Our Name: Rafka’s Common Threads.
We chose this name in memory of Sister Rafka, the patron saint of knitters. Sr. Rafka was a member of the Baladiya Order of the Lebanese Maronite Order of Christians, a cloistered congregation of nuns. The nuns prayed meditated, worked in the monastery and lived a life of asceticism. She joined the order, taking the name of Rafka (Rebecca, her mother’s name) in 1871. As the years progressed, her vision began to deteriorate, possibly as a result of tuberculosis. Blind and in pain, she continued to work by spinning wool and cotton and knitting stockings for the other sisters.
Sarah Spool Knitting
Beginning in October in 2007)a few of us at Nativity decided to come together to use of our needlecraft skills in support of our community. Across the street from Nativity is the Maysville Children’s Advocacy Center. This organization serves children who have suffered abuse. Of ten the victims are young girls whose self concepts have been severely damaged. We hoped we could use our skills to create special beautiful items for these beautiful young people. We also thought of those among us in poor health for whom we could knit our prayers into shawls and lap robes. We were pleased that Fr. Michael has blessed these gifts; many have already been distributed.
Who:
Dusty's mittens...Although we have begun as an outreach of Nativity, we have
been joined by members of other churches who choose to knit or crochet to
assist people in their churches or the broader community and we invite anyone
who would like to learn to knit, crochet, or mend to come and join us in our
fellowship. We have experts to novices
to learning to cast-on. All are welcome