Volume 12, Issue 1 April, 2003
| The Spirit of the Cenacle is the official Newsletter of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. It is published three times during the year in conjunction with the liturgical seasons of Advent, Lent/Easter, and Ordinary Time. The deadline for the next issue is August 1, 2003. Please submit materials for the newsletter to Smittie Bolner, 460 Bancroft Way, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. E-mail: sbolner@cox.net. |
In This Issue: From
Fr. Domingo + Council and
Regional News + Leadership
Assembly + Missionary Cenacle Family + Reflection
Stewardship + Assembly
Photographs
Editor's Note: Each issue of the newsletter features a letter from our General Custodian. The opening address by Josie Morales at the recent MCA Assembly will serve as the letter in this issue.
May the Grace and Peace of the Hoy Spirit Be with Us Forever!
Thank you all for your presence. The war didn’t keep you away. You are true missionaries!In April of 1999, under the leadership of the former MCA General Custodian, Marvine Waite and her Council, the first MCA Leadership Assembly was held here at Holy Trinity. This Assembly, organized by Pat Regan, was a success. Its purpose was to promote leadership at all levels of the MCA and to nominate candidates for the office of General Custodian and Assistant General Custodian. It also made clear that the growth of the MCA depended on the development of leaders. For that reason, and to hold ourselves accountable, I, with the General Council, decided to gather our leaders once more on this holy ground.
Much preparation has taken place for this assembly. You have also prepared well. I want you to know that you are “la crème de la crème” of the Cenacle.
Four years ago, I had no idea that I would be here with you in the year of the Lord, 2003. At the time, I personally didn't feel that it was my time to become available for the position of General Custodian. However, the call to "take care of the Cenacle—as you are, others will be" was quite strong. And in spite of my own doubts, this call is constantly being confirmed. I felt extremely humbled and inadequate to be in the position held by Dr. Margaret Healy for so many years. One day, I was reading the book "Margaret: Called and Chosen" which has her picture on the cover, and my three year old granddaughter, Liana, said, "Grandma, you look like that lady." What a model this woman has been for me!
You have received my report of the last four years. Let me add a few points. In the area of finances, we are grateful for the generous financial help we have received from the other branches. We could not hold this assembly without their help. Thanks to the success of the Stewardship project we have taken a step towards financial independence and we have even been able to assist some of the regions with administration costs. As the MCA grows at the regional level, so do administrative expenses. If we are to become financially independent, each MCA member needs to own the work of God through their vocation and the charism received. This takes a special kind of commitment and responsibility. Dr. Margaret Healy is the perfect example.
After consulting with the General Council and the Sisters supervising our office and secretary, I made the decision to close the General Office in Philadelphia. The three main responsibilities of the General Office were the newsletter, the membership directory and the secretarial services for the General Council. Jim and Smittie Bolner have graciously taken over the newsletter and the membership list. This resulted in significant savings to us and the Sisters who were providing the monies for the MCA office and staff. I, with occasional help, take care of the secretarial needs. For legal purposes and the Sisters permission, we have maintained the office address in Philadelphia.
These past four years have been incredible. Much has taken place, and I have learned much. Most notably, I have learned that our Missionary Cenacle Family ties are very important, and that it is not wise to grow apart from each other. Marvine Waite was instrumental in the creation of The Missionary Cenacle Family Council; this is the instrument that God is using to call the Cenacle Family to faithfulness to the founding charism and to living out its mission.
Together as a family we need to face the pressing needs of the times. This is a challenge which tests our spiritual maturity in a very human way. In this area, I am very happy to see that we are learning to use our collective gifts, time, talents and treasures to be a power for good.
I want to strongly emphasize that this is the time for the lay branches to take their place in this vineyard. The sleeping giant is not yet fully awake and we have work to do. I am convinced that we too are being called to awaken others, to put aside those things that have kept us asleep and immature.
