 |
The Spirit of the Cenacle |
| Volume 10, Number 2 July, 2001 |
| 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 November 15, 2001. Please submit materials for the newsletter to Smittie Bolner, 460 Bancroft Way, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. E-mail : sbolner@home.com. Website: mcenacle.org/mca/mca.htm |
Regional Councilor Election Results
Elections for Regional Custodian and Assistant Regional Custodians were held during the spring. Following are the results of the elections.
********************
Holy Spirit Region, Western
U.S., Jose Castro, Regional Custodian
No Assistant yet
********************
San Juan Bautista Region (Puerto Rico)
Alma Perfecto, Regional Custodian
Lizete Fortuño, Assistant
************************
Our Lady of Angels Region (Costa Rica)
Yesenia Fernandez Aguilar, Regional Custodian
Maria Eriqueta Quiros Castro, Assistant
********************
Our Lady of Guadalupe Region (Mexico)
Vicente Mora Villanueva, Regional Custodian
Jose Antonio Olvera Cerón, Assistant
********************
Incarnation Region (Northeastern U. S.)
*Marie Boin, Regional Custodian
Angel Garcia, Assistant
********************
Trinity Region (Southeastern U.S.)
*Joanne Jones, Regional Custodian
Gerry Shook, Assistant
***********************
*Indicates officers who were re-elected
From Our General Custodian
May the grace and Peace of the Holy Spirit be with us forever!
How grateful I am to our Triune God for all of you! Thanks to what the Lord is doing through you and has done through so many others that have gone before us, the MCA is thriving – not without our "ups and downs" – such is the life within any family and we are no different. Welcome those times when you are "down" as a special time of grace and formation—times when we are given the opportunity to practice the virtues of perseverance and humility; times when we can obtain strength and purify of our intentions. It has taken me 20 years to understand Fr. Judge's advice to welcome adversity! When I first experienced adversity in this call of the Lord, I considered leaving the MCA as an option; that would have been one of my worst mistakes and a terrible waste of graces. Don't ever lose sight of the One that you serve throughout this blessed journey where you have the company of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, the apostles, all the saints, and the Missionary Cenacle Family.
I am most grateful for your generosity in sharing of your time, talent and treasures for the work of God carried out by the MCA missionaries. It is in this spirit of gratitude that I want to welcome and congratulate the new Associates, as well as those that have played a role in their formation. This is a most joyful time for all of us. It is a response to a vocation—to a call; it is a response to the will of God. This is sanctity!
As you become a committed member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, you also become a member of the Missionary Cenacle Family. "Think of the mutual strength you may do for one another. Think of what you may do for one another. This may be so large and important a good that you must depend on one another, that you cannot do without one another, that you may realize that you need one another." (Fr. Judge)
It is my prayer for us all that our hearts be so consumed with the fire of God's love that it can enkindle others; that nothing be an obstacle to holiness; and that different situations in which we find ourselves in the providence of our daily lives be opportunities for sanctity.
I hold the work of the MCA very precious and sacred because it is the work of God. All of you MCA members are a most precious and valuable blessing. I am privileged to be your servant.
In the Most Holy Trinity,
Josie Morales, MCA
Letter from Our International Spiritual Guide
Dear Members of the Cenacle:
Holy Spirit be with us forever!
I’m very much aware that presently we are all adapting to the changes brought about by the elections of new Custodians. My sincere congratulations to all those who were called by the Spirit for the ministry of servant leadership. It is an opportune moment to reflect on the whole experience we all went through. The election process always challenges our objectivity in making our selection of candidates. The downside of that, of course, is the tendency to let oneself be influenced by personal likes or dislikes. We believe strongly in the guidance of the Spirit and let ourselves be led by that same Spirit. My heartfelt gratitude to all those who accepted the responsibility of servant leadership. You actually dared to venture into the “risky business of helping others”…not an easy task! Do trust the Lord will provide for whatever shortcomings you may have.
