Prayer Shawl Ministry

The St. John Paul the Great Prayer Shawl Ministry was started in 2004 by Maryann Ring and Carmy Tromba. Joan Colangelo managed the group from 2010-2025. It is currently managed by Marlene Constable with assistance from Dorothy Hayes and Maureen Matava. Members meet in each other’s homes every other month on the third Tuesday, beginning in September.

We currently have members who both knit and crochet. Some members knit shawls which are distributed to nursing homes, the cancer center and any individual who needs comforting. These shawls are always free of charge. Other members knit baby blankets which are given out to each child baptized in our parish. A specially designed card is included with each shawl and blanket given out.

Members purchase their own yarn for the shawls, and the parish pays for the baby yarn.

Since the beginning, over 1200 shawls and blankets have been created and given out free to individuals, convalescent homes and homeless. The baby blankets are presented at baptisms.

Do you like to knit or crochet? Contact the Pastoral Center at 860-482-4433 for more information on how to start a prayer shawl ministry.