Kathy Janoff and Peppy Newsome showing off some shawls they are working on for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The first meeting of the newly founded Prayer Shawl Ministry at The Cathedral of the Incarnation is scheduled for Sunday, October 8 in the Undercroft of the Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. following the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Meetings will occur on the second Sunday of each month.

Throughout the centuries, shawls have been a symbol of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, hug, shelter and beautify. The aim of this ministry is to knit a shawl prayerfully for a recipient. When the shawl is completed, it is offered a final prayer before being sent along its way. Therefore, caring and the love of knitting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Some of the people who benefit from the prayer shawls are those undergoing medical procedures or dealing with an illness and those who have experienced a death or loss as well as those entering into marriage or birthing a baby.

Those who have received shawls have been uplifted and affirmed as if given wings to fly above their troubles. As these gifts have been sent along, some recipients have continued the kindness by making one themselves and passing it on to someone in need. So, the blessing is rippled from person to person, with both the giver and the receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a loving God.

Membership in the Cathedral congregation is not required to be a participant in this ministry. Everyone is welcome to participate including experienced knitters and crocheters as well as beginners. Lessons for the inexperienced will be given. For further information, please contact Kathy Janoff at 485-4352 or Deacon Connie Lorenz at 718-849-1644 or by calling the Cathedral Office at 746-2955 or visit the Cathedral website at www.incarnationgc.org.