BRECKSVILLE, Ohio
— About 150 people attended the fourth annual Miracle of Mariapoch Gala, a fundraiser for the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch in Burton, Ohio. The May 11 event was held at the New Orleans Party Center of St. Joseph Parish.
The pastor, Father Bruce Riebe, began the evening with prayer, and shrine director Deacon Bill Fredrick welcomed the guests.
Attendees then wined and dined on an assortment of small plate offerings and desserts, including a doughnut bar, prepared by Bob Dirda and volunteers.
The Aurora High School Orchestra Ensemble provided the musical entertainment.
Special guests were Erin Hathaway, Ohio regional director of Maggie’s Place Zechariah House, and Malikha, a former resident. Hathaway described Zechariah House as a home of hospitality for pregnant mothers. She said the original Maggie’s Place in Arizona was named for St. Mary Magdalene.
Today there are six homes in Arizona and one home in Ohio, Zechariah House, located at a former convent of a Roman Catholic parish in Garfield Heights. Zechariah House can house up to 12 mothers and babies, as well as live-in staff. To date, it has served 117 moms and babies.
Malikha said the words “purpose” and “hope” describe her experience at Zechariah House. While living there, she studied for her nursing degree and later became a nurse practitioner. When a job came up in another city, Zechariah House helped her to relocate.
“It’s not a shelter; it’s a home,” she said.
Hathaway said the program is about life, the gift of life and becoming family. Their alumnae mom program keeps former residents in contact and organizes a social for them over the holidays.
Hathaway said the biggest need for Zechariah House is prayer, though a list of material needs is listed on its website.
Deacon Fredrick announced that the shrine would tithe the gala’s proceeds to Zechariah House.
“I’m sure God is smiling tonight,” he said.
The gala raised $7,862. The funds will go toward shrine improvements, including new asphalt for the dining pavilion, access ramps to restrooms and a path to the gift shop.
Sunday Divine Liturgies for the summer season have begun at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch. Liturgies start at 4 p.m.
The annual eparchial pilgrimage to the shrine will be held Aug. 17-18. Details are forthcoming.
Caption:
Ohio regional director of Maggie’s Place Zechariah House Erin Hathaway, right, and Malikha, a former resident, address participants at the annual fundraiser for the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch, held May 11. (Photo: Reen Nemeth)
As published in Horizons, June 2, 2019. Sign up for Horizons’ digital newsletter.