-
St. Luke is blessed to be able to have the Project Gabriel ministry in the parish. This ministry is headed up by dedicated Margie Zepeda, who says "she is blessed with many volunteers who help in all areas which are needed to continue this ministry from washing and folding donated clothes to carrying and putting away the heavier items and helping the annual baby shower etc."
Margie stated that all referrals come from the diocese and sometimes gets women from other areas of town, due to the fact that there is not a church near them or their church does not provide this ministry. One of the most memorable experiences was "a young disabled woman who came to her house for donations and was brought by Metro-lift. This woman needed everything and since some of the larger items did not fit in the Metro-lift, Margie and her husband had to follow Metro, quite some distance away, and between all of them they were able to unload all the items".
Another incident was "a young woman who lived in South Houston and her trailer home burned down. She had to move in with her mother and did not have any items for the baby. So again items were provided for her".
Not only do volunteers provide services needed for the ministry, there are regular volunteers who buy things when they are on sale to be sure they are available for when they are needed. The generous donations include walkers, high chairs, cribs, clothing, etc. A baby shower usually happens in June to stock up on diapers, wipies, baby toiletries, and money donations. Also, the Catholic Daughters have graciously donated money funds and the Knights of Columbus have provided funds for this ministry also.
What a wonderful blessing this ministry is able to provide with
the help od so many good stewards.
