The Creative Sewing Ministry (CSM) began as a group of crafty ladies who made decorations, gifts, artwork and handouts for the entire parish family. That group evolved into a smaller group of dedicated sewists who concentrate on liturgical items.
The group’s primary objective is to provide the white garments (bibs) that are presented to each baby baptized here at Holy Family Catholic Community. Older children receive a white stole. These white garments include decorative gold thread borders and embroidered cross designs. CSM members affectionately refer to themselves as the BIBS group. Early in 2007, they made BIBS an acronym for Be Inspired By Sewing and created a logo to match. The embroidered designs are done mostly by machine now, but we also have sewists who lovingly embroider by hand. Each item includes our signature label: Made with Loving Stitches by Holy Family Catholic Community .
Another significant group project involves the beautiful altar cloth used at Easter when adults are received into our church community through the RCIA/Footsteps program. Dating back to the first group in the 1980’s, each new member’s name is hand embroidered onto the linen cloth. They learn of this special altar cloth at the initiation practice on Holy Thursday. Many are moved to tears (as are we!) to learn that their names are a permanent part of our parish’s Easter liturgies.
In 2007, we approached the Pastoral Care director with a new idea. We suggested a project focusing on the sick among us - to machine embroider Lay Your Head Upon our Prayers onto pillow slips that we proposed be given to the most seriously ill of our parish. The idea was wholeheartedly embraced and we began work on our first twelve pillow slips. The first recipient received a special note from us indicating that he received our first slip, and we wished him well in his efforts to regain his health.
The CSM BIBS group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 1-4 pm in Lower Level 1. We would welcome new members with open arms, appreciative of whatever gift they bring: hand sewers, sewing machine sewers, fabric cutters, and pressers. If you don’t sew and would like to learn, we are here to help get you started.
Please call the parish office at (847) 359-0042 and leave your name and phone number. One of
our group leaders will return the call. We’re anxious to hear from you and welcome your gifts to our ministry. |