Not long ago, the Family Council took a poll on the issues of peace and justice. The response has been good and demonstrated a lot of interest. Yet, this is an area in which much more could be done. Jim Bolner is working on a website to provide information on peace and justice issues. I encourage all members to get involved—each in his or her own way. This is the mind of the Church; This is part of our Rule of Life; and, now more than ever, this is a pressing need of the times.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you for allowing me to be your servant. Thank you also for the strength, support and inspiration that you continue to give me as you respond to your call to mission in the providence of your daily life.
I am so happy to see you all here and to assure you that the MCA is alive and growing. But it cannot grow without leaders and that is why you are here. Fr. Judge believed in the MCA. He said, “have no doubt, the work of the Cenacle is the work of God.” Mother Boniface did much to encourage the Cenacle leaders. Dr. Margaret Healy guided the Cenacle for 37 years with joy and without complaint. Her spirit lives in us and calls us to Cenacle leadership.
Do you believe in the Cenacle as she did? Do you believe that it is by the grace of god that you are here in this assembly, on this holy ground? Do you truly believe that the spirit wishes to do much good through you? Then, do not say; “I am not a leader.” Rather, ask yourself, “what am I willing to do for the Cenacle.”
Josie Morales, MCA
General Custodian
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPIRITUAL GUIDE
Easter, 2003
My dear Friends:
May the grace and peace of
the
Holy Spirit be with us forever!
Life is diminished by each withering leaf which falls to the ground. War . . . human beings violently killing each other, will always be the most dramatic experience of the diminishment of life. Violence, hostility, terrorism, greed and ambition will continue to strangle the joy and peace intended by the Creator for the human race. That my friends, is the prevailing tragedy of our days.
In the midst of “smart bombs” and not so smart human beings handling life, we have come to another celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. The power of death, we proclaim, no longer holds sway over humanity. The power of the Resurrection has overpowered the absolute diminishment of life, which is death as we know it. Life everlasting is now truly possible for all who believe. We are actually celebrating the transforming power of faith. To believe beyond the daily onslaught of doubt, confusion, pain, disappointments, betrayals, unfaithfulness, common heartaches and all that is part of our fallen nature. To believe that by Christ’s Resurrection we are no longer victims of the human condition but victors. The struggle between sin and grace has been fought . . . and we have won!
Fully alive then, with Christ and in Christ, we once again take ownership of Christ’s love for the Father. With Christ and in Christ we take ownership in a renewed manner, of “the fire” which our founder, Father Thomas Augustine Judge so desired would identify and characterize the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and the whole Missionary Cenacle Family.
Let our Alleluia ring loud and clear as men and women of faith . . . even beyond the din of war and violence! May the Easter joy be yours now and throughout the days to come!
With best wishes and my love,
In the Most Holy Trinity,
Father Domingo Rodríguez, ST
International Spiritual Guide
Missionary Cenacle Apostolate Council March 25-26,
2003
Holy
Trinity, AL
Present: Josie Morales, General Custodian; Jim Bolner, Assistant General Custodian; José Castro, Councilor for Holy Spirit Region (Western U.S.); Angel Garcia, Councilor for Incarnation Region (Northeast U.S.); Joanne Jones, Councilor for Trinity Region (Southeast U.S.); Vicente Mora, Councilor for Santa Maria de Guadalupe Region (Mexico); Maria Enriquetta Quiros, Councilor for Nuestra Señora De Los Angeles Region (Costa Rica) (arrived 3/26); Alma Robles, Councilor for San Juan Bautista Region (Puerto Rico).
Special Guests: Fr. John Seymour, ST, Acting General Spiritual Guide (Holy Spirit Region) and Smittie Bolner, MCA, (recorder).
The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with prayer and introductions. A special welcome was given to Vicente Mora, who is attending a General Council meeting for the first time.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Most reports had been submitted in advance and sent to each Regional Custodian. Josie requested that each Regional Custodian provide a brief oral report in which they shared reflections on noteworthy events or special needs in their regions.
