By Anne DiBernardo - Florida Catholic
MIRAMAR | Thanks to an outreach program for pregnant women in need, three Haitian mothers can breathe more easily: They will be able to care for their infants minus the worry of purchasing pricey necessities such as a stroller, car seat, diapers, and clothes.
The women received their layette sets at the annual Mass to benefit expectant mothers in the Haitian community, one of the many community outreach programs sponsored by the Miami Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (MACCW).
Participating in the Mass and raising funds for the layette is another way for the Church to defend life, said Father Patrick Charles, pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Miramar, where the Mass and reception took place June 11. He drew a correlation to the well-known Gospel passage, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me” (Matt 25:45). “This is fulfilling the Gospel.”
Manise Thelemaque arrived toting her 18-day-old son, Woulensky, and joined expectant moms Shirley Raphael and Darlyne Dumas at the reception in their honor. Seated amid a meticulous display of pink and blue onesies, bottles, rattles, and other miscellaneous items, the women mingled with approximately 30 MACCW members who gathered for the occasion.
The MACCW raised $500 through their church affiliations to purchase each of them a Graco stroller/car seat combo and diapers. They also personally donated enough baby items to get them off to a good start.
The glowing moms seemed overjoyed not just by the outpouring of generosity but by the experience of caring and fellowship from the Catholic community.
The layette project is a way to help women get on their feet, said Father Charles, noting that recipients are selected according to their needs. “It’s not only what they receive materially, but the affection too,” he said. “I am very happy the MACCW have come here to organize the baby shower for these women.”
Ann Cubillas, chair of the MACCW’s International Commission and vice-chair of the Haitian Mass and layette committee, said St. Stephen’s was selected because of its large Haitian population. Father Charles recommended parishioners Raphael and Dumas to be this year’s recipients.
Second-time mom Dumas was expecting her baby boy June 20. She also has an eight-year-old daughter, Daryn Nelson. “I am very happy and appreciative,” she said with the help of a translator.
“I am so excited,” said Raphael. She has already named her first child, a baby girl who is due Sept. 18, Saschuenka Scarlet Charles.
The MACCW also consulted with the Respect Life Office. This year the staff recommended Thelemaque, who migrated from Haiti to Brazil before settling down in South Florida. Thelemaque is a client of the North Dade Pregnancy Help Center and was enrolled in the “earn while you learn” program for pregnant couples.
She delivered her baby one month early via emergency Caesarean section due to pre-eclampsia, a prenatal condition brought on by high blood pressure. Joining her was her three-year-old daughter – now a big sister – Tanisha. She was happy to pose for photos with her children and, although she does not speak any English, continually smiled and said, “Merci.”
MACCW President Sharon Utterback explained that the tradition of gifting women in need with a layette dates back to 1983 and a Mass for expectant mothers from South Florida’s Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. In 2002, a decline in participation from the Indian tribes led then MACCW President Mary Weber to seek the advice from then Bishop Thomas Wenski, who suggested the tradition continue on behalf of the Haitian community, given their great need. Originally timed to coincide with the feast of St. Kateri Takakwitha, the first Native American saint, the MACCW now schedules the event around the feast day of Haiti’s patroness, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, June 27.
“The MACCW Mass and layette program is very close to Archbishop Wenski’s heart,” Cubillas said.
At his behest, the annual event, which was traditionally held at St. Mary Cathedral, is now rotated among parishes with a large Haitian community. This change also gives the MACCW an opportunity to expand its membership.
“This is something we love to do, women helping women,” said Cubillas. “Knowing these young women are going to get a good start on their new journey as moms is congruent with the MACCW mission to support the respect life ministry.”