By Lois Rogers | Correspondent

Ask Theresa Addeo what sparked her interest in a new ministry called Catholic Women of Zion in 1989, and she doesn’t hesitate to share what compelled her to open a door that has never since closed.

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Addeo recalled how she was a practicing but not necessarily overly involved Catholic who attended Mass without fail every weekend in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, now one of two worship sites of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park. During a time when the Trenton Diocese was calling Catholics to renew their faith, Addeo felt a pull to do so. “I was trying to fulfill something more in faith than just going to church like an average Catholic,” said Addeo. “It wasn’t enough.”

The something else turned out to be Catholic Women of Zion, co-founded by Mary Ann Collett and Father John Campoli, a priest of the Voluntas Dei Institute and founder of His Love Ministries, to serve the needs of women for physical, spiritual and emotional healing, as well as to provide a sense of connection that would lead into deeper, more wide-ranging experience of faith.

The ongoing journey of faith that is CWOZ will be celebrated widely at the ministry’s annual rally from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Sept. 9 in Holy Family Church, Lakewood.

The rally theme, “On Earth As It Is In Heaven,” was chosen, said Collett, because it emphasizes the need to recognize God’s powerful presence on earth, particularly for those in need during these trying times.

The daylong rally will include featured speaker Maria Vadia, Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship, healing prayers, vendors of religious materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Diocesan Chancellor Terry Ginther will address rally participants on behalf of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Vadia is an evangelist, author and international presenter who founded the “Jesus is Lord” Miami chapter of Magnificat, a ministry to Catholic women, and is connected with Glory House of Miami, a safe haven for victims of human trafficking. She is active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese of Miami.

The rally’s music program “demonstrates the diversity present in our Church and the joy that emerges when we unify in purpose,” said Collett.  The day will include CWOZ’s music minister Lorrie Tomlinson; Joyful Praise from St. Veronica Parish, Howell; the Diocese of Trenton BLD Philippine Music Ministry; St. Anthony Claret Parish Hispanic Music Ministry, Lakewood, and the Maki Polish Children’s Dance Group from St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood.

“This rally is a gathering of women coming together with the purpose of praising and worshipping, rather than a retreat day, which is a time of personal reflection. Both experiences promote spiritual growth in our Church,” explained Collett, who was inspired to found CWOZ following her experiences of ministering along with Father Campoli at the monthly Healing Masses in Holy Trinity Church, Long Branch.

The Mission

The purpose and aim of Catholic Women of Zion, which has operated with the approval of the bishops of the Trenton Diocese since its founding, has always been to provide a forum for personal and spiritual growth, said Collett, who currently serves as pastoral associate in St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood. She also holds a master of social work degree in clinical social work from Fordham University, New York, a master of arts degree in theology from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and is a commissioned lay minister, spiritual director and clinical social worker.

Collett, who has been the group’s director throughout, said Catholic Women of Zion has two chapters: Chapter 1, based in Holy Family Church on County Line Road in Lakewood, and Chapter 2, which meets in St. Pius X Parish, Forked River.

Over the years, she said, Catholic Women of Zion has worked to meet the needs of women by establishing a number of ministries to provide an overall support network that includes networking and a prayer chain – both on the Internet and by phone – where members can share the physical and emotional needs of friends and family members.

The services of a psychologist and a social worker, when they are available, address practical solutions that may be needed, she said.

Making It Real

The group’s retreat days, such as one held Aug. 12 in St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, usually draw from 50 to 100 women, Collett explained.

At this retreat, the schedule was warmly familiar to many of the 50 women attending, beginning with Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Thomas Maher, music, prayers for healing, a speaker, sharing, networking and lunch in the parish hall.

Jennifer Maher, the speaker and Father Maher’s sister-in-law, shared uplifting insight on her 22 years as a wife and mother of eight in a presentation titled, “I am the Potter, You are the Clay.”

Active for more than 10 years in the Diocese as a religious education teacher and a Pre-Cana group facilitator for “God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage,” Maher currently serves as a member of the diocese’s Natural Family Planning Committee.

In attendance were women from all aspects and ages, from Altar Rosary Societies and the Legion of Mary to Charismatics to what Collett and Addeo referred to as a growing number of young women, all seeking companionship, support and in many cases, consolation as they strive to prayerfully meet complex, contemporary challenges.

Participants who wish to attend the Catholic of Women of Zion’s Sept. 9 rally, must register in advance at www.cwoz.org or call and leave their phone number and the spelling of their last name at 732-363-0139, ext. 777, by Sept. 5. The cost, including breakfast and a boxed lunch, is $35, which is payable at the door.