San Juan Bautista Region
Alma Robles discussed the extraordinary growth and success of the MCA in Puerto Rico. A Mission Team has been working over the past year to promote the development and formation of the MCA within the Region. Region-wide accomplishments included three days of reflection, two retreats, a Regional Encounter involving family members and friends outside the MCA, and an Encounter for children and youth. Apostolic works included assisting the community of Pueblo Indio, Canovanas, both spiritually and materially, including fund-raising activities for a chapel. Members of the MCA have been invited by different parishes throughout the island to give presentations on the MCA. This has been a result of a listing, along with a description of the MCA, in the Diocesan Directory. Josie commended the MCA in Puerto Rico for its work among the poor and abandoned, especially in Pueblo Indio. There is much collaboration between the MCA and other branches in Puerto Rico. Josie exhorted others to learn from the experience of Puerto Rico in working in harmony with Missionary Cenacle Family members and youth for the growth of the MCA.
Holy Spirit Region
José Castro has been extremely active, visiting Cenacles and overseeing formation in the area. He has strong support from the Regional Spiritual Guide, Father John Seymour, ST. Communication among the Cenacles works well, due largely to the successful creation of five areas, each with an Area Coordinator, who is in close contact with the Regional Custodian. There is also a Communication Team, which keeps members informed of prayer and other needs of MCA members. The region has been active in its outreach to youth and to children, holding retreats for young people. Youth and Angel Cenacles (for children between the ages of 8-13 years) will be initiated. The Custodians and Assistant Custodians meet monthly—fifteen or sixteen Cenacles from the south meet in Josie’s house; three Cenacles from the San Bernardino area meet in that area. The Cenacles in Tucson and Seattle are too far removed to meet with the other groups. Josie commended the Region for its participation in the stewardship program. Over 90 percent of the members contribute financially to the MCA. Luz de la Torre is responsible for initiating and implementing an envelope-based system in which members make monthly contributions. José voiced two needs: space to hold meetings and retreats and need for more Spiritual Guides in the area for local cenacles.
The question was raised as to how the experience of the California Cenacles relates to the regions that do not have the advantage of having Cenacles in close proximity to each other. There was general agreement that the solution is in exploiting various means of communication—e-mail, shared retreats, visitations, and the MCA Newsletter. Fr. John, in commenting on the importance of staying in touch, said that any Cenacle not in communication with other Cenacles and with the general MCA will not grow. The members will become more dependent on parish priests, and will lose sight of Cenacle spirituality and their mission as lay apostles.
Nuestra Señora De Los Angeles Region
Maria Enriquetta Quiros, in elaborating on her written report, commented that the Cenacles in Costa Rica have not grown. The Cenacles are dependent on the seminary, but the seminarians do not have enough time to devote to the MCA. As a result, formation among Cenacle members has suffered. Although the apostolic work continues, members seem to be more responsive to commitments to individual parishes rather than to the MCA. She asked for counsel on ways to inform people about the Cenacle. Some suggestions were one-on-one consultations, participation in encounter groups such as those held in Puerto Rico, and radio broadcasts. The situation of the Cenacle in Colombia continues to be of concern. After visiting Colombia, Father Domingo, the International Spiritual Guide, recommended that the Cenacle there be temporarily suspended. Father Kevin Nugent, ST, and the Regional Custodian will travel to Colombia soon to make an assessment of the situation.
Josie cautioned all of the Custodians on the need to be selective in admitting candidates to the Cenacle. Jim Bolner reminded us that Father Judge stressed the need to make every Catholic an Apostle—not to make every Catholic a member of the Cenacle.
Trinity Region
Joanne Jones expressed gratitude to members of the other branches for their continued support of the MCA in the Trinity Region. She described the Prayer Apostolate Cenacles that are being formed for those MCA members who are no longer able to be actively involved in the MCA. This past year marked the growth of a more culturally diverse MCA within the Region. Cenacles in Dickson, TN; Tallahassee, FL; and Dublin, GA, have seen an influx of Spanish-speaking members. The increase in the number of Spanish-speaking people in the area presents a challenge to the ability of members to communicate effectively in this predominately English-speaking region. The greatest challenge in the region is that posed by geography. The region encompasses a wide area, spread as far reaching as Louisiana to the west and North Carolina and Tennessee to the north, making participation in regional activities difficult. The region is divided into five areas, which are in contact primarily through e-mail communication, the annual Pentecost retreats, and the fall leadership workshop. As part of her communication efforts, Joanne has distributed a disk containing the following files: 1) membership directory, 2) formation, 3) ministry/missionary, 4) stewardship, 5) goals of Jubileo/Puerto Rico Conferences 6) Spiritual Guide manual, 7) MCA logo.
