What is a Prayer Shawl?

Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted pieces that are made with well wishes, good intentions and thoughts added to every stitch. A prayer or blessing from the mind and heart of the person creating the shawl is added to the work in their hands and the piece becomes evidence of the caring and prayers of the faith community. It also provides a physical presence of peace and comfort & like being wrapped in God's loving arms. Shawls can be given in times of celebration such as baptism, graduation, or the birth of a baby and in times of sorrow, healing or stressful life events.

How do you make a Shawl?

Prayer shawls vary in size and shape. Often the colour of the yarn may be symbolic in something you want to convey to the recipient or reflect the recipient's interests. Sample patterns are included at the website below. Before you begin creating the prayer shawl, set a few minutes aside and reflect before you pick up your work. Think about the recipient. Pray for the individual who is to receive the shawl. Your prayers and intentions for the shawl are woven into the fabric. Once the prayer shawl is completed, they are taken to the parish office where they are blessed before being provided to the recipient at no cost on behalf of the Sacred Heart Parish.

When does the Sacred Heart Prayer Shawl group meet?

The Sacred Heart Prayer Shawl group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 between September and May at the Oxford Manor Retirement Home, 276 Oxford Street, Ingersoll. We welcome anyone who would like to join us to knit, crocket, or just have a social time and share in spiritual reflections. Individuals may join the group to create prayer shawls or choose to create prayer shawls on their own at home. UPDATE: we now have larger size prayer shawls available for anyone undergoing chemotherapy or for those who spend a great deal of time in bed. 

Who receives the Shawls?

We provide shawls to anyone in need who is a member or a family member of a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish. We have also provided shawls to residents in Oxford Manor. Please contact the main office if you know of someone who would like a shawl or benefit from receiving a shawl.

Where do I find out more information?

For more information on Sacred Heart Prayer shawl ministry contact our main office at 5419-485-1802. Also, more information on Prayer Shawl Ministry is available at the following website.