The Prayer Shawl Ministry is one of the Pastoral Care ministries at St. Francis that impacts so many of our other ministries. This ministry has been at St. Francis for 20 years. Cindy Cardello, a current ministry leader, and Regina Sissini founded it, and it has grown to 50+ members. They lovingly create handmade shawls, lap robes, children’s blankets, hats, and scarves through knitting, crocheting, and sewing. These items are crafted with care and compassion for individuals who are ill, homeless, hospitalized, or experiencing life’s challenges. As each piece is made, a prayer is said over it, often a cross is sewn on, and it is blessed before being wrapped with a card expressing their heartfelt support. This ministry is a ministry of love; love for community and love for individuals, and our members reflect that love.
One of the aspects of this ministry, as part of a web of support at St. Francis, is how much they support other ministries here and elsewhere. The members of Prayer Shawl bring items to Catholic Parish Outreach monthly, sending hundreds of knitted, crocheted, or sewn items. They support ‘Our Children’s Place’ by providing yarn throughout the year for their efforts. “A couple of years ago,” says Lisa Miller, “we started supporting ‘Lily of the Valley’ with prayer squares for grieving parents, and we collaborate with the Emmaus Ministry to ensure that grieving families receive shawls and lap robes to comfort them in their time of need.” Cindy adds, “Oak City Cares, the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, and Our Lady of the Rosary receive knitted, crocheted, or sewn hats, with 100–200 hats sent to each per year.” In total, from September of 2024 until now, the ministry has donated 1700+ items.
They have also offered talks to explain what they do to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), St. Paul’s Ministry, and have had guest speakers talk about how their ministry has impacted their organization, including a representative from CORRAL. Diane explains, “The CORRAL Riding Academy for at-risk teenage girls is one of our newer collaborations. Earlier this year, we went to the Cary farm to teach the girls how to crochet. They are making individual blocks, which we will assemble into an afghan for the girls to use for comfort as they face life struggles. The girls were engaged by the ministry members and amused to learn how to make ‘Granny’ squares from the Prayer Shawl ‘grannies.’ Starting in September, we hope to work with them quarterly.”
“These shawls are more than just fabric; they offer comfort, warmth, and spiritual solace.” Interested? Lisa Miller and Diane Rotunno, two of the ministry’s other leaders, say, “You do not need to know how to crochet or knit; everyone is welcome. Everyone has something to offer to this group, and if you want to learn, we can teach you. If you want to join, please contact Cindy, Lisa, or Diane for more information. If you are in a ministry and would like to partner with the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact us; we love working with other ministries to support their efforts.