Submitted item posted by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Parishioners at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Saskatoon started a Prayer Shawl Ministry on Jan. 13, 2024.
Karen Bosker was inspired to begin this ministry in her parish when she and her husband John received a prayer shawl from St. Mary Parish in Christopher Lake, SK. The couple received a blessed prayer shawl after the death of their 36-year-old son Brock, on Jan. 4, 2022.
“It brought us comfort to know members of the parish were praying for our family at such a difficult time. Every time we wrap ourselves in the shawl, it is a tangible reminder God is with us along with our Christian family,” said Karen.
St. John Bosco Parish has seven women volunteering for this ministry: Patricia Almeida, Linda Bachiu, Michelle Berzolla, Karen Bosker, Jen Green, Mary Jacobi, and Eleanor Weisgerber.
St. John Bosco parishioners have started a Prayer Shawl Ministry (left to right ): Patricia Almeida, Mary Jacobi, Linda Bachiu, Eleanor Weisgerber, and Karen Bosker – Jen Green is missing from the photos. (Photo submitted by Karen Bosker)
The group meets every two months in a volunteer’s home. The volunteers crochet or knit shawls on their own time at home. They gather together as a group every two months to pray for the sick in their parish and for the ministry, as well as to provide updates about who may need a visit or a shawl. The volunteers then crochet and knit together and enjoy their friendship.
Crocheted crosses that are attached to each shawl. (Photo by Karen Bosker)
Completed shawls were blessed Feb. 11, 2024 on the World Day of the Sick by St. John Bosco pastor Fr. Marvin Lishchynsky.
The St. John Bosco Knights of Columbus Council #11936 and fellow parishioners have provided funding for yarn and a donation of knitting needles/ crochet hooks for the ministry.
Deb Bauche, St. John Bosco’s present Parish Nurse along with former Parish nurse, Sr. Carol Borenson, SGM, helped get the ministry up and running. They help distribute the shawls and visit grieving, sick and shut-in members of their respective parishes.
Anyone who wants a visit and/or prayer shawl from St. John Bosco Parish is asked to please contact Parish Nurse Deb Bauche at (306) 260-5805.
For more information on Prayer Shawl Ministry visit: www.shawlministry.com
Display of prayer shawls blessed at St. John Bosco Parish in Saskatoon on the World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11, 2024. (Photo by Karen Bosker)
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