Incarnation Region
Angel Garcia replaced Marie Boin as Regional Custodian following her resignation due to illness. He is interested in visiting the Cenacles in the region and getting to know the members. Because of the turnover in the Regional Custodian office there is currently no Assistant Regional Custodian. Josie clarified that it is up to the Region as to whether to appoint or elect the Assistant Regional Custodian. She will work with Angel to resolve the situation in the Incarnation Region.Santa Maria de Guadalupe Region
Vicente Mora began his report with a bit of history. When the STs went to Buenavista, Michoacan, in 1979, the people rejected them because they were Americans (Gringos). Father Eugene Mueller was largely responsible for bringing about a change in attitude. Through his work with children in the parish, he managed to win over the parents. When the sisters came, the people loved them. Sr. Margaret Fay was very influential in educating the people about the MCA. She planted the idea of empowering the laity and taught them the difference between ministry and mission. Apostolic works of the Cenacle members include visiting families, visiting jails, and gathering food to share with the poor. The region is very poor; the members work hard to build self-esteem by involving the people in various community events and MCA functions. The region is divided into two areas: Buenavista and Santa Ana in Michoacan and Temascalapa in Mexico state. José Antonio Olivera is the Assistant Regional Custodian in Temascalapa. Because the two areas are so remote from each other, he functions more like a Regional Custodian for the area of Temascalapa. He and Vicente communicate frequently through the fax machine provided by the MCA Council. While the stewardship contributions are not as great as that from other regions, the members continue to give as much as they can and pray that their brothers and sisters in the MCA realize that it is from the heart. In Buenavista and Santa Ana the members held a number of functions to raise funds to help pay expenses for the trip to Holy Trinity for the Assembly.
AWe did this because we want to be present as a region and participate in the decisions of the MCA that will be made at the Assembly.”REASSIGNMENT OF THE STs AND THE MSBTs IN MEXICO
The STs and the MSBTs will be leaving the areas of Buenavista and Santa Ana very shortly. The people, especially in Santa Ana are upset, because they feel dependent on the priests and the sisters. It was pointed out that when the priests and brothers leave, the Regional Custodian and the Assistant Regional Custodian will be responsible for taking on duties for the growth of the Cenacle. AWhen the Sisters and the priests leave, it will be a big challenge,@ said Vicente. AWe know that because of the preparation we received from them, we will be able to continue the work they began, and the MCA will grow.@ Sister Maria Lauren Donahue, the Spiritual Guide, has recommended patience and continuous formation for Cenacles that are not strong. Father John Seymour, ST, will be in Temascalapa in June and again in November and will visit Michoacan. Council members stressed the importance of communication among Cenacles and the General Council.
MCA IN SANTA DOMINGO
Alma requested and received counsel regarding issues concerning Santo Domingo.
FAMILY COUNCIL
Josie distributed copies of the MCFC Newsletter. She reminded everyone that information on peace and justice, an initiative of the Family Council, is available on the web page maintained by Jim Bolner at: www.mcenacle.org
MCA PINS
Josie asked Smittie Bolner to look into the feasibility of securing a copyright for the design of the MCA pin.
