

We meet on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month through May in the Dorothy Day Room of the Parish Ministry Center. (Note: You’ll notice an earlier time on the parish website--we’ll begin setting up for the meeting at 2:45, but the meeting begins at 3:15.) At these meetings we share the stories of the people who have received shawls, we discuss challenges and successes with our current projects, we enjoy each other's company, and we bless the completed shawls.

Please watch the bulletin for change in meeting dates or times.

Our ministry is open to everyone - even if you don't have the time to attend the meetings! Shawls can be created at home on your own time and at your own speed  

Giving a Prayer Shawl

Do you know someone who is in need of a prayer shawl? Perhaps he or she is undergoing a physical or emotional challenge. Perhaps he or she has experienced a personal loss. Perhaps he or she just needs a tangible reminder that there are people who care, and that God continuously wraps each and every one of us in His awesome love!

To obtain a shawl for a loved one, please complete the form below, contact the Ministry Coordinator at [email protected], or call the 847-885-7700.

Praying With a Prayer Shawl

A prayer shawl is intended to be a reminder of God’s ever present love which is as near to you as your own body is to your spirit. It is a gift for every time and every occasion—joyful or sorrowful, for every season and circumstance of life—chosen or unchosen, when you are weeping or when you are celebrating.

Wear it in times of private prayer. Let it rest on your shoulders as you work or play or read or rest. Wear it to worship. Wear it whenever you are drawn to prayer or when you have no interest in prayer but would like to be reminded of God’s loving presence and care. Wear the shawl however you like. Drape it lightly across your shoulders. Wrap yourself tightly in it or wear it on your head. Cover yourself with it as you rest. Keep it on your favorite chair.

At times you may cling to a prayer shawl because you are clinging to God; you may not want to be far from it. At other times you will touch it only occasionally. You may want to keep it always; or someday you may feel prompted by God to pass it on to someone else.

May you grow in your awareness of God’s blessing, resting upon you in all places and at all times, enabling you to be God’s person in the world.

For more information

If you are interested in learning more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please complete the form below or contact the Ministry Coordinator at [email protected]. 

"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…”

-Written in 1998 by: Janet Bristow © 2006

For additional information on the history of Prayer Shawl Ministries, visit www.shawlministry.com