The St. John Vianney Sewing Ministry makes many items for the church and the parish community, including church banners, linens, baptismal garments, and prayer blankets.

Prayer blankets are small lap-size blankets that may be given to anyone who is ill, in the hospital, going through treatments, dying or just in need of comfort or prayer.

During the process of making the prayer blankets, a prayer is said with each step (for example, when the fabric is being cut, washed, hemmed, folded and tied together with a small prayer or loving thought attached).

When the blankets are finished, they are brought to Mass once a month (usually the second Sunday of the month) and blessed by Father. The blankets are then put in a container for anyone to request. Please call the parish office or Parish Social Ministry, or stop by and receive a blanket.

They are stored on the shelf between the parish office and the kitchen. One may request a blanket for a particular person, and they can sign up at the Social Ministry table in the Narthex, next to the blankets. When the blanket is given to someone, they then will know that our SJV community is with them in prayer and concern.

The blankets that are displayed on the Social Ministry table are for any one to come before or after Mass and tie the fringe. While tying the fringe, a prayer is said. This is a great way for the whole family to get involved in this ministry.

To get involved in making these blankets, please contact the Parish Social Ministry lead, Pat Macy, at 218-1183. Anyone who can use scissors, sew a straight stitch, do laundry or tie a knot can get involved in this ministry. We could also use the help of someone who likes to look up scripture passages and write them down on a note card or paper stock. We even have some paper hands by the blankets in the Narthex for children to write a note of love and comfort.