And yes, a big thank you to all of you who just completed your terms as Custodians. Thank you so much for your generous self-giving. Your ministry not only favored the MCA, but the whole of the Cenacle Family.
Let us remain very much aware how our enduring faithfulness to our consecration demands not only a generous response to the apostolate, but also a genuine concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of those close to us in the local and regional Cenacles. Keeping in touch whichever way we can is important.
I look forward to being with the newly elected Regional Custodians in our fall meeting of September 7th in Philadelphia. Meantime let us lift each other in prayer before our loving Triune God.
May the Lord guard and keep you! With my love and prayers,
In the Most Holy Trinity,
Father Domingo Rodríguez, S.T.
International Spiritual Guide
A MISSIONARY TRIP TO ALEXIS' ORDINATION
Father Alexis Zuniga was ordained in his native country, Honduras, on December 16, 2000. Wanting to accompany Brother Alexis Zuniga, who for a long time shared the work of the mission in Costa Rica with the MCA, 30 persons including MCA members, some of the professed young men, and guests from San Jose, and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, organized themselves to travel from Costa Rica to Honduras where the ordination was to take place. A good-hearted chauffer who gave of his time helped out by only charging them for the bus rental. The trip lasted two days and two nights, but the sacrifice became a grace from God because everyone experienced the love and unity of a family. Throughout the trip everyone shared of what they had and no one went without what they needed. They arrived at the border in the evening just as the border had been closed and they had to spend the night in a strange, lonely and dangerous place. There were no hotels, telephones, or provisions. It was very cold and it was raining. Those waiting for them in Honduras were worried and praying for them. They spent the night in the bus where some would sleep while others kept guard.
When the border opened in the morning, they were the first to go through. When they entered the City of Tegucigalpa, they were surprised to see signs that read: "Welcome Trinitary Missionaries." They later found out that the signs had been placed there by members of Alexis' community who had been expecting them. They were taken to different homes where they bathed and ate; this was all done in a spirit of solidarity, hospitality and love. The travelers agreed that the sacrifice of the trip had been worth it. Alexis' ordination was wonderful. Several members of the Missionary Cenacle Family were present. The bishop's homily, the experience of the trip, and the people of Honduras communicated very clear messages to all of us.
MCA REGIONAL SPIRITUAL GUIDES
General Spiritual Guide, Father Domingo
Rodríguez, S.T.
Holy Spirit (Western U.S.) Father John
Seymour, S.T.
San Juan Bautista (Puerto Rico) Sr. Gloria
Mercedes, M.S.B.T
Our Lady of Angels Region (Costa Rica)
Father Guy Wilson, S.T.
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico),
Incarnation (Northeastern U.S.) Rosa Tirado,
B.T.M.I.
Trinity Region (Southeastern U.S.) Sr. Mary
Ann McIntyre, M.S.B.T.
Missionary
General Council Meeting
The MCA General Council met on April 20,
2001, in Philadelphia. Present were Josie Morales, General Custodian,
presiding; Joanne Jones; Marie Boin’ Luz de la Torre; Virgenmina Lugo;
Patricia Palomares;, Roxana Lopez; and Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, ST, General
Spiritual Guide. Jim Bolner, Assistant General Custodian, was absent. Smittie
Bolner attended as note taker.
Regional Reports
Reports were circulated to each member of the Council prior to the meeting. Highlights from those reports appear on page X.
General Custodian’s Report
--Visited Incarnation Region (Northeast U.S.) She was impressed with the history of the region.
--Pleased with what is happening in Trinity Region, where the Custodian is “on fire” and together with the Spiritual Guide is doing great things!
--Much apostolic activity is taking place in Costa Rica, especially involving the close cooperation between the MCA and the STs.
--In Puerto Rico there is a vision of establishing a Cenacle in every town. Fr. Domingo will conduct two retreats for the MCA in Puerto Rico during May.
--Mexico has made considerable growth.
Election Results (Most of the regions have completed the spring elections for Regional Custodian and Assistant Regional Custodian.
