Greeting Card Ministry: Fellowship and Hospitality with a Handmade Touch

We live in a digital age, with technology offering many benefits in how we communicate. It’s easy to jump on a video chat with family and friends, or regularly send text messages and emails to keep in touch. But technology seems to have replaced written and handmade cards. Fortunately, that art is not lost here at Immaculate Conception. A dedicated group makes beautiful cards for those who are most lonely in the Willoughby area.

The Society of Mother Teresa members receive cards to deliver with the meals they make for those who are elderly, in poor health, or are in need financially. About 40 cards are mailed out and more are given to those who deliver Holy Communion to the nursing homes. The goal of this ministry is simple — to brighten the day of the recipient.

Once a month during the typical school year, a group of 10 to 12 members gather to create together. Margaret Wissman leads this ministry. Her sister, Mary Wissman, also helps out. The group just finished wishing folks a “Happy Thanksgiving” and “Merry Christmas” with a beautiful card.

Margaret has always enjoyed crafts and designing with paper. She decided to direct her talent in a way that could benefit others.

“This is an opportunity for me to do crafts for a purpose,” she says. “It’s a nice opportunity for a creative outlet that can help brighten a person’s day.”

Mary gets the designs together for the monthly meetings. She has the supplies needed to make the cards beautiful. Each time, the group makes about 175 to 200 cards.

The group took a break during the beginning of the pandemic. They started making cards together again in September 2021. During the group’s hiatus, Margaret used a stockpile of cards to send to those who typically receive the cards by mail. Mary helped out, too. Margaret has received a lot of positive feedback on this ministry. The handmade touch means a lot to these folks.

“Whether you are a kid or an adult, it’s exciting to get mail that’s not a bill or junk mail,” Margaret says. “We try to make them so they are bright and pleasant to look at.”

With the isolation brought on by the pandemic, this ministry is more important than ever. All parishioners and those who are lonely should know they are loved by their friends at Immaculate Conception. The Greeting Card Ministry is one way to spread that love. Margaret works in health care as a program director. Her work can be busy and stressful, so this ministry offers her a nice outlet with a dedicated time to do something she loves.

“Making cards is something I enjoy,” Margaret says. “When we gather, it’s a nice time for fellowship.”

Margaret invites everyone — crafty or not — to get involved in this ministry.

The group meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information or to submit the name of someone who would enjoy a card, please call the parish office at 440-942-4500.