Seton
Shawl Stories
2004-05
Many times I have sat down to write
this letter but was unable to follow through. I
think I can now. I
wanted you to know how much it meant to me for you to come over and
bring the shawl, explaining how it was created. I
have felt it’s comfort many times in the past few months. Although
I have neither seen or spoken to you since, I have felt your presence
and prayers and I know you are there if I need you. God
has blessed my family in so many ways. One
of those ways is by setting Zack and I down among such wonderful
neighbors.
I pray that sometime in the future we will get to know each
other better. I
ask that you thank all of the ladies who prayed for my family during
this tragic time of our lives. God
will continue to bless and we will someday smile again. Until
then, thank you once again and continue to lift us up in your prayers.
-MG-
***
-
***
“The quality of mercy is not
strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from
heaven.
Upon the peace beneath.
It is twice blest
It blesseth him that gives and him
that takes.”
-William Shakespeare (15-64-1616)-
-LW-
***
This morning Father A. and I
visited an elderly lady at an assisted living facility. She had been to the hospital
the night before, was in bed and still feeling weak from the
experience. Father A. was
wonderful, as always. He
anointed her and gave her Communion and lead us in prayer. It was my privilege to give a
beautifully wrapped shawl from the Shawl Ministry. She indicated that I should
unwrap it for her. Her
eyes lit up and she smiled. It
was made of bright multi-colored yarn.
I read the Comfort Prayer to her that came with the shawl. It was very touching and she
appeared to tear a bit. As
I held it up and we admired it, I told her she could wrap it around
herself, put it on her lap when she was in her chair or just hold it. She asked me to put the shawl
on top of her; she was lying in the bed – what a powerful moment. She pulled it close and hugged
it. I felt that I’d
brought the care and love of our entire community to her at that
moment.
This Ministry is a good thing!!! I talked to TA a little while ago affirming her and asking for more shawls! -LB-
***
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that a shawl for healing went out this past weekend to JS. He is the father of a member from our group. Please pray for his complete healing and comfort. Thanks. It’s that time again! Our group is continuing to grow thanks to many of you passing the word around! God is certainly using us all to grow this ministry at Seton. It wouldn’t be a success without God working in our midst. It is amazing to watch. What a privilege to have this opportunity to touch the lives of others in so many different ways through this outreach. Keep on encouraging others to become part of this ever-expanding circle of shawl-makers! May God richly bless your hands and heart. -TA-
***
***
***
Hi Ladies! Do I ever have a shawl story to share with you! This morning while checking my emails for the Shawl Ministry, I discovered a most intriguing message. I felt exhilarated, yet skeptical. I read the email to my mom and husband over the phone. I spoke to my daughter who is home from college. We both sat staring at the computer screen. I have to admit our doubts were surfacing. I spoke to a friend and then decided to do a Google search. Much to my surprise I found him to be a staff/leader to the organization he had previously mentioned. I was completely awestruck! I responded confirming we would send a shawl, yet had to ask him how God lead him to us. His response was confounding when I learned he found us the same way I found him! God Googles! This ministry is such a privilege! Read on…
Dear Friend, May the Lord grant you peace! I am a Franciscan Hermit (Roman
Catholic) living in the Diocese of Portland, Maine. I am writing to ask if I might
be able to receive a prayer shawl from your group? My Hermitage here in
***
Hi! Just wanted to let you know
what happened after I emailed the last letter to you all to let you
know I was going to select a shawl to send to the Franciscan Brother. It was later in the day and I
decided to gather a couple of shawls to make a prayerful decision for
which shawl to send. In
doing so, I stopped by my computer first for any emails that may have
come in late in the day. Again,
I sat in front of my computer screen confounded! I was catching a glimpse of God
at work in our midst! God
not only Googles but speaks
to others through emails!!!
A member of our group has asked
if she could knit the shawl especially for the Franciscan Brother,
instead of using one of the shawls we have available. She has a special connection to
the Franciscan community. It
seems they assisted her and her husband and other families during a
low ebb in their lives. Their
first home was nearly destroyed by a flood. Their parish priests were
Franciscan and they came to their rescue giving them and other
families with children financial assistance and any other help they
saw fit. Somehow along the
way, she and her family become friendly with one of the priests who
still holds a special place in her heart. She also explains that it may
be an omen, but I myself, would call it a “God-Wink”, that her
husband, 4 children and herself used to spend 2 weeks’ summer
vacations in
***
AC establishes a website and S sets up a link to www.setonparish.org
It’s me, K. How impressive your website is.
God is using you and your son in wonderful ways to help touch the
lives of many. You remind
me of one of Jesus’ blessed disciples.
