On the Saturday after Thanksgiving two ministries of Holy Spirit, Verona combined to feed both body and soul of those in need. Members of the Shawl Ministry knitted and crocheted 144 hat and scarf sets as a holiday gift for the shoppers who come to Holy Spirit's monthly food pantry.
Holy Spirit Shawl Ministry members Peggy Valentino, Ginger McArthur, and Cynthia Brady.
JANE ELIASOF PHOTO
The Shawl Ministry was introduced to Holy Spirit about a year ago by the Curate, the Rev. Katherine Rollo. It quickly drew a dozen members who gather every other week to ‘pray’ yarn into beautifully crafted garments. This is a contemplative ministry where each stitch is a prayer for those who will receive the garment, past recipients as well as those who belong to the ministry. Shawls are given to those in need of comfort, healing as well as those celebrating a special occasion, the newly baptized and the newly wed.
It was the idea of the Rector, the Rev. Jerry Racioppi, to bring together the work of the food pantry and the shawl ministry to create a gift of warmth and prayer at Thanksgiving. Each set included a note explaining the tradition behind the Shawl Ministry, reminding the recipient that they would be held in prayer by the family at Holy Spirit.