COMMUNICATION
Josie urged members to let Jim Bolner know of changes of address, changes of custodians, etc. Council responded favorably to the announcement that the Ordo will be published annually in the future.CONFERENCE CALLS
Josie discussed the possibility of setting up one of the Council meetings during the year as a conference call. She discussed and distributed information on how to set up and communicate through a teleconference meeting. The Council discussed the pros and cons. The face-to-face meetings are very helpful and engaging and this cannot be obtained through teleconferencing. The need for translation is another minus factor. The suggestion was made to have two teleconference meetings, one in Spanish and one in English. On the plus side, this type of communication will keep the Council connected between meetings while it would also serve as a follow up to tasks. To some, replacing a Council meeting with a teleconference meeting was an advantage because it would eliminate the travel time and visa problems. Everyone agreed that teleconferencing should at least be tried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Josie distributed copies of the latest financial report and answered questions about certain items.The next meeting was tentatively set for September 11-12 in Philadelphia in conjunction with the MCFC. Meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Smittie Bolner, MCA
Addendum to the MCA Council Minutes: The
delegates from Incarnation Region, in a meeting during the Leadership Assembly,
named Pat Regan as Regional Spiritual Guide; Mike St. Pierre was selected to be
Assistant Regional Custodian. In Trinity Region, Jerry Shook will become
Regional Custodian in the event Joanne Jones becomes Assistant General Custodian; Kay Knott will become Assistant Regional Custodian.
Missionary Cenacle Family Newsletter
Dear member of the Missionary Cenacle Family,
The Family Council is taking this opportunity to thank you for your feedback. We learned many things through the peace and justice issues you articulated. Enclosed you will find the summary of these concerns that shock your faith.
Rather than create a committee to oversee follow-up, we are asking your continued cooperation in responding to these tremendous needs. There are several areas suggested for your individual and Cenacle involvement.
1. The MCFC has asked Jim Bolner to create a Peace and Justice website. This site will be part of the Missionary Cenacle Family site and will have references to other peace and justice sites.
2. The purpose of this site is to encourage the members to network with each other around concerns, solutions, or issues.
3. The website will include the names and addresses of those who stated that they wanted to be included on the site. This will allow the members to e-mail back and forth as well as share resources. Please send your information to Jim if you want to be included on the site.
4. Information about peace and justice will be posted to the site. It is our hope that those who have access to the internet will be willing to share this with other members who do not.
5. We encourage members to organize themselves in local areas. This organization can be through the Internet as well as MCF groupings.
The MCFC is aware of the amount of concerns, the depth of their origin and the seeming futility in addressing them. Together we can make a difference. It is our hope that local areas will desire to work together to bring about the reign of God.
In the Trinity,
The members of the Missionary Cenacle Family Council
The Internet for the Missionary Cenacle Family Council: mcenacle.org.
Incarnation Region Day of Formation
Fr. Judge Apostolic Center, Stirling, NJ
December 7, 2002
Fr. Jesse Rivera, ST, and Josie Morales, MCA, were the presenters at a day of formation centered on our role as missionaries in the context of our daily lives. Sr. Gail Lambert, MSBT, and Sr. Barbara McIntyre,MSBT, assisted with English and Spanish groups, respectively.
Fr. Jesse presented "Missionary Cenacle Family for Mission" and Josie talked on "Doing Mission in the Providence of Everyday Life.” Both presentations were in Spanish and in English.
Fr. Jesse focused on the Cenacle doxology, “Blessed be God the Father who created us…” We broke into small groups to examine how Jesus redeemed us through the Incarnation by becoming one of us. Jesus was just like an ordinary person, even poorest of the poor. We were invited to substitute “good” for “redeemed.” “To be redeemed” means to realize our worth and dignity. In small groups, we discussed the questions “When have you personally experienced God's redemption?” and “When have you shared God's redemption with another?”
Josie distributed a handout that Fr. John Seymour, ST, and Sr. Nancy Walsh, MSBT, had prepared on “mission.” We explored the meaning of “mission in the providence in our daily lives.” In our daily life, with our families, at our workplaces, at community and social events, in sickness and in health, regardless of our talents, we do everything as missionaries, as though sent from God to do His work. The way we go about our daily lives is a powerful witness to the Gospel.
