During the Trenton Ecumenical Area Ministry’s annual benefit awards dinner, held at Ewing Presbyterian Church, Ewing, June 5, the interdenominational Christian ministry honored representatives of multiple churches. Among them was Dominican Sister Loretta Maggio, emergency assistance program director for the Mount Carmel Guild.

Sister Loretta and six additional honorees were recognized by TEAM for their notable service to their communities. Sister Loretta and the Mount Carmel Guild have a particular ministry to the poor in the Trenton area, who depend upon the guild and other inner-city assistance organizations to supplement everyday needs.

Upon beginning her ministry at the guild 26 years ago, Sister Loretta said that she “began to learn more of the many needs of people living at or below poverty level.”

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Sister Loretta joined the Dominican Sisters more than 50 years ago. Her early ministry focused on education, as she taught in elementary and junior high schools, becoming one of the first directors of religious education in the Brooklyn Diocese, and working as a parish minister in Suffolk County, Long Island. Sister Loretta also has an extensive academic background in philosophy, theology, pastoral counseling and substance abuse recovery, and is a New Jersey state certified social worker.

“In my years at Mount Carmel Guild I have been inspired by the dedication of those I have worked with,” Sister Loretta said, “and by the patience, joyful spirit and reliance on God of those who come to our office for assistance.  I feel truly blessed.”

Also honored during the awards benefit were Rev. Raymond Broach of Trenton Deliverance Church; Rev. Kathleen Smallwood Johnson of Macedonia Baptist Church; Minister Lorene Williams of Shiloh Baptist Church, and Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Woods of St. Phillips Baptist Church. Special recognition was also given to Rev. Samuel K. Atchison of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Rev. Darrell L. Armstrong of Shiloh Baptist Church. Keynote speaker for the evening was Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr., president and CEO of Amechi, Inc., Philadelphia.

Since 1920 the diocesan-based Mount Carmel Guild has partnered with other Trenton assistance agencies to provide relief in the form of food donations, home health care and supplemental financial aid for utilities and prescriptions. Its Emergency Assistance program alone serves more than 8,000 households per year, distributing upwards of 20,000 bags of food, with the need growing annually. Despite employment, clients served by the Guild do not earn enough to afford even basic necessities. Additionally the Guild serves single adults who subsist on a fixed income or are unable to secure consistent employment.

TEAM was founded in 1941 as the Council of Churches of Greater Trenton. Its mission is to serve the community through collaboration with its member organizations and other community agencies. TEAM serves as an intermediary, facilitating community outreach efforts of faith- and community-based organizations, and also provides financial and technical assistance to agencies that serve at-risk populations.