When someone lovingly creates something, it adds to the pricelessness of the gift. When a friend gifts you something thoughtfully and carefully crafted, it’s truly special! For the members of the Knit and Crochet Ministry, there is an added gift of prayer infused in every blanket and shawl that they lovingly stitch. This ministry is a perfect example of using one’s talents in cooperation with God to love your neighbors.
This group began around nine years ago when the Holy Spirit tugged on the heart of the group’s founder, Mary Vinci.
“We had moved here not too long before and this wasn’t a ministry that was currently at the church,” Mary says. “So I felt the call to start this group. I told one of my friends who is Jewish that I was considering starting it. In the meantime, I had actually talked myself out of it thinking that it would be too much work. But the next time I saw that friend, she brought me yarn and said that it was a donation to get started. That was the push that I needed!”
The group meets every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the parish library. Some of the members knit and others crochet. While they encourage those who can join them to come together for the meetings, they happily include members who are unable to attend and do their knitting and crocheting from home. The members provide their own yarn though donations are always welcome.
The prayer shawls can be given to anyone who is experiencing any trials or suffering in this life. From those who are sick or undergoing medical treatments, to those who are lonely or are grieving, these shawls are a beautiful way to wrap someone in love and prayer. Prayer shawls can be obtained at the parish office.
In addition to prayer shawls, the ministry lovingly crafts baby blankets to be given to babies who are baptized in the church. They have recently begun making small bib-sized pieces to be used at infant Baptisms at the request of Fr. Zacker.
“All of our members do this as an act of love for others,” Mary says. “Whenever you give a gift, it is beautiful to see how you have helped someone in need. All of us are grateful to get to use our talents of crocheting or knitting to bring comfort and warmth to someone else.”
Anyone interested in joining this ministry is welcome to attend their weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the parish library. For those who wish to participate but cannot attend meetings, contact Mary Vinci at 720-318-1108 or m1vinci@hotmail.com.