A quilt-making ministry has been active for five years and provides quilts for the newly baptized, for parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized or seriously ill and most recently for a social worker who distributes them to children going into foster homes. CANDLER — The quilt ministry at St. Joan of Arc Parish is expanding its mission of creating handmade blankets, lovingly crafted by volunteers who choose colors and fabrics that convey hope. Now, through collaboration with a social worker from Buncombe County, they hope to provide a sense of comfort and hope through the gift of a quilt during the difficult times when children may find themselves separated from their families temporarily or entering foster care.
At St. Joan of Arc Parish, more than 10 volunteers have been working over the past five years in the quilt ministry, making small blankets and quilts for children. Adult parishioners receive these quilts when they are homebound, hospitalized or seriously ill. Children in the parish receive quilts when they are hospitalized, sick or newly baptized as a way to welcome them into the parish family.
Laura Pease, the leader of this quilt effort, says it’s a way for the community to feel supported.
“Especially with newly baptized children, the parents feel very joyful,” she says.
But this year, besides providing these quilts to adults and children in the parish, the ministry has started giving them to a social worker for Buncombe County who delivers them to children being moved from their home into foster care.
Pease mentioned that they began to see how their efforts could have an impact beyond the parish.
“We asked ourselves, why don’t we try to reach out to other people with this same love?” recalls Pease.
The social worker, Laura Berls, now receives tote bags made by the ministry, each containing a special quilt embroidered with the words “From those who care.” Although they cannot include the parish’s name, they want the children to know they are loved.
“Many children, when they are temporarily separated from their parents, are unable to bring their belongings with them,” she explains. “We hope that the quilt provides some comfort during difficult times.”
Berls has five quilts ready at any one time to comfort children in her care. As the ministry continues to grow, the parish sees the possibility of reaching even more people. So far, the ministry remains self-supporting but holds market and raffle events to continue providing quilts and blankets to those in need.
“To be able to provide the tote bags, we have to get everything ready as soon as possible,” she says. “We are always in need of help.”
