I’m so excited to share a project close to my heart: “Called to Serve”, a new quilt pattern that brings together four powerful roles in the Catholic Church — Priest, Bishop, Cardinal, and Pope — each beautifully illustrated through foundation paper piecing. It has been so exciting to see the election of Pope Leo that I had to make a quilt! 🙂
One of my favorite things about this quilt is how it can be completely personalized. Based on where you live geographically, you can vary the skin tones and hair colors of each figure. Old? Give him gray hair. Young? Reflect his blond or brown locks. The bishop block can be completely personalized to show the type of crossier/staff that is specific to your diocese. I’m going to make another version for our priest; he has lighter skin and brown hair and wears glasses, so it’ll be adorable to put glasses on the priest in this quilt!
Each of the blocks can be a stand-alone block OR they can be grouped together as shown in the sample quilt. Let’s take a closer look at each of the blocks:
The priest foundation paper pieced quilt block celebrates the beauty of the Catholic priesthood — a vocation often embraced in youth, when others are starting families or building careers. It honors the individual who says “yes” to a different kind of love: one poured out daily through sacraments, service, and a heart modeled after Christ. Whether baptizing a baby, visiting the sick, or preaching the Word, a priest brings light and life to his parish with every act of devotion. This block is a tribute to that joyful surrender and the power of a youthful spirit saying, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
The bishop quilt block pays tribute to the individuals entrusted with the care of an entire diocese. As successors to the apostles, bishops carry the fullness of Holy Orders, leading their communities with both authority and humility. The zucchetto atop their head, the crosier in hand, and the pectoral cross over their heart are all symbols of a deeper reality: their life poured out in service to Christ’s flock. This design reflects the strength, responsibility, and profound faith of the bishop, who follows in the footsteps of the apostles to teach, sanctify, and shepherd in Christ’s name.
Inspired by the distinctive role of Cardinals, this foundation paper pieced quilt block symbolizes the deeper commitment and spiritual authority entrusted to these individuals. Selected by the Pope, not self-appointed, Cardinals wear red as a reminder of their readiness to defend the faith — even to the point of their own martyrdom. Their lives echo a humble “yes” to increased responsibility, often behind the scenes, yet at the heart of Church leadership. This block honors the gravity of that call: a sacred trust, not a title of prestige, marked by deep wisdom and sacrificial service.
The pope quilt block captures the profound moment when one man becomes the Pope — the Successor of Peter, called not to rule, but to shepherd. At the age when many are retiring, he steps into a role of unimaginable responsibility, beginning with silence in the Room of Tears. Rooted in the biblical call to Peter (“Feed my sheep” – John 21:17), this design reflects the visible head of the Church on earth, entrusted with guarding truth, guiding the faithful, and loving with the heart of Christ. A powerful tribute to the weight of spiritual leadership and the grace that sustains it.
This pattern is more than just a quilt; it’s a reflection on vocation, sacrifice, and the sacred call to lead with love. Whether you gift it to a priest, use it for a parish celebration, or stitch it as part of your own spiritual journey, I hope it brings prayer and purpose to your sewing space.
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