The afternoon session focused on the questions “How does the Missionary Cenacle Family further God's mission?” and “Where/how is the MCF being called to respond to the signs of the times?” Our responses helped us to recognize God’s call to be Apostles and to work together as Missionary Cenacle Family to bring the love of the Triune God to others.
Respectfully submitted
Margaret A. Flanagan, MCA
Holy Redeemer Cenacle, New York City
Santa Maria de Guadalupe Region (Mexico)
Our Apostolic works include visiting the sick, visiting the jails, working in the area rehabilitation center for alcoholism and drug addiction , and mostly sharing the word of God. On December 12, we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the men in the Rehabilitation Center and on December 13 we celebrated Christmas with live presentations on the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the birth of Jesus. We take them food baskets and sometimes a home-cooked meal— Vicente Mora, Regional Custodian.
Vicente Mora, second from left, front row, works as a missionary
in a rehab center for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Every “Monday
we meet to read scripture, spend time together, and build self-esteem so that
these men can live drug free lives. These are good people and we see the
presence of God in them.”
MCA Directory and Mailing List
Jim Bolner, maintains the mailing list for the newsletter and the MCA Directory. Each mailing of the newsletter results in numerous returned copies because of address changes. Aside from having to pay extra for returned issues, we lose track of MCA members. Please let Jim know by e-mail or regular mail of any changes in your mailing address. It is also important that he be given the names of new Candidates and Associates in order to add them to the MCA Directory. Also, please notify him of any changes in your Cenacle’s officers and Spiritual Guide. Jim’s mailing address is:
460 Bancroft Way
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4805
His e-mail address is poboln@lsu.edu.
MCA website address: http://mcenacle.org/mca/
This is the third in a series of essays describing each of four characteristics of apostolic spirituality and how they are expressed in the spiritual thought of Father Judge. The questions at the end of the article can be used for individual reflection or for discussion in your Cenacles.
Pat Regan, MCA – Divine Providence Cenacle, Maryland
___________________________________________________
Serving
God by Serving Others:
While other spiritualities acknowledge service of God as the ultimate aim of the Christian life, apostolic spirituality specifically recognizes service to others as a primary means of serving God. In service, we see the intimate connection with the Incarnation, another important focus in Fr. Judge’s spirituality. Jesus, the Incarnate Word, is held up as the perfect example of service to God.
For St. Vincent de Paul, Father Judge’s spiritual father, the object of service and charity is the poor, and he is clear that service must strive to meet both spiritual and temporal needs. Father Judge’s focus is on spiritual poverty. That is not to say that the works he accepted did not address temporal needs, but as the minutes of a Missionary Cenacle Apostolate Council meeting in 1913 point out, “the Cenacle work primarily was concerned with the spiritual works of mercy.” (cited in Awake the Giant: A History of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, by Father James O’Bryan, ST.)
In a letter to Mother Boniface written in 1922, Father Judge instructs her that the Sisters should undertake a given work only when there were particular circumstances to justify it, that is, at present, a necessary loss of their [the people being served] faith. Another example of this emphasis on the spiritual is found in the minutes of an MCA meeting held in Brooklyn, NY on March 14, 1914:
Our work is really an apostolic work, going after souls. Our work is the Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Corporal, indeed, when it is necessary. We do not exclude the other work, but understand it, there are people who are doing these things. . . . our first work is going after and bringing back stray sheep.
There are numerous examples of Father Judge’s spiritual focus in the early history of the Cenacle. In 1924, for instance, he opened Holy Trinity Academy in Stirling, New Jersey, for boys from wealthy families in the Northeast. In a letter to the Most Rev. Gerald Fitzgerald, he cites two reasons for taking on this kind of work for the Cenacle —Preservation of the Faith and the saving of a class or situation that concerns religion, that otherwise would be abandoned and lost.
