Parishioners from St. Joseph Parish are stepping up to help mothers in need. They continue their mission to look out for women's and their children's welfare. 

Diaper Distribution Event 

In a report with The Florida Catholic, the church in Orlando hosted a drive-thru event where they distributed diapers and baby wipes. Church volunteers and staff flocked to the venue to help give out the supplies on Saturday, Aug. 6. 

St. Joseph Parish partnered with Catholic Charities of Central Florida. The distribution event was part of the Walking With Moms in Need initiative launched in 2020.

According to the Walking with Moms in Need website, the initiative partners with Catholic churches to help moms in difficult circumstances. 

Walking With Moms in Need

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops launched the Walking With Moms in Need initiative. 

St. Joseph parishioners showed their support by stepping up to the plate. 

They reportedly worked together to collect almost 31,000 diapers and 18,000 baby wipes for the event. Their efforts helped 161 children and 91 families. 

The distribution event was a God-send for many of those who received the baby wipes and diapers. Families were struggling to pay the bills, put food on the table, and needed all the help they could get. 

Jackie Lucas was one of those who drove up to the event. The mother drove up to Orlando. Lucas lives in Clermont, but she says the drive and the gas used were worth it. 

She is the mother of three young children and said any help she receives is a blessing. Lucas was grateful for the diapers and wipes.

Showing Mercy Amid Indifference 

Leidy Rivas reminded Catholics that Pope Francis urged them to be "islands of mercy amid a sea of indifference." 

Rivas is the director of the Culture of Life Office at Catholic Charities. She told the news outlet that such events were one way Catholics could feel Christ's presence. 

She said the faithful should also show their love and support for mothers, especially those struggling. Rivas explained that they must offer them resources and connect them to a parish community. 

Volunteers have always been key to its success for distribution events like the one at St. Joseph Parish. 

Catholic Charities holds diaper distributions every quarter. They have since partnered with parishes across the Diocese. 

Volunteerism Is Key 

Karely Gonzalez volunteered during the distribution event along with her teenage daughter. Saturday's distribution was not her first time helping give out diapers to families. 

She pointed out that volunteerism had to be an active part of one's life. 

The priests also blessed and prayed over the families who received the diapers and wipes. Fr. Benjamin Lehnertz and Deacon Gary Tester were present during the event.

Praying Over Families 

Father Lehnertz, the parochial administrator of St. Joseph, prayed with the families. He also offered words of assurance and support from the parish. 

The parochial administrator pointed out that Catholics should put their beliefs into action. He added that they held the event as a response to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. 

He noted that the lack of finances was one of the reasons why some mothers chose to have an abortion. 

Also present during the event were staff from the JMJ Pregnancy Center, The Pregnancy Centers, and Life Choices Medical Clinic. They offered free counseling and baby formula for those who needed it. 

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