UK

Some members of the Diocese have begun knitting shawls that can be given to those who are bereaved, sick or elderly.

The idea, from America, is that the shawl should be knitted in contemplation and prayer, within a group or individually. Your prayers are knitted into the shawl with every stitch and then these are passed to someone in need of them:

"Shawls ... made for centuries are universal and embracing. They enfold, comfort, cover, wrap, give solace, warmth, mother, hug, shelter, and beautify. They are symbolic of inclusive and unconditional loving. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed." Janet Bristow Co-Founder of The Shawl Ministry

Photograph by Shana Surek photographer for The Hartford Courant, Hartford, Ct. USA, 8-02

For more information click here to go to The Shawl Ministry Website

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Shawl Knitting Instructions

You will need:	Double Knitting Pure Wool Other light weight wool can be used providing that it is equal in weight and texture to DK.	200 grams
	Needles	Size 0 English, size 8 metric

Pattern - Easy Triple Moss stitch.

Cast on 63 stitches.

Row 1 - Knit three, purl three

Then continue in moss stitch until the required length is obtained:

Cast off

Make fringe at either end of the shawl

Sew in MU label (can be obtained from the MU Office)

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Suggested Prayer for use whilst knitting

Celtic Prayer for a Mantle of Healing

I call nine blessings from above

In the name of God, the creator: the Giver of Life, the Holder of Time
In the name of Jesus, the saviour: the Healer, the Lifter of Pain
In the name of the spirit, the Comforter, the Consoler, the Sustainer of Life.

I knit a mantle of caring
I knit a mantle of protection
I knit a mantle of wholeness

I knit a mantle of strength
I knit a mantle of healing
I knit a mantle of patience

I knit a mantle to enfold me
I knit a mantle to encircle me
I knit a mantle to empower me

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Suggestions of Prayers to send/give with the Shawl

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Prayer for Healing

In the beginning, Creating God, you formed my being.
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
To my flesh and blood you gave the breath of life
0 Loving One, renew me this day in your love.
Grant me life as a gift of your faithfulness;
Grant me light to journey by;
Grant me hope to sustain me.

May this mantle be for me a sign of your healing presence.
May it warm me when I am weary;
May it surround me with ease of my suffering;
May it encircle me with caring when I am in pain.

0 Christ who healed the broken in body and spirit,
Be with me and all that suffer this day.
Be with the doctors, nurses, technicians, chaplains and all that care for the sick.
Be with the families and friends of those abiding with and comforting the sick.
May your gentle, yet strong touch, reach out to heal all the broken and hurting people and places in our world.

By Cathleen Murtha, D.W.

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