Threads of Mercy in Geelong
July 3, 2026
Sisters Linda Hewitt and Ellen Dunn
For more than two decades, a ministry of compassion has been weaving its way through the Geelong community – one knitted shawl, crocheted heart and shared cup of tea at a time.
What began 21 years ago through the vision of Sister Carmel O’Dwyer and midwife Leonie Restas has grown into a grassroots outreach supporting people facing illness, grief, loneliness and hardship.
The Pastoral Health Care Network Australia (PHNA), centred around St Bernard’s Parish, recently celebrated its 21st anniversary with the launch of a commemorative publication Caring in Community documenting the history and many lives positively impacted by this ministry.
Sister Linda Hewitt, one of the long-serving volunteers, said the project originally began with pastoral support for mothers and families at St John of God Hospital Geelong.
“Leonie worked as a midwife and felt there was a need for pastoral care,” she said.
“It started with mothers who had little babies, and those who had lost babies. Volunteers would make little shawls and little hearts to give them.”
Over time, the outreach expanded well beyond the hospital setting.
“It branched out to anyone in need, including people who are bereaved, lonely, elderly or sick.”
The ministry eventually developed several community initiatives, including knitting and crocheting groups, outreach support and a ‘pamper day’ program where isolated or vulnerable people could gather for companionship and receive simple acts of care.
“We’d have nurses there taking blood pressure, people doing hand and foot massages, and everyone would have a cup of tea together. It was a lovely little group.”
Though some of the activities have concluded, the heart of the ministry remains strong.
“The knitting and shawl groups are continuing. It’s amazing how it has spread.”
Every month at St Bernard’s, shawls and knitted hearts are blessed before being distributed to people in hospitals, palliative care and the wider community.
“I just love going to the knitting group. It’s really to let people know they’re not alone.
“You’re encouraging them, but they inspire me by what they’re doing because they’re just so enthusiastic.
“For many participants, the group offers more than knitting. Some of them need that friendship. It’s really the friendship and supporting one another that makes it so lovely.”
Despite the winding down of the PHNA’s incorporated structure, volunteers remain committed to continuing the outreach informally through parish life and personal connection.
The anniversary celebration, held at St Bernard’s Church, brought together former volunteers and supporters for Mass and a luncheon marking the ministry’s long history of service and making a positive difference in the lives of so many.