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Gabriel Project seeks bilingual volunteers

Christine Stoddard | Catholic Herald

María Luisa Aliaga’s office is stocked with diapers
and other hallmarks of early motherhood, even mini snow boots
trimmed with ribbon and fleece. But she is not a new mother.
She is the diocesan coordinator for Gabriel Project, a
nationwide ministry for expectant mothers in need of
friendship, prenatal care and other support.

Every day, Aliaga assists new mothers by taking their phone
calls, finding them rides to doctor appointments, praying for
them and otherwise “filling in the gaps.” She does this with
the help of three other employees and a team of volunteers –
the latter of which are in short supply. The main barriers to
growing their volunteer team are language and location.

In the Arlington Diocese, the bulk of these mothers live in
Manassas and Woodbridge. Many are newly arrived Latin
American immigrants who speak little to no English. They may
be so new that they do not know their neighbors, have not
made any friends and have not chosen a parish, said Sarah
LaPierre, the diocesan Gabriel Project director. But they see
a sign for Gabriel Project and call the helpline.

Aliaga, a native Salvadorian, connects the Spanish-speaking
mothers to various resources, but “there are so many that I
can only spend a small time with each one.”

Hence the need for bilingual English and Spanish “Angels,”
especially ones who can provide one-on-one support to mothers
in Prince William County. An Angel’s duties vary, depending
on the mother’s specific situation. The primary
responsibility is to build trust – trust in the Angel and
trust in God. Many Angels give rides to their assigned
mothers, taking them to the doctor and interpreting during
the visit. The Angel might also be available for phone
conversations, coffee dates, English classes, prayer group,
Bible study and other social and spiritual activities that
connect the mother to her greater Catholic and secular
community.

“Gabriel Angels give the gift of time, of listening, of being
present,” said LaPierre.

Aliaga added that while the formal commitment ends when the
baby is born, many Angels become godmothers to the babies
whose mothers they supported. Others stay involved in the
mother’s life as friends or religious role models.

The experience of volunteering is as much about giving as it
is learning and growing.

“Angels tell me that they (learn) a lot of virtues from the
moms,” said Aliaga. “They learn patience, strength and trust
in God because these moms do not give up. They look for help
despite the language barrier, and they are so pleased with
the volunteers. They are so grateful.”

For those unable or unwilling to volunteer as an Angel at
this time, volunteering as a medical interpreter or driver
are also appreciated gifts of time.

In lieu of volunteering, LaPierre said “anyone can be a
supporter of our ministry by offering prayers and donations
of material items and monetary contributions.”

Gabriel Project will offer its next volunteer training and
orientation March 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holy
Trinity Church in Gainesville. The session will take place in
English. Registration may be completed at arlingtondiocse.org/gpavolunteer.

“A Gabriel Project Angel volunteer not only represents our
ministry and our diocese, but Christ and His church,” said
LaPierre.

Stoddard can be reached at [email protected].

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