Many young unwed mothers in the Baltimore area are the grateful recipients of beautiful hand-crocheted baby blankets created by a group of sisters who gather weekly at Villa Assumpta. Sister Felipe Lopez first learned how to crochet in the 1970s when she was caring for her mother in Puerto Rico. She would make colorful ponchos for friends and family members. Sister Felipe received a refresher class in crocheting four years ago and has been creating lovely baby blankets ever since. “As we get older, we can’t do as much, but I’m glad I can still do this,” expressed Sister Felipe, who has ministered in food service at Villa Assumpta for nearly 50 years. At 90, she serves as assistant sacristan in the chapel and is involved in other community services.
Sister J.B. Scammel, another member of the baby blanket effort, points out the soft and washable yarn used for the blankets is designed to hold up to all of the wear and tear a new baby brings. Sister J.B., the archivist at Villa Assumpta, ministered for 15 years at the Caroline Center, a tuition-free education and workforce development program for women in Baltimore. “When I changed ministries and stopped working with those determined young women seeking a better future, I missed that. Now when I’m making a blanket, I pray over it and for the mother and newborn.” Sister J.B. has been an avowed member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame for 48 years.
Sister Jane Irons is described as “a perfectionist with the best sense of humor and a lot of fun.” Sister Jane admitted this is the first time in her life that she has crocheted. She shows off her blanket that is just shy of completion. She admits she isn’t the fastest but, “I love when Barbara makes hats to match my blankets.” She enjoys the conversation and conviviality of the group. “We chat about everything and I don’t mind listening.” Sister Jane’s 63-year ministry includes ten years in Nigeria as a teacher and principal, ministry in Marble City, Oklahoma with the Cherokee, Child Care Director at St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Pennsylvania, and as a teacher, librarian, and database coordinator across Baltimore.
Sister Virginia Brien also enjoys making blankets for mothers in need. Celebrating her 90th birthday this year, Sister Virginia has given a lifetime of service to God’s people. She taught in Nigeria for 20 years and served in the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene. Before departing for Africa, Sister Virginia was a teacher and principal in Catholic schools across the Mid-Atlantic. Currently, she serves as sacristan and pastoral assistant and takes care of the sewing needs at the Villa.
Volunteer Barbara Shellhorn, a self-proclaimed atheist and crochet teacher, has surrounded herself with these School Sisters of Notre Dame since 2014, when she brought this crochet project to the attention of the sisters. She explained the myriad organizations and circuitous routes through which this initiative works to provide comfort to low-income teenagers and young mothers-to-be. The yarn is donated from a variety of places including Wool Works in Baltimore and St. Pius X Church, where School Sisters of Notre Dame have taught for years. The finished blankets are dropped off at the Christ Child Society. Christ Child Society, in concert with Hanna House and area hospitals, provides outreach and support to the young mothers-to-be. Baskets full of newborn essentials, including the handmade blankets, are assembled and delivered. In just the last six months, the sisters have crocheted 125 (and counting!) colorful, lovingly-made baby blankets, bringing light and hope to those in need.
