Ministry Spotlight: Quilt Ministry

The Sacred Heart Quilt Ministry started out as a dream of Mary Veys many years ago. There were other parishes in the area, including St. Ambrose and St. Pius, who had quilting groups, so Mary asked some of her friends and the Sacred Heart Quilt Ministry began in September 2010. The membership started with about 12 women and has fluctuated a bit since then.

The organization usually meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Culemans Fellowship Hall. Fabric is donated by parishioners (cotton only, please). Some women prefer to bring their own sewing machine but that is not necessary since machines are available on site. Many of the members sew their donated quilts at home during the week and bring their finished quilts and sew on the SH label at the meeting. They then can select new material and supplies for their next project. We are a fun bunch, sharing our lunch with good conversation.

The number of quilts made in the last 13 years is estimated to be around 1,000. Many of the quilts are twin size, but some are lap size, baby quilts and pillowcases. Most have been donated to local charities and nursing homes, such as Hope Creek, Winnie’s Place, World Relief, Humility of Mary, Rock Island Christian Care, and Friendship Manor. Once a year, some of the quilts are sold during the Cookie Walk to help buy supplies like batting, thread, and to repair sewing machines. This year, $2,000 was donated to reduce the debt of the St. Damien Center.

If you would like to share your sewing talents, or quilting is something you might be interested in, contact Diane Kennedy at (309) 732-6387 or Pat Julius at (309) 912-8132. In memory of Mary Veys, we gift our talents to those in need.