Another key factor in Father Judge’s approach to service is his preference for what he calls “abandoned work.” His emphasis on the abandoned is rooted in his Christology. If Christ Crucified, the suffering Jesus, provides the motivation for the Cenacle mission (as noted in an earlier article), service to the abandoned is a natural expression of faith. He called his Cenacle members to minister to Jesus in the abandoned in very concrete ways. In a 1930 letter to a Sister in Puerto Rico, he writes:
You know the stress we put on the word “abandoned.” You know what it means to be rejected, left alone, overlooked, etc. You know, moreover, why things are rejected. It is because they are useless, unlovely, worthless, etc. What a life it is to seek such! . . . Now the people we are discussing are objects of compassion that can only be of Christ. Only the charity of Jesus urges us . . . in other words, we are doing it for Him. We see Him in them, in their soul created to His Image and Likeness. We minister to Him. Surely that was a soiled Face that Veronica ministered. It was blood stained and the dust of the road was upon it, perhaps even spittle of blasphemous men, but it was the Face of Christ.
It is Christ Crucified, then, who provides an overarching metaphor for Father Judge’s missiology, and in particular for his understanding of service. In a 1923 article for Holy Ghost Messenger, we glimpse the power this image held for him: “The Cross is a sign that provokes us to love, to worship, to gratitude, to thanksgiving, to service.”
Questions for reflection:
1. How would you describe “spiritual poverty”? What are some examples of spiritual poverty you have encountered in your apostolic life?
2. Reflect on a few of the abandoned works you have come across in your daily providence. How have you attempted to address them? Describe a success and/or failure.
3. What are some examples of the spiritual works of mercy you have undertaken? What effect did they have on you and the recipient?
4. How does the Cross provoke you to service? What role does the Cross play
in your spiritual life? How has a devotion to the Cross helped you be a better
missionary?
Margaret Healy MCA Leadership Assembly
March 27-30, 2003
The MCA held its second Leadership Assembly at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat, Holy Trinity, AL, from March 27 to March 30, 2003. The Assembly consisted of 26 MCA delegates from the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Costa Rico and the eight-member MCA General Council (composed of the General Custodian, Assistant General Custodian, and the six Regional Custodians). Also present and participating in the deliberations (but not in the voting) were the General Custodian of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sr. Barbara DeMoranville, MSBT; the General Custodian of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Austin Walsh, S.T., and Mary Nell Pecot, BTMI, representing the Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute. The Assembly was dedicated to Dr. Margaret Healy, the first General Custodian of the MCA and a person who worked side by side with Father Judge in recruiting and forming lay missionaries.
The Assembly was a prayerful occasion on which important decisions about the future of the MCA were made. It was also an occasion for the identification and development of leadership. Pat Regan, MCA, was responsible for recruiting and directing an Assembly Team consisting of facilitators, translators, note-takers, and “gophers.” The facilitators, Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, and Br. Paul Michalenko, ST, guided the Assembly participants’ deliberations in a process that gave ample opportunity to all those gathered to express themselves, pose questions, and contribute their insights. For the working sessions the participants were grouped into six “councils,” each with a moderator appointed by the Assembly Team. The facilitators invited those present to identify issues related to the work and structure of the MCA, its relationship to the Missionary Cenacle Family, and its role in society. The discussions revealed that the MCA is indeed a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and international association of laity engaged in living out their baptismal commitments and the Missionary Cenacle charism. A summation of the responses from the Assembly delegates
is given below.The Assembly participants’ time together was marked by a number of memorable liturgies and celebrations, some solemn and some just plain fun. On Friday evening there was a processional march to Father Judge’s chapel to hear readings from Father Judge. On Saturday, during the evening prayer, Sr. Barbara DeMoranville, MSBT, delivered a moving reflection entitled “Love Is Service.” It culminated with an unforgettable surprise: the washing of the feet of the members of the MCA by members of the two religious branches. [Sr. Barbara's reflection may be accessed by clicking here.]
On Saturday the delegates took up the question of nominations of the future leadership of the MCA. Josie Morales, who was elected in 1999 and whose term ends this spring, was unanimously nominated for a second term. Because of health reasons, Jim Bolner declined to be nominated for a second term as Assistant General Custodian. Joanne Jones, who has served with distinction as the Regional Custodian for the Trinity Region (southeastern United States) was unanimously nominated as the Assistant General Custodian. The MCA Council authorized Josie to communicate the Assembly’s decisions about leadership to the Associates in accordance with the Constitution.
