KISSIMMEE | Catholics from three local parishes are teaming up to embrace mothers in need. The team dedicated to life and love can be found at Holy Redeemer, Kissimmee among a donation pile of formula, diapers and more. This is all part of Walking with Moms in Need, a program started five years ago by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The idea is for parishes like Holy Redeemer to become islands of mercy for women who desperately need help.

Yarimer Pietrantoni started the ministry with a special fund several years ago, but when the money ran out, she contacted Leidy Rivas, director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Culture of Life office. They both knew the program had to continue because there are no longer any pregnancy centers in Kissimmee.

Assuring Pietrantoni she would find support, Rivas called on two area parish pastors, Father Derek Saldanha of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Cloud and Father Charles Viviano at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Lake Nona. Both pastors immediately agreed to help.

“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.”

Happy to help, Father Saldanha reached out to his St. Vincent de Paul Society members who in turn coordinated a baby supply drive. In addition to gathering much needed supplies, a doctor in the parish provided $9,000 worth of supplies for the ministry at 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, Holy Redeemer can count on them when it’s time to replenish their inventory.

Laura Block coordinated efforts at St. Cabrini. Delivering supplies to Holy Redeemer, she was impressed by the organization of the space dedicated to the ministry. Pietrantoni is often found there on her days off, shelving supplies, folding clothes, and making sure everything is ready for visiting mothers. Recipients register for services through the ministry and Pietrantoni keeps track of what they are given.

She estimates the ministry helped thousands of women over the past few years and noted the supplies will last several months. The ministry helps an estimated 45 women the second Saturday of every month, although some days they’ve had up to 75 mothers waiting in line. Many come a long way and most walk or take a bus to get there. Often, the mothers 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.”

She also goes and delivers items to mothers in crisis. One mother who came was recently abandoned by her husband. Left pregnant and with two other children with autism, the ministry helped her find a place to live, gave her a cradle for the baby and clothes and toys for the children. “When we have to, we go to homes and take care of them,” she said.

“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.”

Click here to learn more about Walking with Moms Ministry.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, October 9, 2025