Peacemaker

Ave Maria! When Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement (CWM), they advocated small artisan groups, guilds, or cottage industries as an antidote to the dehumanizing effects of massive industrialization. The model they promoted was that of the ancient Irish monastery, which included within its protective walls not only religious with their cells and chapel, but also families, farmers, artisans, and the poor, travelers and the infirm. Ancient Irish monasteries were centers of culture and self-sufficiency. Working with one's own hands at farming and trades has always been a part of the CW vision.

I also, even before becoming aware of the CWM, have sought a flexible cottage industry that could help Mary's Ward (MW) achieve self-sufficiency (more like God-sufficiency) and also empower guests to learn a skill and earn a living. As I have envisioned MW as comprised of communities and enclaves located anywhere in the world, I have prayed for a means for each community and each person, regardless of location, to plug into an entrepreneurial project that would serve all members. As I have earnestly prayed for the success of the Our Lady and St. Nicholas Project, and sought a means of raising the necessary funds, that entrepreneurial project has finally come into focus.

Please allow me to introduce Peacemaker Products. I have already designed over 20 products, but the possibilities are truly limitless. The products should promote peace and well-being, reflect MW and CWM values, and be individually made. As an artistic twist I have named every product with the name Peacemaker followed by a descriptive word starting with the letter P. The first product is the Peacemaker Poncho, a weighted garment that aims to help the wearer calm down. People on the autism spectrum have long seen the value of weighted blankets in helping restore calm during times of agitation. This is a portable, wearable version. There are six companion products that promote peaceful resolution of episodes of agitation.

Before I describe each product in detail, I want to explain the Peacemaker Products uniquely inclusive approach to the marketplace. The initial impetus in conceiving Peacemaker Products was to fund the Our Lady and St. Nicholas Project, the effort to acquire property for a CW House of Hospitality in Portland, Maine. Obviously it needs to raise funds. But the missions of MW and CWM are also to perform the works of mercy free of charge. Therefore, Peacemaker Products will be available by donation only. Our all natural materials will be salvaged and upcycled whenever possible. A textile recycling project, located at Mary's House in Springfield, will accompany the Peacemaker Products project. Donations received for Peacemaker Products in excess of materials replacement costs will be divided between SonLight Incorporated (for the Our Lady and St. Nicholas Project, the Portland property purchase) and the maker(s) of the particular product.

Here is an initial list of products with short descriptions. Please email me at Selby@marysward.com for more details.

Peacemaker Poncho - weighted poncho for calming agitation

Peacemaker Pets - multicolored, stuffed with buckwheat hulls, goats

Peacemaker Pals - set 7 pocket-sized buckwheat hulls-stuffed dolls, multiracial

Peacemaker Pad - 36" multicolored crocheted circular rug to define calming down space

Peacemaker Puzzle - 36 2"x2" soft hull-stuffed cubes, rearrange for six pictures, quieting

Peacemaker Pillow - 12" round buckwheat hull-stuffed pillow

Peacemaker Pack - Backpack to carry above six products wherever you go

Peacemaker Pinafore - Denim or other natural fiber jumper

Peacemaker Pants - Drawstring, natural fiber, loose-fitting pants

Peacemaker Plackets - Natural fiber front-opening garments

Peacemaker Protectors - Handmade, all-natural scapulars

Peacemaker Patches - Handmade, all-natural embroidered patches

Peacemaker Patchwork - Handmade quilts and spreads

Peacemaker Prayer Beads - Handmade rosaries and chaplets

Peacemaker Provisions - Bulk gut-friendly supplies and plant food tasting packs

Peacemaker Plants - Seeds for garden planting

Peacemaker Patrons - Ceramic statues and hull-stuffed dolls of saints

Peacemaker Pottery - Ceramic offerings of Our Lady Queen of Angels Ceramics Studio

Peacemaker Print - Offerings of Mary's Ward Publications, including:

****Learning to Read with Goats - 101 phonics books, Farmer Lane and granddaughters

****How to Plant a Mini Food Forest by Yourself for Free When You're Still a Kid

Peacemaker Pocket Pouch - Belly pack made from jeans top

Peacemaker Perpetual Calendar - Liturgical and meteorological, hull-filled cubes, saints

Peacemaker Pampooties - goat skin shoes (goats died natural causes), or plant-based

Peacemaker Plans - Individualized MW curriculum

Peacemaker Prayer Book - Custom prayer book, chaplets, prayers and hours template

I am a workforce of one so far (here on earth), so please be patient as I make each item by hand. Slow and steady wins the race. Please share this post with anyone who might like to support this effort. Penny update next time.

Divine Child, Jesus, bless and protect us. Our Lady of Good Remedy, St. Joseph the Provider, and St. Nicholas, pray for us!