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 to first-responders, those in hospitals, nursing homes, soup kitchens, etc. with a reassuring prayer for God’s accompaniment and support from our faith community.
Small knitted or crocheted colorful squares made with love, sent out with prayer, had quite an impact on both the makers and the receivers.
Now, at the beginning of 2025, the Prayer Shawl Ministry will once again step forward. At the January 12th and February 9th Community Sundays, ministers will be available to teach how to start knitting these simple squares. The ministry feels it is the right time to invite parishioners to take and/or to make Prayers Squares for Peace and distribute them throughout Lent.
There are two different prayer cards available with the prayer squares:
This Prayer Square was made especially for you with the
love, hope, prayers and thoughts of the
St. Patrick – St. Anthony Community.
During this time of uncertainty,
the square is a reminder that you are surrounded by God's love,
you are always loved and never alone.
This prayer square can be carried with you or
kept close at hand to hold onto as we move forward.
May God walk before you and guide you
Beside you to give you courage
Behind you to keep you safe
Beneath you to give you strength
Above you for blessing and
Within you to give you peace.
Amen.
Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast to that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the faint-hearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honor everyone;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down upon you,
and remain with you always.
Amen.
For more information, contact Janet Bristow at [email protected]