I’m enjoying getting to know more about you each time. I wish my life had more time in
it to join your bi-monthly group—maybe someday. In the meantime, I love your
Easter egg shawl! It is
hope and life colors that will perk anyone up.
Did you know that there is a website on the St. E’s website. That might be an additional link that your son could put on. Thank him for us. -K-
***
…What a heart touching Journal page! I love going to our Shawl Ministry meetings and I am working on my first shawl. It’s been awhile since I’ve knitted, so my process is very slow, but I am enjoying it immensely. Thanks for sharing your journal with us. I hope to send you a journal page when I am finished. Thanks, -R-
***
***
This is a lovely thought and a lovely site, like you, A. -GR-
Shawls have been going out for
various situations. Please
keep all shawl recipients in your prayers. I’ve received a couple of
responses from those who have received or given out a shawl…
BD writes…
I wanted to let you know that
the shawl that KT got for my sister, has already been used daily. She has multiple myeloma, and
has already had 6 bones fractures. She
is learning to get around in her wheel chair and walker, but wears out
in the afternoon and takes a nap.
She always covers up with the shawl during her nap. She appreciates the shawl so
much.
Thanks for all of your prayers.” -BD-
***
I first wanted to “Thank
you” and all the ladies who helped make the shawl and for allowing
me to present it. What a
joy it brought to TM. She
cried with a smile in appreciation.
This is such a wonderful ministry. To see the joy it brings to the
families is a wonderful thing to witness.
She showed everyone the shawl
that came to the hospital to visit.
It was beautiful and very “perfect” for the circumstances. She did tell me she is glad I
did not have to bring her the “Sympathy Shawl”. Her daughter is scheduled for
surgery on her broken ankle, broken shin and a broken femur tomorrow. That is if her brain swelling
still remains minimal.
Please continue your prayers. Thank you again and thank God
for giving you all such a wonderful ministry. -R-
***
Thank you all
for the work of your hands and hearts.
It continues to bring blessings and comfort to those who are
wrapped in the shawls that each of you so prayerfully create. Please continue to pray for all
who receive the shawls. I
have another shawl story. I’ve
typed the response from the individual who presented the shawl as well
as the thank-you response. God
Bless, -TA-
…M, came through the surgery fine. Her mom has taken great comfort from the shawl we gave to both of them. She said she had the shawl wrapped around her all day during Megan’s surgery. Before Megan went in, she asked her mom if she was really going to wear it all day. Her mom said, YES!!! I am finding great comfort and when she got out it was right there waiting to embrace M with prayer. -KT-
***
I LOVE the shawl. I love the info attached to the shawl. Thank you so much for thinking of us It’s a wonderful gift – and already provided much comfort. -MF-
***
Thank you all for the beautiful
shawl! I wrap it around me
‘just because’, I like to feel its warmth and softness – I used
it for comfort while in the hospital.
I am blessed to have you all as friends as well as the prayers
of the shawl ministry…a new family to help pray during my
daughter’s surgery and illness.
I cannot tell you how fortunate I am to have you in our lives. -MF-
***
Thank you so much for the lovely shawl you knitted for me. Especially, thank you for the prayers and blessings that came with it. This shawl will be used with your comfort and grace and I know it will keep me warm and make me feel better as I remember the loving people who made it for me. Love and God bless you all. -GS-
***
Last month (June 2004), we had
another wonderful session and the presence of God in this ‘Divine’
ministry becomes more and more apparent with each and every passing
day. We started this
ministry with 8 women present at our first official meeting in,
February of 2004, and we are continuing to grow with approximately 50
women signed up to share their talents in various ways. Shawls are coming in and flying
off the shelves. Many
shawls have been distributed over the past few weeks. Please continue to pray for all
shawl recipients. We have
received a couple of wonderful monetary donations from
non-parishioners who have heard about us. Both requested a shawl for
cancer patients that they knew. One
shawl was for a mother-in-law with terminal cancer. When I took a wrapped shawl to
her, she expressed how she was so touched by our beautiful ministry
that she wanted to make a donation.
She told me to tell you all, she has never experienced anything
quite so beautiful and she will pray for this ministry to flourish
under God’s care. I
expressed our gratitude for the donation and left with tears in my
eyes and goose bumps all over my body!
Thank you all for the love and care that you are bringing to
others through the sharing of your time and talents. You are making an incredible
difference in the lives of so many.
Thanks and praises to God and may God continue to bless you for
the work that you each do.
