Honoring A Faith Tradition at Friendship Village

Although rosaries are used predominantly by people of Catholic faith, it has been people of diverse faith backgrounds at Friendship Village in Schaumburg, creating the strands of prayer beads as gifts. "I love that the residents at Friendship Village are so excited about this project," said Donna Brown, lifestyles activities manager. "Even if they're not part of their faith tradition, they are happy to be providing support to people who value and use rosaries in their prayers."

The project started during the Lenten season, as residents of Friendship Village made rosaries to distribute to residents of Briarwood Healthcare Center of Friendship Village. "They just really enjoyed the project and have kept going," said Donna. "We have sessions during which time we work on them, but then the residents often take their supplies back to their apartments and make more."

Residents have made and distributed more than 700 rosaries since the beginning of the project, also creating them for patients in area hospitals and nursing homes.

Instruction on making the rosaries has been provided by Shawn Kafader, chaplain of Friendship Village. "Many who receive these rosaries will find that this will be the rosary they will use while recovering from surgery or illness. Sometimes in relocating due to illness, one does not plan to bring along all that one needs for personal spiritual care. For some, these rosaries will be a reminder of God's presence and healing in a time of need," said Chaplain Kafader.

The residents are now making rosaries for soldiers overseas.

"Every rosary has a story behind it. This makes the prayers prayed with that rosary special," said Chaplain Kafader.

Friendship Village is a leading Chicago-area retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For more than 37 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org