Divisions of Regions into Sub-Regions
Plans are underway in each of the regions to divide into sub-regions by geographical locations. This will allow for a more manageable organization. Individuals within the sub-regions will handle the affairs for the sub-region and serve as a liaison to the Regional Custodian. Incarnation Region (Northeast, U.S.) is dividing into 3 sub-regions. Other regions are in various stages of sub-dividing.
Financial Report
The bulk of last year’s income came from a
donation of $17,500 from the MSBTs and from Stewardship, which amounted to $28,573. The largest expenditure was for the salary of the executive secretary. Since that position was eliminated, that expense will be dropped from next year’s budget. At the same time, the money from the Sisters ($17,500) will not be available next year. Income from the Leadership Development Fund from the STs is not reflected in the report, as that is a separate account. Josie presented her proposed budget, in which she anticipated that contributions from the Stewardship program would increase. A copy of the report appears on page x.
Leadership Development Fund
The STs appropriated $50,000 annually for a five-year period beginning in 1998 for leadership development among the Cenacles. Requests for funding should be submitted to Josie for evaluation and then forwarded by her to the STs for final approval. Joanne Jones described a successful project in which partial funding was provided for the Leadership Workshop held at Holy Trinity in September 2000.
Communication
The Council approved a proposal by Jim Bolner to set up an e-mail service for members that would include announcements, requests for prayers, and official news from the MCA. The list would not be an open list, but would be available only to those who requested to be on it.
Revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution
The Committee on Revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution (members: Fr. Denis Berry, ST; Sr. Beth Butler, MSBT; Jim Bolner, MCA; Margaret Flannagan, MCA; Josie Morales, MCA; and Betty Wittekind, MCA) met on April 19 and prepared a draft for a revised Rule of Life for the MCA that is closely modeled on the Rule of Life of the other branches. The Committee submitted a timeline for completing the draft and sending it out to members for final approval. However, the Council expressed concern that some timelines were too close, leaving little time to process this document properly throughout the region's membership. New members of the Council need to be brought on board and educated as to what is going on. Father Domingo stressed the importance of making all the members aware of the proposed changes and of the implications.
Offering of Treasure, Time, and Talent: Stewardship
The concept of Stewardship continues to evolve. It is important that all continue to participate by renewing their commitment annually. Forms are available on page x. Now that Stewardship of treasure is well underway the next step is to focus on Time and Talent. Some needs are identified on page X.
Formation
Josie has asked Shawn Witmer to head a Committee on Formation for the MCA. Shawn has many years of experience as an MCA member and is involved in the formation of candidates. Formation was a priority goal set by the current MCA leadership.
Newsletter
Smittie Bolner reported that problems with incorrect addresses resulted in a large number of returned newsletters. Regional Custodians were asked to take on the responsibility of correcting the addresses for MCA members in the region. Smittie will cooperate with each Regional Custodian to work out the best way to distribute the newsletter.
Recognition of Outgoing Council Members
The Council expressed thanks and heartfelt appreciation for the contributions of outgoing members: Virgenmina Lugo (Puerto Rico), Luz de la Torre (Western U.S.), and Patti Palomares (Mexico). They each, in turn, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve not only their own regions, but also the entire Missionary Cenacle Family.
Leadership Conference, Trinity Region
All Custodians, Assistant
Custodians, and Spiritual Guides are urged to attend the leadership conference
at Holy Trinity Sept 28-30, 2001.
MCA Finances and Budget Highlights
|
ASSETS |
|
INFLOWS 48,155.29 Custodian Gen. 3,744.61 General Office Expenses 14,316.12 Regional Expenses 3,006.82 General Office Expenses 14,316.12 OUTFLOWS 33,855.52 TOTAL [Balance] 14,299.77 |
| HELP
WANTED for stewardship of time and/or talent to support the MCA!