Sr. Barbara DeMoranville expressed the sentiment of many at the end of the three-day Assembly: “The Holy Spirit moved incredibly in this room. We must now go forth!”
| Who was this Dr. [Margaret] Healy? She claimed her apostolate was to love. She said: “Any fully effective work for God must stem from a union with him.” ...She knew her responsibility was to love, to be a transmitter of love in the providence of her daily life, and she believed that the only power she had was God working through her. She was dynamic. (from Margaret: Called and Chosen, by Sr. Marie Josepha McNutt, MSBT, p. 1) |
|
MARGARET HEALY LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY
|
January-December 2002
Donations from MCA members for the year 2002 totaled $19,040, down from $22,427 in the year 2001. Nearly 500 members participated in the Stewardship Program, up from 460 in 2001.
The Stewardship Program began in March 2000, replacing the former “dues-based” model of supporting the MCA. The goal was to have at least 50% of the members practicing stewardship, and to be able to cover the operating expenses of the MCA by the year 2003. Based on current membership rolls, we are very near the 50% participation goal, but we have yet to raise enough to cover our operating expenses. In Mexico and Costa Rica, all members are participating to some extent, and those regions made combined contributions last year. In California, the participation rate is well over 75%, and the West region contributed nearly half of the total donations made in the past year. The breakdown is:
Region and Number of Participants and Donations
Eastern United States: (28) $3,355.00
Southern United States: (61) $4,841.00
Western United States (215) $9,114.25
Puerto Rico (26) $1,130.00
Mexico (80) $200.00
Costa Rica (87) $400.00
_______
Total Participants: 497
Total Donations: $19,040.25
Note: Pat Regan has managed the collection and recording of Stewardship donations for the past three years. Now another MCA associate from Maryland, Pat Mantzouris, will take over that responsibility. Please send all future contributions to her. Pat Mantzouris’ contact information is listed on the Stewardship form found on the back page of this newsletter. Pat Regan and Pat Mantzouris are co-workers, and see each other every weekday, so the transition should be smooth.
If you have not yet made your financial commitment to the MCA for 2003,
please consider doing so. The U.S. Bishops define stewardship as: “The
generous response of time, talent, and treasure to the gifts God has given us.”
We have indeed been given a great gift in the Cenacle, so let each of us examine
our hearts to find how God is calling us to respond.
MCF VOCATIONS:
A REMINDER
Do you remember the challenge from Sr. Debbie Wilson to the MCA to attract
vocations to the Missionary Cenacle Family? Has your Cenacle done any of works
listed by Sr. Debbie? Perhaps you have engaged in other activities designed to
attract vocations to the MCF. Let us know what you are doing to spread the word
about the MCF. Send your responses to:
Smittie Bolner, MCA
460 Bancroft Way, Baton
Rouge, LA, 70808
or by e-mail to: sbolner@cox.net.
___ Invite one or more Catholic young adults to dinner/and or prayer with
your Cenacle during 2003.
___ Get a story about the MCA published in your diocesan or local paper
___ Recruit a Catholic young adult to do volunteer work with members of your
Cenacle.
___ Get one or more members of your Cenacle invited to give a talk to a school
or parish group on the charism of the MCA.
____ Host a Holy Spirit Novena for young adults or others in your parish
communities.
____ Recruit participants for Summer Mission Institute or for Missionary Cenacle
Volunteers.
___ Other (Describe).
Pledge Form
Missionary Cenacle Apostolate
After prayerful consideration, I am pledging the following amount in support of the MCA:
$____ each month (My first monthly pledge is enclosed)
or
$____ as my entire stewardship gift for the year _____
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________ E-mail _______________________________
__ Please send me information about making a bequest to the MCA in my will.
MAIL THIS FORM AND FUTURE DONATIONS TO:
Pat Mantzouris, MCA
1000 Windmill Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20905-6048
Phone: 301-236-9458