The Prayer Blanket Ministry was introduced to St. Austin by a member who received a blanket while recovering from surgery and treatment. The joy and peace she experienced from the gift, along with the prayers of the faith community gave her comfort and hope. Her prayer blanket was at her side while in the hospital; she continues to use it at home today.
The Prayer Blanket Ministry members create lap blankets for those experiencing difficult times. Prayers are offered for recipients as the blankets are constructed. The members of this ministry share a close sense of community and devotion. Those who receive prayer blankets often send words of gratitude remarking that they could feel the warmth and love woven into their blanket. Approximately 4000 blankets have been blessed and given to those in need. The blankets have been sent all over the world, including Afghanistan, France, and Belize, as well as throughout our 50 states.
The blankets are blessed at the 8 a.m. Mass on the second Monday of each month. It's during this Mass, that we offer the sacrament of Anointing.
Volunteers are needed to machine-sew blankets, monogram, iron, and hand-sew on ties and buttons. Work sessions are on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1:30 pm until 6:00 p.m. at the parish. All are welcome to find a role in this ministry. Volunteers may also work at home.
Recipients' Expressions of Gratitude & More
Please Cover Them in Prayer
An Online Note of Gratitude
Thank you for the beautiful prayer blanket sent may God bless All of you for the support And hard work you do it does make a huge difference you make the world a better place thank you so much.
Words of thanks and a grateful smile are joy to be shared from recipients of our Prayer Blankets. Whether for support during a journey through cancer or illness or to celebrate a milestone - like citizenship - Prayer Blankets make a difference.
That's not all they do!
Our volunteers are hard at work on an array of products you'll be able to buy at the upcoming Holiday Fair!
Last year's quilted bowl cozies were a big hit! But that's not all they're working on - there's also an exquisite quilt in the works to be raffled off. The unique gifts crafted by loving hands are sold to fund the hopeful and healing work of this ministry.
Enjoy The Sweetest Smile from Kyle!
A few weeks ago, little Kyle's family asked that our parish pray with them for him. His doctors were concerned that brain surgery might be necessary to treat his symptoms.
This week, along with this precious photo, we received the wonderful news that the neurosurgeon said that no surgery would be needed. God is good!
The joyful hope his prayer blanket brings him radiates from Kyle's smile. He asked his Daddy to put it on his bed so he wouldn’t forget to sleep with it.
This moment of grace will be good for all of us to remember as we lie down to sleep.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Catherine
Margie
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words!
The note didn't need to say a word more...
Thank you so much! Nelda loved her blanket! :)
Twice a month this ministry gathers to lovingly and prayerfully create gifts of comfort and encouragement. Every month on the second Monday at the 8 a.m. Mass all the blankets in process are blessed and any one in need of healing - whether of body, mind, or spirit may receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
To request a prayer blanket for someone in need of comfort and healing, scroll down the page. There's an online request form that makes everything easy. Maybe you, a friend, or family member has received a prayer blanket and you'd like to support the ministry with a contribution. You can by following the simple how to - just scroll down on this page.
To Request a Prayer Blanket or
To Learn More About This Ministry
Would You Like to Support Our Ministry?
We're grateful for the phenomenal support our community provides through our annual fund raising efforts - our Quilt Raffle and sales of handcrafted merchandise at the Christmas Bazaar. While we shop sales and clip coupons, the cost of each blanket we make averages $25- 30. We make about 30 blankets a month. Then there's the cost to pack and ship blankets.
If you'd like to support our ministry, we'd be very grateful. It's easy to do, just use the button below to learn how to make a contribution by check, online, or by Venmo. All you need to do is direct your gift to Prayer Blanket in the memo of your check, or in the for section of your e-gift.