Comfort Shawl Ministry
It all began with a skein of yarn, needles, and lots of prayers...
In late September 2005 The Comfort Shawl Ministry of St. Luke the Evangelist was created.
We feel there is no better symbolism than creating a knitting ministry as we weave together the six surrounding parishes into one. As we read Ariadne’s Blessing, we are asking for guidance as we pick up the thread or in this case uniting all of the six parishes into one.
We have shared many shawls with individuals in and around our community.
 “You created every part of me,
knitting me in my Mother’s womb.
For such handiwork, I praise you.
Awesome this great wonder!”
-Psalm 139:13-14
Read the story
September, 2007 is our 3rd anniversary as we continue our journey as St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Community Comfort Shawl Ministry. Please take a moment to read the story of the birth of our knitting ministry and may you find the inspiration that guides us as we continue our walk with the Spirit of the Lord in Heart, Soul and knitting needles in Hand.
About the Shawls
In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS.
Care and the love of knitting (and crochet) have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final ritual before being sent along its way.
As this gift has been sent along, some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it onto someone in need.
Thus, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!
Besides knit and crochet; the shawls can be woven, sewn, quilted, machine knitted, etc.
Some uses for the shawls
Undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss, during bereavement, prayer or meditation, commitment or marriage ceremonies, birthing, nursing a baby; as a bridal shower gift; leading ritual; first menses or croning rites of passage, during an illness and recovery; ministering to others or just socializing... There are endless possibilities!
To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers and charms.
A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.
Get Involved
Comfort Shawl Ministry meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Parish Center on North Street in Geneseo September-May. Also on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Parish Center on Massachusetts Street in Nunda. We have also starting making baby blankets for new mothers. Some people have chosen to knit at home rather than come to the meetings.
Interested in becoming a fellow knitter, would like to request a shawl, or make a donation?
Contact Donna Falkner at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Community
13 North Street
Geneseo, NY 14454
(585) 243-2100 x 107
dfalkner@dor.org
VISIT: www.shawlministry.com
Ariadne’s Blessing
Holy One, Whose womb is threaded and waiting, guide us to pick up the thread and walk the spiral through the dark and difficult passages.
Life Cord, Who sustains us as we move to our center, give us courage to meet our souls. Comfort us through our dismantling, wrapped in Your loving embrace.
Mantle of Love, Rebirth us with Wisdom, as we are knitted once again back into wholeness.
Janet Bristow—1998
Copyright ©2005
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