Translators-English/Spanish Person(s) to respond to queries about the MCA Liaisons to MCA members who are elderly or disabled Liaisons for the MCA youth outreach and membership Person(s) to assist in the creation of prayer apostolate for elderly/inactive Associates Person(s) who can provide secretarial assistance Individuals willing to assume leadership roles in Sub-Regions Editor to assume responsibility for our MCA Directory (must have computer skills) Individuals willing to give talks on retreats Music ministers for retreats and meetings (instrumental or voice) PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL CUSTODIAN IF YOU HAVE SKILLS TO OFFER TO THE SERVICE OF THE MCA BRANCH. Some of these jobs would be done for the General Council, others are needed Regionally. |
Marta Vega - Extraordinary Missionary
Martha Vega was born in San Antonio Guaracha, Michoacán, Mexico. Martha received her identity as missionary from her mother who would visit her neighbors after Mass to share the Gospel and homily with them.
Martha began her journey with the MCA in 1981 in the city of Compton, California. This journey has taken her to unimaginable growth and heights. On January 11, 1996, Martha, accompanied by Rosa Madrigal, went to Costa Rica with the purpose of forming missionary cenacles in Puerto Jimenez, a very remote place where daily living conditions are very difficult. They were there 18 months. Martha does not waste any opportunity to discover her own capabilities as missionary and the potential of those that surround her. All the reports received in regards to Martha are always most favorable and everyone finds it difficult to let her return. Martha came back to California and for the following two years she was Spiritual Guide Assistant to Fr. John Seymour as well as founder of new cenacles.
In May 11, 1999, Martha was requested to go to Costa Rica to be part of the formation team in the seminary. This was a great challenge for Martha being a female and also because she had a limited academic background. For two years, Martha has done an outstanding job in Costa Rica in the formation of young men in the seminary and in the development of the MCA. She has given talks and retreats in Columbia and Hondurans and visited Eldarien, Panama, where Lisbett Santamaria, MCA, is a volunteer.
The stories and personal events that she recounts are very interesting and give testimony to a deep relationship with God. Martha says that in her mission, in the Missionary Cenacle Family where she has found so much support, she "has found the lost pearl." Martha's way of communication is primarily through her heart; therefore, the fact that she speaks only Spanish does not keep her from communicating with everyone.
Martha Vega has accepted the position of International Formation Director for one year under the direction of Josie Morales, General Custodian. Her job description is basically as follows:
1) To assess the initial and ongoing formation programs in the various Regions and to assist in developing formation teams to work at the regional and sub-regional (area) levels.
2) To strengthen the leadership in the MCA regions at the local, sub-regional, and regional level.
3) To foster a greater awareness in the MCA, especially among the young adult members, both single and married, of the importance of actively fostering vocations to the other branches in the Missionary Cenacle Family.
Her first assignment starts in the middle of July at Holy Trinity, Alabama, where she will accompany Fr. Francisco Valdominos
in a retreat for the Spanish speaking cenacles. She will then return with them to Florida to continue working with cenacles in that area of the Region.
It has been a privilege to have known and worked with Martha the last 20 years. She is the pearl that has been found. Gracias Martha!
—Josie Morales
The MCA in Colombia, South America
(
The following article appeared in the June 2001 issue of Tri-Com and is published here with permission)One of the striking elements about our ST presence in Costa Rica and Colombia is the rapid development of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and the closeness with which our students and the MCA work together. Marta Vega, who was at the time of our visit the pastoral director of our seminarians in Santo Domingo de Heredia, is an MCA member from California. She worked with Guy Wilson in the formation of new lay candidates as well as helped integrate our prospective STs into apostolic formation of the laity. In Colombia, too, seminarians work hand-in-hand with MCA associates in catechetical work and outreach to the poor and in the formation of new MCA associates.
The formation of the MCA in Costa Rica began with the small group of laity who attended Mass that Louis Murphy started celebrating in a small chapel near our house of formation in Santo Domingo de Heredia. It is a mission of the local parish but Mass was not celebrated there regularly until Louis volunteered. It became a valuable interface between the local laity and our students. Alexis Zúniga, then a student-Brother, started a prayer group with some of the people. From there, with Gene Mueller's encouragement and direction, came the first Costa Rican Cenacle, Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles. A second Cenacle was formed with some men and women who had joined Gene in his work with the street people in the Zona Roia of San José. Alexis became their spiritual guide as they became Espiritu de la Resuffeci6n Cenacle. Eventually four other cenacles were formed, including a cenacle for young adults.
