Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Catholics from three parishes in Kissimmee are working together to support mothers in need through the Walking with Moms in Need program. The initiative, started by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops five years ago, encourages parishes like Holy Redeemer to provide essential resources such as formula and diapers for women seeking help.

Yarimer Pietrantoni began the ministry with a special fund, but after funds ran out, she reached out to Leidy Rivas, director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Culture of Life office. Recognizing a lack of pregnancy centers in Kissimmee, Rivas sought support from Father Derek Saldanha of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Cloud and Father Charles Viviano at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Lake Nona. Both pastors agreed to participate.

“I believe this initiative may inspire other parishes to consider similar outreach efforts,” Rivas said. “The goal is not only to help Holy Redeemer obtain much needed baby supplies like diapers and formula, but also to raise awareness of the WWMIN ministry — a nationwide initiative that supports families in need and provides vital resources and referrals. This drive offers a beautiful opportunity for our parishes to accompany families in both their physical and spiritual needs.”

Father Saldanha involved his parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, which organized a baby supply drive. A parish doctor contributed $9,000 worth of supplies for Holy Redeemer.

“It fits in well with the bishop’s mission to harmonize ministries,” said Father Saldanha of the collaboration. “Instead of having multiple Walking with Moms in Need at each parish, which might be difficult, I thought, if there is already something at Holy Redeemer, we can help stock up their inventory. Then when there is a need for a mom in our boundaries, we can call Holy Redeemer, and they can help that family. It’s working together. Many of our churches don’t have this ministry. But how beautiful for us to come together to serve the ministry at a central location,” he said.

Father Saldanha assured Pietrantoni that Holy Redeemer will continue receiving support when supplies run low.

Laura Block coordinated contributions from St. Cabrini parish and delivered them to Holy Redeemer. She noted the organization within the ministry space managed by Pietrantoni, who spends her days off preparing supplies for visiting mothers and keeping records on what each recipient receives.

According to Pietrantoni, thousands of women have been assisted over several years; on average, about 45 women are served each second Saturday monthly, though sometimes as many as 75 wait for assistance. Most recipients travel long distances on foot or by bus and often have multiple children.

“Recently, even more women are coming. They come from all over and from many different countries, and even women suffering from domestic violence,” said Pietrantoni. She added, “We will be eternally grateful. To see how the faithful responded was impactful. They clearly want to help those in need.”

Pietrantoni also delivers items directly to mothers experiencing crises, such as a mother abandoned by her husband who was left pregnant with two children with autism; the ministry provided her shelter along with supplies for her children.

“The ministry has not been easy,” she said. “It has cost me tears, but it’s a blessing because we serve so many women in need. In those mothers we see Christ. And to work for God is the best thing. With the help of these parishes, we can help even more.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and encompasses 79 parishes across several counties including Osceola where these ministries operate; it is currently led by Bishop James Noonan (https://www.orlandodiocese.org/).

To learn more about Walking with Moms Ministry, visit their website.