Catholics, LDS meet for modern-day sewing bee

Intermountain Catholic

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Paul Bergeron (left), a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish, teaches children from the Clinton 27th Ward to make stocking caps using a spool. IC photo/Christine Young

LAYTON — About 50 women and children from the Saint Rose of Lima Sewing Angels and the Clinton 27th Ward Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met Oct. 19 to sew for those in need.

They gathered in the St. Rose of Lima social center to sew burp cloths, bibs, blankets of all sizes and bereavement dresses, to draw and stuff teddy bears and crochet hats.

"We also have women who crochet mittens and scarves, lap blankets, and sew pillowcases and smiley bags for children to put their clothes in when they go to foster homes," said Pat Bergeron, Sewing Angels coordinator.

The two groups have met twice before, organized by Bergeron and Rebecca Nichols, from the Clinton 27th Ward, who are neighbors. At first, Nichols thought it would be a good idea to "join together for a common cause to serve the Lord and at the same time sit down and get to know one another," said Nichols, who was then in charge of activities for her Relief Society group.

"We are all talented seamstresses and we can share our many ideas for people who need help," Nichols said.

During the Oct. 19 gathering, Paul Bergeron, Pat Bergeron’s husband, taught the children how to crochet stocking hats using a spool. "These children are my neighbors from the Clinton 27th Ward," he said, adding that he enjoys teaching them.

Kelsee Boehmer, 13, thought getting together was a great idea and, "It’s good to know that something you make will affect someone’s life in a good way," she said.

Alice Viau, a St. Rose of Lima parishioner, also put together some mother’s gifts made of shampoo, lotion, socks, a washcloth and a sewing kit.

"We thought it would be nice to give the mothers something as well," said Viau, adding that she likes getting together with her Mormon friends and sharing ideas.

Deborah Nielsen, a Northern Utah Catholic Community Services case worker, joined the group sewing bereavement dresses.

"The items we receive for St. Martha’s Baby Layette Program help about 50 women each month," said Nielsen.

The Sewing Angels have been meeting for more than 10 years. They gather weekly at St. Rose of Lima Parish after the 9 a.m. Mass on Mondays to make items for babies, children, and families in crisis to donate to Catholic Community Services Saint Martha’s Baby Layette Program, Ogden Regional Medical Center, The Christmas Box House, the Pregnancy Care Center and Sub for Santa programs, said Pat Bergeron. The bereavement dresses are made for stillborn babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Davis Hospital, McKay-Dee Hospital and Ogden Regional Medical Center.

Volunteers are welcome to join the Sewing Angels. For information, call Pat Bergeron at 801-776-8467 or Helen Gonzalez at 801-544-0374.