The diocesan Virtual Women’s Group has broadened their horizons and expanded their knowledge of the Church and its teachings without ever leaving home. Through listening to the podcast “Catechism in a Year” by evangelizer Father Mike Schmitz, individual study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and weekly Sunday Zoom meetings, the group completed the program Jan. 1 of this year.
The group, which was formed a few years ago during the Covid pandemic, got together in the solarium of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, for a potluck lunch and a belated Christmas gift exchange. The members talked about the fruits of their studies and their future plans.
“I wish all teenagers could hear it because it’s so beautiful,” said women’s group member Kim Azzinaro in reference to the podcast. “Father Mike is them. His personality, his delivery resonates with them. He talks about how loved we all are.”
As the cleric says in the podcast, “It is not about information transfer, but transformation.” Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director of the diocesan Office of Family Life, explained that being “transformed through an encounter with Christ” is what is needed most to fully appreciate and understand the Catechism.
“Without that relationship one cannot possibly make sense of many things which seem harsh by the world’s standards,” she said. “Remaining focused on Christ is the only way to see that what our faith offers is really based on true love.”
The dynamic group of women consists of members from various dioceses parishes within the Diocese of Metuchen and also from the Trenton Diocese. They are open to anyone interested in joining and are not geographically bound because of the Zoom format. The group has been steadily growing thanks to word of mouth and bulletin advertisements.
“In our meetings we discussed the week’s readings and podcast episodes, and any highlights or questions,” explained D’Averso-Collins. “Very robust discussions ensued. We discussed anything that the women wanted to in terms of how the Catechism relates to their lives, the current culture, etc. We relate everything to our daily lives, families and faith life at home,” she said. noting, “Everyone feels comfortable knowing that what they say will be kept confidential and that everyone will genuinely pray for one another.”
In addition to the “Catechism in a Year” program, the women also have a group chat where members can make prayer requests, offer prayers for one another and share important information. One member, Carol Goodman, from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, shared how pastor Father Hank Hilton’s livestreamed “Fireside Psalms” were very well received and so helpful during the pandemic and beyond.
This year virtual women’s group they are undertaking “The Bible in a Year,” also with Father Mike Schmitz, which was inspired by “The Great Adventure Bible Timeline” created by renowned Catholic biblical scholar Jeff Cavins. Although the group began Day 1 of the podcast on Jan. 15 new members are invited to join the group.
“There are many stories in the Bible but there is one main story,” said Corazon Jeevaratnam, who shared with the group some valuable materials from Ascension Press that aid in her studies, such as the Bible timeline chart. She asserted that Jeff Cavins is a “super scholar” who is “truly an asset to the Church,” and all in the group agreed.
“My hope is that this year proves to be as fruitful as the last one,” D’Averso-Collins expressed. “I know that we have all grown so much by studying the Catechism and am personally very excited to read through the whole Bible. Apart from the Mass we often know certain tidbits from the Bible rather than the whole story/overarching plan of salvation history. The goal is for all of us to be able to truly deepen our appreciation for God’s plan for salvation and his love for mankind.”
Zoom meetings will again be held on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and anyone interested can contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at 732-562-1990, ext. 2478.