Welcome to our Prayer Shawl Ministry website. 

Over the last few months we’ve been working with some local Dominican Sisters, helping them start their Prayer Shawl Ministry.  In that joyful calling, we discerned that God was also calling us to work toward establishing the same at St Thomas More.
 
Prayer shawls, lap covers and small blankets have been created by the work of hands and the prayers of hearts.  Each stitch is a prayer for the recipient.  When given to a person in crisis, suffering from loss, ill health or anxiety, as well as joyous occasions, they are a warm embrace and a tangible reminder of God's love. 
 
So far, items have been crocheted, knitted by a few. We’re hoping that those in the parish who crochet or knit will join us in making these items.  When the items are completed they receive a final blessing before being sent on their way. Each one has a Miraculous Medal attached.
 
 “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” Proverbs 11:25
 
If you’d like to share in creating these items for others please  join the new:
St. Thomas More Prayer Shawl Ministry on
 
Thursday mornings, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Donovan's Den
 
*Prayer shawls, lap covers, small blankets will be available at the First Sunday Religious Article sale and at the church office. 
Any yarn donations would also be appreciated and can be left at the church office.
 
If you know anyone who could benefit from receiving a prayerful embrace, or if you would like to help make items but cannot join us on Thursdays, please contact:  
 
Margaret Schueler: 713-666-1311 / meschueler2@gmail.com  or
 
Jeannie Sindelar:   713-252-4069 /  jsindelar@gmail.com
 
Annie Foley:  missannie13@yahoo.com.
 
 
Our Mission: 
St. Thomas More Prayer Shawl Ministry is dedicated to:
 
Providing a prayerful ministry that combines ritual, care and compassion with the love of knitting or crocheting
Providing a ministry that touches the lives of others by distributing the shawls throughout our parish
Providing a contemplative experience that winds itself through our hearts into the presence of God
Providing a fellowship of people working together to make God visible in the world, enabling us to care for others in a straight-from-the-heart way
Providing a ministry that will encircle our parish in an eternal embrace of peace, healing and compassion

 
Opening Our Hearts: 

 
Thanks to all who will join in the knitting or crocheting of the shawls and blankets as well as the many other contributors.

It’s been said, "God does not call the equipped. He equips the called".   
So come join the mystery that unfolds silently in the rhythm of knitting or crocheting.
 

 How Can You Help? 

 Any contributions are greatly appreciated. We have listed some examples below.
 
Knit or crochet shawls and blankets

·Donate yarn: 3 or 4 skeins of worsted weight yarn
 
·Donate financially to help support this ministry
 
·Pray for this ministry
 
·Pray for the recipients of the shawls and blankets
 
·Pray for our volunteers

Suggested sizes for shawls and blankets. 
 
Triangle shawls:          65”   wide X 33” deep      (before fringe)
 
Rectangular shawl:     26”    X    64”    (before fringe)
 
Lap Blankets:               35”    X    40”
 
Baby Blanket:              25”    X    30”
 
 
The making of a prayer shawl or blanket is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift freely given with no strings attached. Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart. Putting a price on a shawl defeats the purpose of this ministry. May we suggest a better alternative? If someone offers to "buy" a shawl, you can state that; "although the shawls aren't sold, a donation to our ministry is gratefully accepted in whatever dollar amount you feel comfortable in giving".  These donations will allow our ministry to purchase more yarn and continue the 'ripple effect' of unconditional love!

“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”
Proverbs 11:25