In 1996, Marta Vega and Rosa Madrigal came to Puerto Jiménez to work with Frank Conkle in developing interest in the MCA. They planted the seeds that were subsequently cultivated by Francisco Valdovinos and Rudy Breunig. A Candidate Cenacle was established on Pentecost 1998 and there are plans for some of the candidates to make their consecration in June of this year.
In Colombia, the MCA can trace its beginnings to Brother René Patricio Ramirez who began a prayer group from among neighbors and friends of our house of formation. When René Patricio decided to not renew his vows, Brother Robert Mena took over as spiritual guide. Fr. Louis remarks on the deep commitment of the women in the Colombia cenacle. They welcome responsibility, he says, and are eager to be apostles. There is great potential for the MCA in Colombia, especially in Antioquia "where the Catholic tradition is strong and the people are proud to proclaim The roots of the MCA "south of south of the border," according to Louis, Guy, and Rudy, he in the deep respect for the laity and their apostolic potential that is a part of our Missionary Cenacle tradition, a tradition that is being passed on to our candidates in the Costa Rican and Colombian houses of formation and in their working hand in hand with the new and zealous MCA Associates.
The Missionary Cenacle Family Council Meeting
INPUT/PROCESS ON COUNSEL/COUNCIL
At the opening session Fr. Shaun McCarty, ST., and Sr. Barbara McIntyre, MSBT., presented a workshop on giving and taking counsel. The workshop was designed to help members grow towards a common understanding and acceptance of the meaning, purpose, and means of implementing our Missionary Cenacle tradition of Counsel/Council at the local level. Following the presentation Council members suggested that Shaun and Barbara assemble the various handouts they had prepared in a compact, usable version (in both English and Spanish) for distribution to all members of the MCF. In the afternoon session Council members reflected on the morning’s experience and shared responses to two questions: What insights were gained from the presentation? What is the next step?
Some insights gained from the presentation:
--Realization of the necessity for Council members of different branches to take seriously the need to listen to each other.
-- Members of Cenacles at the local level can make a difference as each individual looks at how he/she fits into the whole.
What is the next step?
--Package what we have in usable format for distribution to members
--Make giving/taking counsel a part of ongoing formation across the MCF
--Develop/train competent people to lead the
process of giving/taking counsel
Follow Up From Jubiliee/Jubileo 2000
Common Formation
The MFC Committee on Joint Formation presented a report for which they requested feedback on its report. Five small discussion groups were formed to provide feedback for further refinement of the report.
Spirituality
The ST Regional Coordinators plan to work on a project showing the connections between our love of God and our ministry with the poor.
Josie Morales is working with MCA Spiritual Guides to help develop and facilitate faith-sharing experiences among the branches in the regions.
Restructuring the Missionary Cenacle Family Council
One of the main topics on the agenda was to
discuss proposals for reorganizing the MCFC. For some time it had been the
consensus that the MCFC is too large to function efficiently and effectively.
(At the time of this meeting, the MCFC was composed of the Councils of each of
the four branches for a total of 22 members.) Two proposals were placed on the
table for consideration Council members had an opportunity to put into
practice the skills learned in the workshop on counsel. Sr. Brenda Hermann led
Council members in a process of counsel in order to arrive at a decision on
restructuring the Council. The process consisted of reflecting on the issues
in light of the gospel and taking counsel in small groups and among the whole
assembly. Council members expressed doubts, fears, needs, and hopes before
coming up with a final proposal. More on the restructured MCFC can be found on
page 5.
The New Missionary Cenacle
Family
Missionary Cenacle Family Council
- Made up of two persons from each of the four branches; named by the General
Custodians of the branches. Meets twice a year;
Full Council - Made up of the members of the General Councils of the four branches of the Missionary Cenacle Family. Meets once a year
Coordinating Committee - Made up of two persons selected by the Missionary Cenacle Family Council from among its membership to plan the work of the MCFC.
