Each September, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Franklin, N.J., Father Boguslaw Kobus blesses the work the Prayer Shawl Committee creates throughout the year. Committee chair and founder Shirley Riccardi has been undertaking this ministry for decades, as have many of her members, who knit and crochet shawls, scarves, blankets, and baby items to benefit nonprofit agencies and support the sick and grieving.
This year, money raised will be donated to the church to help with roof repair costs. The goods that don’t sell are donated to Birth Haven, Samaritan House, Ginnie’s House, and the Franklin Elementary School.
See Spreading love: Franklin Prayer Shawl Ministry’s touching work, The Beacon, June 9, 2025.
Numerous prayer shawl ministries operate across the United States. The ministry was started in 1998 by Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo, graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary.
The Immaculate Conception ministry meets monthly. Because materials can be costly, they are grateful when community members can provide support.
