Prayer Bracelet Workshops Inspire Women at St. James

By Bonnie Gurzenda
Freelance writer and
Member, St. James, Mason

In the past, women gathered together to work on patchwork quilts, share a little gossip and bond as only a community of women can. In a modern day twist, approximately 25 women are gathering twice a year to create bracelets based on prayer.

Rose Robertson, DRE at St. James Parish in Mason, was looking for a way to energize adults in their understanding of prayer and not just at Mass. She conceived the idea of combining prayer with ordinary objects after a conversation with a parishioner, Margaret Terwilliger, who makes jewelry for herself and teaches others the joy of being creative with glass beads. Beginning with Advent, Lent and then All Saints-All Souls a little over a year ago, the two women worked together to marry prayer with art.

For each workshop a flyer is placed in the bulletin approximately a month ahead of time so people can sign up for the event, pay the fee and in some cases, specify the colors of the beads or choose gold or silver findings. For the St. James workshops the beads are sorted ahead of time and placed in small bags with the clasp and spacers, etc. (Light refreshments are also offered the evening of the workshop. Candles and appropriate objects are arranged on a center table.)

All Saints-All Souls - each person was asked to choose months that weresignificant to them because they represent a deceased or living person of great importance--a “Holy Shadow.“ The colors of the beads represented the months. Also, charms such as crosses, hearts and stars were available to add to the bracelet.

Small groups were formed with each participant then sharing a story about a Saint in their life using a memento brought from home. Later, the bracelets and mementoes were placed on a decorated table and a series of prayers with special intentions written by Rose, were prayed by all.

Each person also had an opportunity to honor someone who played a crucial or inspirational role in her life by sharing a special quality of that person.

Lent - Rose wrote prayers using words she thought might have been spoken by Mary for the Stations of the Cross. For example, how Mary felt when Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross at the Thirteenth Station - deep sorrow, yet joy.

The Lenten bracelet consisted of a large red teardrop for Station Twelve when Jesus dies; 3 crosses for Stations 3, 7 & 9 - for crosses inflicted; ten medium purple beads for the rest which represent selfishness, greed, helping or caring; 2 large purple beads for two big efforts; 6 small beads - for little steps; 24 spacers for hours in the day and time for God.

Bracelets were placed on a large cross and petitions were read. The bracelets are symbols of our trials, the crosses we bear and the ones we have helped to carry.

Blue, pink and crystal beads formed the Advent bracelet. The blue beads symbolize tranquility and reflection. Pink beads symbolize joy of anticipation, while the crystal beads represent clarity. Finally a star charm symbolizes Jesus who guides us and gives us light.

An Advent wreath formed the centerpiece of a table with candles and a Bible and the finished bracelets were placed on or by the wreath and blessed with prayer.

Participants are very proud of their creations and show them off at church. One remarked that she did not wear her bracelet to church as it did not match her outfit, but she was joking.

Limiting the workshops to twice a year keeps the experience fresh and focuses on feast days. It is not necessarily the same people who come each time either. Non-Catholics have said they have benefitted from the sharing and prayers. "I am excited that so many people participated," Rose says, " spirituality is visual (at the workshops) and as each of us is a unique creation, so are the bracelets."

A rosary bracelet workshop is planned for May, as someone said "we need to make a rosary," plus it is the month of Mary and the celebration of Mother‘s Day. The beads will be sorted by color and bagged along with a coil of wire called "memory wire" that fits on the wrist and a crucifix. After the rosary bracelets are completed, all will pray the rosary.

The cost of the bracelet depends on the materials used. So far the workshops have ranged from $15 - $25, with part of the charge going to the instructor. As each person completes her bracelet, Margaret helps with adding the toggle or clasp and crimping the ends. She also provides the pliers/crimpers to use. "Beading is my passion," says Margaret. "Rose and I have talked about taking our show on the road! We would love to share this ministry with others." Suggestions for supplies can be found by contacting Margaret and there are many local sources for glass beads, as well as other kinds of beads, such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics, plus thousands of beads are available online. To discuss a possible workshop, contact Rose.

This is a wonderful example of "hands-on spirituality." The prayer experience is interspersed with laughter, people helping each other, the feeling of accomplishment at having created a work of art and a community of God’s children commemorating holy times of the year in a special, memorable way.

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Person to Contact: Rose Robertson, DRE
St. James Catholic Church
1010 S. Lansing St.
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-9111
Stjamesros@aol.com
or
Margaret Terwilliger
517-628-2002
twig5558@yahoo.com