This St. Joseph group of sew-ers and non-sew-ers make bright and fun pillowcases for hospitalized children who are suffering a life threatening disease, giving sick kids a reason to smile one pillowcase at a time! The parent organization is A Case for Smiles (www.caseforsmiles.org). Each child who enters an area children’s hospital receives one of these pillowcases to brighten their stay at the hospital, and the pillowcase goes home with them when they leave. Each member in the St. Joseph group commits to making two pillowcases each month throughout the year. Some of our group cannot sew, but they support the sew-ers by writing personal note cards, ironing, folding, packaging, cutting or delivering the cases. Our group has seniors, young adults, teens - all ages participating! Every other month the group gathers together to make pillowcases and socialize while doing so! Interested? Contact Michelle Foster at mfoster@stjoemanchester.org or 636/391-1404.

St. Joseph Prayer Chain - Power “Pray-ers” The power of prayer is indeed miraculous. It is the presence of God embodied in the care and concern of our faith community. Volunteers are needed to build the chain and become indispensable links. If you are looking for a ministry that you can do without ever leaving home, this is it! To leave an intention, or to volunteer to become a St. Joe Power "Pray-er," call Barb Damato at 636/230-9171 or email barbara918@charter.net.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Shawls are knitted or crocheted, blessed by our parish priests and given to people who are ill or have suffered a loss so that they might be "wrapped in" and comforted by the love and care of the St. Joseph church family. The knitting/crocheting is done at home at your own pace. The group meets four times each year (September, November, March and May) on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm in the parish library for fellowship and to bring finished projects. All are welcome to join this ministry. For information, contact Ruth Schafer 636/391-1408.

Quilters Women of the parish meet on Wednesdays from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm to make quilts. Proceeds from the sale of these beautiful hand-made quilts help support the parish. For information call Jane Oehlert 636/394-4657.