In 1998, a group of five ladies at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, then at a temporary location with a Sharpsburg address, gathered to form what would become a vital ministry to the community — a shawl-knitting and crocheting ministry which would evolve into a ministry providing chemo caps, slippers, lap robes, prayer bears and shawls for those in need of such items.

“A shawl has always been a symbol of comfort, shelter and warmth,” says Edna DeGennaro, co-chair and a member of the group. “An ecumenical organization to provide this symbol was conceived in 1998 and, since that time, countless shawls have been knitted and crocheted for those in need.”

The group of five has since grown to more than 20 and the ministry has continued to evolve.

“At monthly meetings, patterns and ideas are shared and companionship enjoyed,” DeGennaro continued. “Prayers are said as gifts are being made, asking God’s grace to comfort and enfold the recipient. The group then asks for blessings upon all who are to receive our handiwork.”

More than 300 shawls and many scarves, more than 200 chemo caps, slippers, lap robes and Prayer Bears have been presented to parishioners, nursing home residents, cancer patients and foster children.

The shawls, chemotherapy caps and lap robes are taken to the elderly and those who are grieving, sick or facing a life crisis.

Scarves are sent as Valentine gifts to older foster children and the Prayer Bears are for children who are ill or in crisis situations.

“The message is that of caring,” DeGennaro said. “It is simple and tangible. The presentation enriches the giver, perhaps more than the recipient. It is amazing how much this handiwork comforts those who need solace. We have learned that the ministry is more meaningful than could be imagined.”

Both recipients and their families have expressed appreciation, noting that they never would have expected a stranger to spend the time to actually make the items and pray for them.

Today, parishioners at St. Mary’s meet in their own elegant church building (with a Newnan address) just a few hundred yards north of the first temporary location. Anyone is invited to join the shawl ministry group — or others may want to start a ministry of their own.

For more information, call 678-817-7964 or St. Mary Magdalene’s parish office, 770-253-1888.

login to post comments