I also received word from a
member of our group who is visiting family in
One other note, while visiting with a family of one of our shawl recipients…they expressed how wonderful it was to have the shawl during the challenging journey of chemo. Cancer patients undergoing chemo experience drops in body temperatures and they chill very easily. The warmth and comfort of these shawls in addition to the prayers woven in are very soothing to these patients. They asked me to thank you for your generous gift. -TA-
A
special thank you from our Franciscan friend in
Maine
…
Thank you, too, for letting me know
of your connection with the Franciscans and with
Please know that I hold you and the
other members of your shawl ministry in my heart in prayer. As for your offer to send more
shawls, all I can say is that if you or your other knitters wish to
send more shawls, I will see to it that they get into the hands of, (I
should say draped around the shoulders of) folks that God puts on my
heart.
May the peace of Christ be with
you.
Christ is my source, my guide, my
goal.
Br. RAN, SSF
***
This
is a shawl that went out to a woman who has been
struggling
with cancer for several years.
Thank you for the shawl for B. She used it the very next morning
when she couldn't sleep and got up to read and think on the couch. It looks great on her couch, too.
May God continue to use the Shawl
Ministry. I am so
grateful…
DH
***
The summer months of 2004 are coming to a close and the
Shawl Ministry continues to grow. We have approximately 60 women
signed up to share their gifts and talents in various ways.
Since February, we have delivered approximately 75+ shawls to comfort
those in need. At our last meeting we spoke of a children's book
called, Hermie. He was a little caterpillar who didn't feel very
special. He went around comparing himself to others not
realizing that God loved him just the way he was and that God was
still working on him. He finds himself spinning a cocoon and in
God's own time becoming one spectacular butterfly!
We used that story to compare the various stages of the Shawl
Ministry. using the "cocoon stage" where all the weaving and
spinning takes place before the butterflies emerge into the world.
We considered our time spent creating these shawls as just that stage.
Then as the word continues to spread, all these shawls are like little
butterflies, flying off the shelves to find their new homes all around
Plano and beyond. They bring their beauty, love and comfort to
gently embrace someone in need.
That being said, it's time to share some of the shawl stories that
have been unfolding. You can see the common thread that is being woven
through some of these responses.
* * *
The prayer shawl is wonderful. He wraps
himself in it every evening while he watches baseball on TV. Sadly, he
is in the last days of his final journey. Medications are
keeping him comfortable and he is reliving his childhood. We
treasure your love, support and prayers.
* * *
Thank you so much for the shawl for my Daddy and myself to share.
The love, prayers, warmth and comfort wrapped us both in a
"cocoon of prayer" and friendship that words will never
adequately express. I wrapped up in the shawl after Daddy's
death. And wore it again during the memorial service. It was
placed on my lap at the cemetery and then today on the plane it kept
me warm and comforted as I dozed off. Also, during the memorial
service, I was approached by a woman who asked me if this was one of
those prayer shawls or shawls of comfort. Thanks again for your
thoughts and your prayers.
Note: I had to ask this individual about her choice of words,
"cocoon of prayer". This was a term that her dad used
when her mother was so ill. I explained to her how we had used
this term during the meeting in August 2004 and she loved the thought
of these shawls being butterflies in flight.
* * *
Just a note to thank you for the warm welcome
you gave us into this circle of women. Finding the Shawl
Ministry has been the answer to a prayer I have had before God the
past few years-a way to use something I love to reach out to people in
need. Joining with others to work together and the spiritual
emphasis shows how God not only answers our prayers but also adds to
make it even better than we could ask or think!
We have so much enjoyed the devotions at the meetings, too.
Yesterday when outside mowing the lawn, there was the prettiest
butterfly that seemed to follow me around. It was a reminder of
your words the night before and an encouragement to pray for the
colorful shawls going out to hurting people to wrap them with prayers
and loving thoughts.
* * *
Thank you so very much for your love and support. I definitely
felt wrapped in a "cocoon of prayer". The prayer shawl
is beautiful!
* * *
I presented a shawl last night. She was visibly
moved as she read the prayer. She held the shawl in her lap for a
little while. I went over to her and wrapped it around her, then held
her in my arms for a few minutes. We were both moved. I
prayed for her healing and comfort.
Thanks for the visit last night. She was having a bad time with
her pain and your visit really helped to get her mind off of it.
Thanks, too, for the wonderful gift you brought her. It is very
special to her. She slept with it on her last night.
* * *
When we were walking the hallway in the Resort last spring and
discussing my passion for the Shawl Ministry, how could either of us
know the journey, which lie ahead?
This shawl went on a journey all it's own, during the prayerful
process of it's creation. The most memorable-a road trip.
My husband and I had an overnight excursion. We stayed in a B
& B for the first time. Wonderful experience! That
evening we sat on the upper floor porch-relaxing, chatting and of
course I sat knitting with your shawl draped over my lap. I
reflected on the many women over the years that may have once lived
within this house calling it home. The many nights that they may have
spent knitting right there on that same porch. I continued
praying and thinking of the "bend in the road" for you.
