Shawls… made for centuries, universal and embracing, symbolic of 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. ~ Janet Bristow (1998; Prayer Shawl Ministry Homepage)

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish serves the parish family and the larger community by making and giving shawls as a gesture of love in times of sorrow and fear, as well as in times of joy. Shawls are given and received as a symbol of God’s all-encompassing love. Members of this ministry knit or crochet prayer shawls and attend monthly meetings. The members of this ministry support each other by their common prayer and sharing of ideas.

Being a part of this group is a true blessing. I have met many wonderful people whom I may never have had the opportunity to spend time with had it not been for this ministry. I enjoy the friendship, and faith connection of this group.”
-Paula, Prayer Shawl Minister

Monthly Meetings:

The Prayer Shawl Ministry offers two convenient gathering times each month. The evening meetings are every 2nd Monday of the month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Zoom. Daytime meetings are the last Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm in the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry.

upcoming meeting schedule

“I have been a member of the Prayer Shawl ministry at SPSA for several years. I decided to join this group as this is a gift I felt I could and wanted to share. I have been knitting and crocheting since I was a young girl, learning from my mother, aunt and grandmother. This is a craft I enjoy and find peaceful and very meditative.”
-Paula, Prayer Shawl Minister

Learn more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry below, and join us!

Prayer Shawl ministry website

Prayer Shawl youtube video

Prayer Squares for Peace

Prayer Shawl Ministers often have one response to times of “uncertainty”: knit! At the height of the Covid pandemic, over 3,000 Prayer Squares were created by our ministers and offered […]
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Prayer Shawl Ministry Invitation

At the start of the 25th Anniversary of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, co-founder Janet Bristow wrote: Prayer shawls are tangible expressions of the shawl maker’s prayers. The intention of making a […]
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Prayer Shawl Ministry: A Long Standing Tradition

We congratulate Janet Bristow and the Prayer Shawl Ministers of SPSA on this 25th Anniversary of compassionate presence to all who would be wrapped by one of their creations. We […]
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Prayer Shawl Ministry: Impact of Love and Community

Twice a month, prayer shawl members meet for conversation, prayer, and for making beautiful creations to lift others up in a time of need. Even throughout the pandemic, groups of […]
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