Executive Secretary of the Missionary Cenacle Family Council - Person chosen by the Council who works closely with the Council and the Coordinating Committee.
MCA Councilors Named
The two Councilors from the MCA who will serve on the MCFC along with Josie Morales are Jose Castro (Regional Custodian, Western U.S.) and Alma Perfecto (Regional Custodian, Puerto Rico).
Maryland
and Virginia MCA - New MembersT
he Cenacle Family in Maryland and Virginia welcomed five women into the MCA at a Mass celebrating the Vigil of Pentecost on June 2, 2001. We invited the Missionary Cenacle Family from the Washington, DC area to join in the celebration and had the happy dilemma of having to find a chapel large enough to host the group! Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, S.T. and Fr. Conrad Schmitt, S.T., concelebrated the liturgy at St. Bernard=s Church in Riverdale, MD, and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity hosted a reception at Holy Spirit Missionary Cenacle, located on the church property.In preparation for the event, the MCA sponsored a retreat day for all area members. Br. Richard McCann, S.T. and Pat Regan, MCA led the retreat. We reflected on two questions during the day: What is the providence of my daily life? Who are the abandoned people I am called to serve in that providence? More than 20 associates attended the retreat day, including the five candidates for consecration, ten couples from the candidate cenacle in northern Virginia, and a half dozen Aseasoned@ associates from the Maryland cenacles. We were joined before lunch by Fr. Conrad, who celebrated Mass.
We are heartened by the influx of new members and candidates into the MCA in this area, and are particularly blessed to have such a diversity of cultures represented in our little neck of the woods!
—Pat Regan
New Cenacles in the Washington/Maryland area
Two years ago, at the invitation of Fr. Seraphim Molina, S.T., group consisting mostly of Filipinos gathered together every month to know more about the MCA. At the early stages of formation, we had 12 members, including three couples. We named our Cenacle San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, after the first Filipino saint. The group’s monthly meetings evolved as we learned and shared the teachings of Fr. Thomas Judge. One of the group’s favorite topics was the virtues. It allowed us to be aware of the providence of the Holy Spirit in our daily life. Our meetings usually end with a gastronomical sharing of homemade Filipino food.
Most of the members have known each other for a long time. Although there exist a difference in ages, regional backgrounds, and status in life, the members were linked together by faith, and the willingness to be of service to others. As time passed, other members had other callings from the Holy Spirit., and we were saddened by the death of one member in 1999.
Last year, a new cenacle was formed as an
extension of our San Lorenzo Ruiz Cenacle. A member from our group coordinated
the formation of the Holy Family Cenacle of Virginia (just outside Washington,
D.C.) We were very pleased to have another member of the Missionary Cenacle
Family.
On June 2, 2001 four members from the San Lorenzo Ruiz Cenacle (Teresita
Delima, Linda Porciuncula, Vicky Zararodny, Maria Magnaye) and one member from
the Holy Family (Nanette Varias) Cenacle were consecrated as full associates
into the MCA. We feel blessed to be part of this wonderful community.
— Maria Magnaye, Custodian,San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Cenacle, Oxon Hill, Maryland
CALIFORNIA CENACLE WORKS WITH YOUTH
One of the ideas that grew out of the Jubilee/Jubileo 2000
Conference was the need to work more closely with youth. This is being put
into practice in the Compton, California, area where the Inmaculada Conception
de Maria Cenacle sponsored a retreat on June 22-24 for the Youth Cenacle Jesus
de Nazareth. Inmaculada Conception Cenacle as assisted by STs from the region.
News from Trinity Region
This year Trinity Region received three new Associates: Helen Medlock (Resurrection Cenacle, Dothan, AL) and Selma Strawser and Dottie Kivel ( Sr. Marie Josepha Cenacle, Fuquay/Varina, NC). We are extremely pleased to have these new members and welcome them with open arms.
