Parish Purls Use Hobby to Help Others

Rows of colorful knitted afghans, prayers shawls and baby items lined the tables at the annual Parish Purls event at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Syosset last weekend.

Spearheaded by Sister Eleanor Nishio at St. Edward three years ago, Parish Purls is a group of volunteer women who knit and crochet items to help those in need.

Sister Nishio initially began the program at Queens of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Sunnyside, Queens.

"It is the greatest feeling to help the poor. Even though I am no longer at the church in Queens, they still have the Parish Purls and I am more than happy to have brought the Parish Purls here to St. Edward's," she said.

Volunteer Pat Gimblett is beyond impressed with Sister Nishio's willingness to help others: "She is an advocate for the poor. The work that Sister Eleanor does is extraordinary. She found a way to continue her ministry with the Parish Purls."

Volunteers, many from Syosset and Woodbury, knit and crochet 9-inch sections that are sewn into afghans and prayers shawls. Over the years, the items have been donated to various organizations such as Sacred Heart Parish in Brooklyn, Good Counsel in Queens, Mercy Ministries in Patchogue, Spanish Apostolate of the South Fork, St. Ignatius in Hicksville and St. Joseph Ministries in Watchung, N.J.

The importance of the Parish Purls is tremendous, according to Gimblett.

"Twice a year, we have Mass for the sick," Gimblett said. "Father Thomas France blesses them and gives them a prayer shawl. The idea is to know that they are not forgotten in their time of need. Also, during the winter months, the afghans go very quickly. There are so many who are suffering and don't have much."

The volunteers all agree that they love dedicating their leisure time to the craft because knowing they helped someone less fortunate is the biggest reward.

Many of the women watch television while knitting.

"I watch my soap operas while I'm crocheting the prayer shawls and afghans. It's relaxing and fun," said volunteer Betty Halligan.

With many donations of wool coming from the Parish, Sister Nishio remains positive.

"I always say, 'God, if you want me to continue this, bring the wool,'" she said. "Without the wool, the items can't be made so it's important. So many people are poor and in need and this helps so many people in so many ways. I don't have an exact number of all the people we have helped but I definitely know it's a lot."

Parish Purls meets on the first Monday, after the 9 a.m. Mass, at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, 815 Convent Rd. St. Edward the Confessor is located at 205 Jackson Ave. in Syosset. If interested in making a donation or joining the Parish Purls, contact Sister Eleanor Nishio at 516 921-8030.