ST. JOEPH PARISH PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

St Joseph Prayer Shawl Ministry was organized on February 23, 2012 at St Joseph Church in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Nine ladies, interested in making Prayer Shawls, attended.  Through the initiative of Polly Ann Sereda and the support of Fr. Roque, this new Ministry started.

A Prayer Shawl is a symbol of Jesus' loving arms around the recipient.  It provides comfort, warmth, and love, as there is a prayer knitted or crocheted into each stitch.

Polly Ann's interest in making Prayer Shawls was when her brother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Wanting to do something special for him, she went online for information.  Firstly, discovering the book “Knitting into the Mystery” by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard.  Later, discovering the Shawl Ministry Website:  www.shawlministry.com by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo.

Prayer Shawls are given to anyone in need:  someone battling with illness, new babies, coping with a loss, experiencing a life changing event, longing for comfort.  All requests are kept confidential.

Completed Prayer Shawls are placed on a table near the altar during whole-day adoration on Wednesdays; a cross is pinned on each one.  They remain there for a few days for parishioners to pray for the recipient and each Prayer Shawl is blessed by Father Roque before being given out.

When each shawl is given out, a handmade card, and a pamphlet created by www.shawlministry.com is included.  Shawl bags are given out when available.

In less than one year, we have given out over 117 Prayer Shawls, all across Canada, the USA and the Philippines.

This Ministry meets every Thursday from 2:00 pm to 4:00pm in the Golden Age Room

At present, we have 12 members. Some choose to meet and others choose to work at home. All supplies are provided.

To join this Ministry, request a Prayer Shawl, donate yarn or cash, please call

Polly Ann Sereda at 922 -8515 or the Parish Office.

As the need is so great, we welcome anyone to join.  Give us a call!