The Hem of Christ

What inspired you to start this business?

Starting with the simple act of bringing the Eucharist and prayer to those in various care communities on New York’s Upper East Side, Kate unknowingly was answering the prayers of those she visited. As time passed, she recognized the need to support individuals living with dementia in continuing to practice their faith. Originally part of our sister organization, the Dementia Letters Project, the Hem of Christ slowly grew to not only help individuals living with dementia receive the sacraments and enter into prayer with another, but also provide education to parishes, care communities, and other care organizations on how to support and minister to those living with dementia in dignified and beautiful ways. The Hem of Christ started its journey to become its own entity in 2017 and finally filed for non-profit status in 2021, with the hopes of becoming a sustainable ministry and support organization, living beyond the sole work of our founder.

How does your faith shape your work?

It is the foundation and strength that helps this organization move forward in a very secular industry and invites parishes to remain close to those living with dementia and their care partners. Prayer kicks off each meeting, each service, each encounter. It is the core of every service.

What's a favorite patron saint or scripture?

Our Lady of Champion and Venerable Mother Angeline.

What's one thing you'd like customers to know?

We are on mission to accompany individuals on the dementia journey. We believe that one is able to grow in relationship with Christ throughout the progression of the disease and care journey. Born out of the belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, knowing dementia does not take that way, we offer invitations to better understand dementia and how our Church and our community can best accompany those living with dementia. Inspired by the trust and faith of the woman reaching out for Christ’s hem, we work together to become Christ’s hem for those suffering and living with dementia. This is done through retreats, memory Cafés, education for lay ministers and Parishes, and location specific programs.