The Prayer Blanket Ministry
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Fr. Joe Zabinski reading the prayer and blessing of the blankets following Mass
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eing wrapped in the prayers of the faithful is a lot like being covered in a warm, soft blanket. There is a sense of peace and comfort unlike any other that comes from knowing our trials are being placed before the Lord. With a desire to bring this loving comfort to those in need, the St. Albert Prayer Blanket Ministry creates and donates blankets to people in our area who are struggling with health issues or other difficult life events. Parishioner Marlene Lindenfelser initiated the Prayer Blanket Ministry at St. Albert in 2008. “I should say that God started it because I just kept getting the nudge,” Marlene says. “I had heard about parishes that made prayer shawls and thought they were a wonderful idea. The idea would come back to me and come back to me. Then, I was visiting my sister who had just been in the hospital, and she showed me a little prayer blanket she had gotten. There was a beautiful prayer pinned to the blanket. I copied the prayer and talked to Fr. Richards, and he was all for it. So I approached the CCW because we would need help and funding, and it really took off.” In the beginning, the Prayer Blanket Ministry focused on making blankets for parishioners who are homebound and in nursing care facilities. The blankets help the faithful feel more connected to their home parish, reminding them that they are loved and in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at St. Albert. Today, Marlene coordinates the donation of the prayer blankets to anyone in need. Most often, they are requested for people undergoing surgery or battling serious health issues. About 10 different parishioners are actively involved in the ministry by making and donating blankets on their own time. Volunteers can create blankets in any way they wish — some are quilted, some are sewn, and some are knitted or crocheted. Even those without strong crafting skills can contribute by making cozy, no-sew fleece blankets!