May you find comfort in the days ahead as you wrap yourself in this
shawl and know the thoughts and prayers woven in are heartfelt.
Our shawl-makers continue to pray for all recipients. You are in a
"cocoon of prayer".
***
I have never before been moved by a gift - I still
cannot read your note without tears. Thank you for the shawl,
for your prayers and for the love it represents. I do feel
wrapped in a "cocoon of prayers" and love. It is hard
to express in words how much meaning this holds for me.
I'm getting ready for surgery, September 14. I feel very
fortunate to be so close to MD Anderson and the care I am receiving.
Each day I work to move through this "bend in the road" with
grace and dignity, looking for lessons to be learned, and taking in
the love I feel from so many directions. Thank you for being
part of that circle of love.
This shawl will go with me to the hospital and remain a treasured
possession for the rest of my life. God bless you!
* * *
I received a called from a caregiver. She loves her shawl, it
brightens her days and she is truly appreciative. Her son called
to say that the shawl just makes her smile. It is good to see
her smile and she feels so honored to have one.
* * *
Another call. Thank you for the shawl. I'm
awestruck at its beauty and feel privileged to have one.
* * *
Thank you so much for the beautiful shawl! The colors are
gorgeous and to read the information about how it was created is
wonderful. I have kept it on my hope chest, so that I see it
every time I go in our bedroom. I love the description of this
shawl being the image of our Lord wrapping His arms around me.
This thought is the only way we've been able to truly walk through
this difficult time in our lives. He has continued to provide us
with strength, guidance and little blessings to carry us through each
day. It means so much to me to know that you prayed for me
before sending the shawl. I will always cherish it!
* * *
You know, I have no concept of how much yarn a
shawl would take, anyway, these shawls are priceless. I would
like to send a tiny portion of God's bountiful provision. I know
that He will multiply it! Thanks again from a grateful heart.
United with you in the Body of Christ. In all things may God be
glorified!
* * *
Today I received my beautiful shawl in the mail today. Thank you
for the loving prayers and gift. I have ovarian cancer and was
diagnosed in June 2004. I am 46 years young and certainly would
love to have 46 more years to sing praises to my sweet Jesus as we
journey here on earth. God bless you and your families and this
ministry, as you have been a mighty blessing to me. I will wrap
myself in this loving gift daily and be most grateful. In Christ's
love, bless you all.
* * *
The prayer shawl arrived today, and I'd like to
thank you and the members of your group, especially the one who made
the shawl for me. We are having very warm weather at the present
time, so I won't be using the shawl right now. But I'm sure it
will be useful in the wintertime, and that it will be a sign of
"God's warming, comforting, enfolding, and embracing grace."
God bless you and all the members of the Shawl Ministry. You are
in my prayers. Thank you for your prayers. --FR. OL, CM
* * *
As a Stephen Minister I requested a shawl for my Care Receiver.
She was so thrilled to receive it and was so very thankful. She
did not know about the ministry so I told her a little bit about it,
plus I read to her some of information that was on the tag with the
shawl. She thought it was such a beautiful idea. I know it
will give her great comfort during her trying time right now.
Thank you so much for this fantastic ministry.
* * *
Oh! My friend so loves her shawl! She
cried and cried - she loved the color and she loved the entire idea. She
was so overwhelmed and couldn't believe that people cared that much
about her. Her prognosis is not good, but she is so comforted
knowing that there are people who care about her and are praying for
her. Thank you!
* * *
The shawl was an absolute surprise and a blessing. I love it.
Thanks for caring so deeply.
* * *
We met with the Pastoral Care team at Presbyterian Hospital of
Plano.
They had requested a meeting with us to learn more about this ministry
and to see if they could utilize our ministry to wrap shawls of
comfort around some of the mom's of NICU babies. It was a
wonderful meeting - very prayerful, yet exhilarating - you could feel
the presence of God permeate the meeting room as well as the Unit
itself as we took a tour and saw God at work in these little angels
whose every breath depends on these doctors and nurses becoming a
vessel for God to use. The pastoral care team is thrilled
and so excited to hear of this ministry and our willingness to serve.
Thank you ladies for all your support, love, prayers and hard work in
this ministry allowing it to continue to thrive. It is wonderful
knowing that such a simple act of kindness can bring such love and
comfort. We are fulfilling one of the missions put into the
foundation of this ministry - - an outreach to our community of Plano
and beyond.
Hi ladies. I wanted to say what a
blessing it was to meet with both of you. We are so touched by
the shawls and the whole ministry. We were able to give a shawl
to the first couple we told you about and they were visibly moved.
In fact the whole hospital floor is talking about it!