Trinity Region held its traditional Pentecost season retreats over three weekends: May 11-13, June 1-3, and June 8-10 at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat in Holy Trinity, AL. A total of xxx MCA members attended the three retreats.
The May 11-13 retreat was directed by Fr. Shaun McCarty, ST.
Fr. Austin Walsh, ST, directed the June 1-3 retreat. The theme of the presentations was the Paraclete discourses in the gospel of John. In these teachings, Jesus gives us a guide to follow, one who will help us after his departure: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete." (14:15-16). Fr. Austin challenged us to use prayer and contemplation to arrive at true union with God. The word of God, he said, leads to ministry and opens us up to the spirit working in our lives. .Although Jesus is removed from the earth we can extend His reign in the world by genuinely loving one another. We should make service to others our life principle—and we can do this in the providence of our everyday lives.
Charles Becker of the Christ the King Cenacle in Ocala, FL, presided over the Sunday morning session. He presented a meditation/reflection on the teachings of Father Judge on the Holy Spirit.
The MCA members gathered on Trinity Sunday weekend were spiritually fed by Sr. Gail-Ann Lambert, MSBT, and her MCA partner Jan Shiplett. Sr. Gail helped us open ourselves to be "Seized and saturated by the love of our Triune God." Jan helped us see throughout scripture God has for all times been wanting to give us HIS love, but we have refused it. Sr. Gail-Ann led us in a ritual of anointing and washing which helped us to receive the love God has for us and to share it with others.
As is the usual custom at these retreats, the Saturday evening session is an MCA meeting, at which members report on their respective Cenacles. These sessions are always inspiring as members describe their various ministries ranging from working with prisoners to living our Christian principles in our homes and places of work.
Trinity Region Leadership workshop for
Custodians, Assistant Custodians and Spiritual Guides:. Holy Trinity, AL, Sept
28-30, 2001. For forms or registration contact: Blessed Trinity Shrine
Retreat, 107 Holy Trinity
Road, Holy Trinity, AL, 36859
Cleveland OH, St. Agnes/ Our Lady of Fatima MCA
Following a day of retreat and discernment on Saturday, May 19, three of the six current candidates from the St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima MCA in Cleveland, Ohio, expressed their desire to make their act of consecration. The three are Bill Appleton, Wanda Jackson, and Carolyn Mack. They were received on Sunday, June 3, 2001, at Pentecost vespers. . Dorothea Hite, MCA, accepted the Associate's act of consecration, on behalf of Marie Boin, the Incarnation Regional MCA Custodian. Fr. Mike Barth, ST, presided at the service. Following the service attendees shared a Pentecost meal together at the rectory, hosted by Fr. Mike. Members of the Christo Rey MCA from Lorain, OH, were invited to attend.
Fr. Mike and Dorothea Hite are serving as co-spiritual guides of this MCA group, and Wanda Jackson will serve as Custodian.
We ask your continued blessings and prayers for as we move forward to "recreate the face of the earth" here in this part of God's vineyard and kingdom. —Shawn Witmer, MCA
Note
Mrs. Marvine Waite, MCA, former General Custodian, has moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Key West, Florida. Her new address is: 22736 Privateer Drive, Cudjoe, FL 33042.
Please consider renewing your MCA Stewardship Pledge if you have not already done so
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 gift is enclosed.)
_____ I would like a monthly reminder sent to me at the beginning of each month.
______ I don’t need a reminder.
$____ as my entire stewardship gift for the year 2001
NAME____________________________________________________
ADDRESS
_____________________________________________________City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________E-Mail
___ Please send me information about making a bequest to the MCA in my
will.
___ Please send me information on donating stock or other assets to the MCA
MAIL THIS FORM AND FUTURE DONATIONS
TO:
Pat Regan
MCA Fund Development Coordinator
Burtonsville, MD 20866-2114, USA
Home Phone: 301-890-1680 Office Phone: 301-434-6761
If you detect any problems with this page, please contact Jim Bolner, Sr., at poboln@lsu.edu.