Parish nurse program sponsors prayer shawl ministry

WARWICK - One might reasonably wonder what a hand-crafted prayer shawl has to do with health care. “It’s like getting a hug,” said Karen Stemmler, who heads a group of local volunteers, all members of the St. Stephen’s Parish Nurse Program in Warwick. “A prayer shawl is made with love.” With the cooperation of the pastor, Rev. Michael McLoughlin, a Parish Nurse Program has been active at the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr since 2005. Under the direction of Clare Brady, vice president of Mission for St. Anthony Community Hospital, the program was organized by then coordinators Donna Kearns, RN, who currently works for the hospital, and Maureen McDermott, RN, now retired. Parish nurses and volunteers who join the program do not provide clinical care. The parish nurse is a registered nurse who acts under the Nurse Practice Act to provide spiritual care and function as a health advocate, counselor and educator. As a health promoter and wellness specialist, the parish nurse also refers individuals to the appropriate health care resource. Parish nursing is non-denominational. It is, however, intended to combine health and faith to promote the physical and spiritual well-being. The organization estimates that there are about 6,000 parish nurses practicing in the United States. Some work as part of the church or hospital staff. Others are volunteers. The parish nurse program at St. Stephen’s sponsors several programs including health screenings and lectures offered by medical professionals. One unique program is the prayer shawl ministry. For those who are skilled in or willing to learn knitting and crochet, this ministry can reach out to people in need of comfort and solace. “The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient,” said Stemmler. “And while we’re making it, we continue to pray for that sick person.” A shawl usually takes up to 40 hours to craft. After the final stitch, a priest blesses the shawl before it’s presented to the patient. The Shawl Ministry group has an album filled with thank-you notes from the more than 100 patients who were given prayer shawls. And some have passed their shawls on to others in need. “The shawls are warm,” said Stemmler. “And they feel good. But, more important, the patients know that each shawl means that the recipients have friends, perhaps total strangers, who devoted hours of prayer and love and hope for their recovery and comfort for their families.” The volunteers also make baby blankets for “Mother’s Cupboard” and wool hats for Marines stationed in Iraq. They plan to teach their craft to volunteer students at St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s Elementary School who will, in turn, make articles for those in need. The organization welcomes all donations including hooks, needles and yarn. To donate, join the group or receive additional information, contact Stemmler at 986-8251.