Holy Redeemer Parish is keeping its promise to help mothers in need. The Walking With Moms in Need ministry began in the parish three months ago and has served over 45 mothers. 

Supporting Mothers in Need 

According to a report with The Florida Catholic, parochial vicar Father David Vargas pushed the program to move forward. He encouraged parishioners to support the ministry and rallied a team of volunteers. 

Parishioners helped stock the ministry with the essential supplies needed by the mothers, such as baby wipes, formula, and diapers. 

A Blessing for Mothers and Their Families

For many mothers, the ministry is a blessing to them. One of the women who said the program was a God-send is Gladys. 

She shared her story with the news outlet, saying that she and her husband have a small 3-month-old infant. The new mother said that things have been rough at home since she lost her job and her husband's hours have been cut. 

Gladys said that it was challenging to stretch the budget living on only one paycheck. 

She came upon the ministry when her friend, Paulina, told her about it. Gladys decided to try her luck and asked for help. 

While she continues to look for work, she said that she is grateful for the help she receives. She shared that it is her faith in God that keeps her going despite the difficulties thrown at her and her family. 

A labor of love

For Yarimer Pietrantoni, the program is a labor of love. Yarimer is the parish's life ministry and coordinator. 

According to the Walking with Moms in Need website, it is a process where Catholic parishes and communities "walk in the shoes" of local mothers in need. 

The program stresses that everyone should help mothers who find themselves in difficult situations. 

Yarimer assisted Gladys and gave her whatever she needed. 

 Another mother who received help is Yeleni, a Cuban refugee who braved the trip to the United States to escape the conflict in her country. 

Yeleni is 34-week pregnant woman who wants to find a better life for her unborn child. She is currently staying with her family for the time being. 

Her friend Gladys brought her to the church to seek help from Walking with Moms in Need. Thanks to the ministry, she received diapers, clothes, a blanket, a car seat, and a playpen.

Yeleni told the news outlet that she never expected to receive much from the ministry. She said that she had nothing for her child, but the program gave her more than what she asked for. 

Everyone Has Stories to Tell

Yarimer shared that the women they help come from all around the state. She has heard their stories and was coming from different situations. 

She told the news outlet that each mother's story was unique but emphasized that one must treat each woman with compassion and understanding. Yarimer added that they had different needs, and the ministry did its best to address them. 

According to her, the church's ministry is one of accompaniment. The parish partners with Project Gabriel, which focuses on respecting the sanctity of life. 

She pointed out that the ministry was walking with mothers in need during the most difficult times in their lives. 

Yarimer said that God sends angels to watch over those who are in need. 

She reminded Catholics everywhere that God called them to be angels to these mothers in need. 

"We are their family. Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Archangel Gabriel are the motor that runs this beautiful ministry," she said. 

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