Fall 2009 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

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Knit One, Pray One The Deerfield Prayer Shawl Ministry Volunteers find a way to use creativity to reach out to people who need a touch of comfort. Creativity and spirituality often go hand-in-hand. So as their needles flash and click, veteran knitters at The Deerfield in New Richmond, Wisconsin, are sharing a creative kind of spiritual practice and engaging in mission together through the Prayer Shawl Ministry. A prayer shawl is a gift of grace, a reminder that someone in need is not alone. Knitters at The Deerfield donate their time and talent by creating and giving away hand-knitted shawls to people who need comfort, whether due to illness, bereavement, or other challenging, stressful life circumstance. The ministry’s purpose is simple and enduring – to offer tangible evidence of the love and prayers from the entire Deerfield community to those for whom they are praying. The idea was brought to The Deerfield by Sister Ella Marie Germain, a retired member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medille, and Deerfield resident. Sister Ella had started a prayer shawl ministry at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. Kathy Fox, Deerfield staff nurse, and also a St. Anne’s member, introduced Sister Ella and the ministry to a group of knitters at the Deerfield, and to Jackie Waalen, Resident Services Director. Both staff and residents became, shall we say, hooked. “The creation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of generosity, enriches the giver as much as the recipient.” 8 FALL 2009
A small group of 5 to 7 Deerfield residents meet monthly to knit, enjoying a favorite hobby while thinking of and helping others. All women, their ages span over three decades, and collectively they have over 250 years experience as knitters. Their hands show the signs of many years, but their fingers move with nimble dexterity to transform balls of yarn into beautiful, comforting wraps. The meetings include a lot of conversation as everyone notes the progress of each shawl and shares advice about how to knit a new stitch, or recover a dropped one. They also enjoy one another’s company and encourage each other to keep at it. Marilyn Sikorski, who recently moved to The Deerfield, appreciates the fellowship with her new neighbors. “It’s lonely knitting alone,” she admits. “People who knit understand how good it is. It can be restful and peaceful, and to have good come of it – that’s just an added bonus.” Between meetings, each continues to work on her project. “Every time we pick up our needles, we say a prayer” said Sister Ella. Meanwhile, several members of the Deerfield staff have also created and donated shawls. Their efforts have been multiplied by shawls made by family members of residents and staff, and volunteers from the New Richmond community. Thanks to several generous donors, there is plenty of yarn on hand for knitters to use. All together, they have blessed and delivered over 45 shawls – so far. Alta Mae Olien, Deerfield resident, received a soft lavender wrap created by Sister Ella. Alta Mae was given the shawl in June 2009 while recovering from major surgery. “I feel a lot of love and prayer in it,” she said. Alta Mae often wraps the shawl around her shoulders or lays it on her lap. “Whenever I put it on, I still feel that love.” The ministry also has strengthened the practice of intercessory prayer throughout the community. Often when it is finished, the knitters will say a prayer over a shawl, not yet knowing who will receive it or why. Chaplain Julia Rajtar blesses the shawls before they are given away, and when a shawl is to be given, the staff prays for healing and comfort for the recipient. Each shawl is then carefully wrapped and placed in a gift bag with a printed prayer included (see next page). The prayer that accompanies the shawl is especially powerful, linking the simple but profound act of creating something beautiful with caring for someone in need. Prayer shawls can be traced back to the Judaic tradition from which Christianity arose. In 1998, seminary graduates, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo of Hartford, Connecticut, started an outreach project making prayer shawls. Now, prayer shawl ministries can be found in churches and faith-based groups all over the country. The creation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of generosity, enriches the giver as much as the recipient. Mildred Livingston, Deerfield resident, has knitted for 46 years. Now in her early 90’s, she is glad to do what she loves with a sense of purpose beyond herself. “It fills the need to be needed,” she said. “There’s not much I can Mildred Livingston works carefully on a prayer shawl. perspectives 9
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Fall 2009 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

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