History
The Ecclesiastical Art Department has been a ministry of the congregation since 1858. It was begun by the Sisters in Gurtweil, Germany under the inspiration of Fr. Kessler as a source of income for the fledgling community. When the Sisters immigrated to the United States in the 1870s because of the adverse political climate in Germany, they continued this work in their new homeland.

In 1904, the Embroidery Department, as it was then called, exhibited a chasuble at the World’s Fair in St. Louis. A gold medal was awarded their exhibit. Under the direction of Sr. Anselma Lange 1906-1945, and Sr. Hiltrudis Powers, 1945-2000, the Department expanded to include any article that would enhance Divine Services. The Sisters sent the fruits of their labors all over the United States and to many other countries.

In 1999, the Sisters were commissioned to make a stole and mitre for the Holy Father’s visit to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Pope John Paul II wore the stole at the youth gathering and then returned it to the Archdiocese where it is presently on display in the cathedral crypt.

Before Vatican Council II the Department served only members of the Catholic Church. However, in the new climate of ecumenism the Sisters began to fill the needs of other denominations and now number Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopalian, and United Church of Christ congregations among their regular customers.

In addition to doing the work for items ordered, the Sisters taught the art of vestment making to several religious communities of Sisters in the United States. More recently Sisters from Ghana, Africa came to learn this art and have begun their own Ecclesiastical Art Department.

Present
Currently there are 16 Sisters in the Ecclesiastical Art Department. We work in the manner of a guild with each person contributing her particular skill. For many in our group it is a “second career” after years in the classroom or some other ministry of our community.

Our mission in the Ecclesiastical Art Department is to create meaningful liturgical fabric art for use in divine worship. We do this in a contemplative setting located in the heart of our congregation’s motherhouse. In a spirit of hospitality we also open our doors to many visitors, in particular, members of churches and needlework groups who tour our motherhouse and enjoy seeing our work in process.

Our work is custom-made to suit the particular needs of our customers. Articles made include: stoles, chasubles, dalmatics, copes, mitres, albs, altar linens, paraments, small banners, and funeral palls.

What makes our work distinctive is the particular style of embroidered liturgical symbols which decorate the article. Most of this embroidery is done by machine using a combination of hand-guided zigzag and chain stitching techniques. Each design is then couched with gold cord to accentuate the design. Some designs are hand-embroidered.

Customers may choose from our large portfolio of designs or submit special requests.

 
For further information contact
Sister Mary Cecile Gunelson, CPPS
Ecclesiastical Art Department Director
mcgunelson@cpps-ofallon.org
636-240-3420