 |
 Volume 11, Issue 2 July, 2002 |
| 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, 2002. Please submit materials for the newsletter to Smittie Bolner, 460 Bancroft Way, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. E-mail: sbolner@cox.net |
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FROM THE GENERAL CUSTODIAN Dear members of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate: May the Grace and Peace of the Hoy Spirit Be with Us
Forever! The MCA Stewardship Program is an ongoing project requiring our time, talent and treasure. It is important that we be good managers of our time and energies. It is prudent and worthwhile to reflect, both individually and in our Cenacles at regular intervals on the ways we are using the time that God gives us to do our missionary work. Are we using our talents as effectively as we can in furthering the work of the Kingdom? Are we being responsible members in making sure that an adequate amount of our financial resources (our “treasure”) is contributed to the MCA on a regular basis? Father Judge advises to us to take our own temperature. How is that fire within me? Is it at white heat, is it intense, or is it a dull glow; or is it next to being extinguished? What is the Cenacle spirit? What is our Lord's spirit? What is the apostolic spirit? What is the missionary spirit? What is this faith that works by charity? That is the Cenacle spirit. It is no spirit invented in modern times. It is no spirit produced by new methods of efficiency. |
Finally, thank you for your prayers, support and cooperation in all the work that the MCA is doing. I urge you to take a special interest in your region’s review of the draft of the revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution. I am confident that while there will be some important disagreements among us on the issues raised, that all your opinions and suggestions will make for a much improved final document. Let me reassure you of my fervent prayers. It is a privilege to serve you. In the Most Holy Trinity, |
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPIRITUAL GUIDE
July, 2002
Dear Friends:
May the grace and peace of the Holy Spirit be with us forever!
It is always a joy to read the reports from the different regions. How much good is being done! How many countless are being touched by God’s grace! How the membership continues to grow! We are truly blessed and greatly indebted to the Spirit of the Lord who favors and advances our apostolic efforts.
With grateful hearts for the blessings received, however, we cannot ignore the very painful experience we all have been called to live through as the Church of Jesus Christ. The People of God, the beloved of the Triune God, is once again, as so many other times throughout the centuries, in dire need of healing. I can just picture our founder, Fr. Thomas A. Judge, if he were alive today, rallying the Cenacle Family to become instruments of consolation, agents of compassion, multipliers of hope. He would have invited us to reflect often on the unfailing presence of the Holy Spirit whose wisdom and guidance have never failed the Church.
I have no doubt, my friends, that the present crisis of sexual abuse, lack of moral authority and defective accountability has affected the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate in different ways. Some have suffered more than others. All must support and help one another. A time of Kairos—“God’s Manifestation,” I would dare say, challenging the strength of our faith, the depth of our hope and the courage of our love is what we are experiencing today. Let’s not forget, as history has taught us well, it is at times like these when the Church we are, wounded and vulnerable, shows its better self!!
As your Spiritual Guide, I have kept you ardently present in my heart. Prayers have flowed in sync with my love for you. May you be consoled in the powerful support we experience together as the Missionary Cenacle Family.
With my love and prayers, your brother,
In the Most Holy Trinity,
Father Domingo Rodríguez, S.T.
International Spiritual Guide
MISSIONARY CENACLE FAMILY COUNCIL
The city of Philadelphia and the newly renovated Spirituality Center of the MSBTs was the gathering place for the MCFC, April 19-21, 2002.
The Missionary Council Family Council began a discussion on how the Family is called to the “new evangelization” to America. Time was spent in an examination of the issues in contemporary culture that each of the members witness or experience.
The issues most mentioned were the various “isms” such as individualism, consumerism, sexism, and racism. Issues also mentioned were: the continued dichotomy between the rich and the poor, the aging populations in the USA who have money versus the youth of the developing countries who have the energy but not the material resources. The growth of violence, war as a way of response to terrorism, the new immigrants, the abuse of authority and power within the Church and society and the issue of sexual abuse within the Church with the hostile projection onto the homosexual person in priesthood/religious life were also mentioned.
Mindful that "the Church cannot evangelize unless she herself is evangelized" (Pope Paul VI), the members then reflected upon the Missionary Cenacle Family as a microcosm of both Church and society. They articulated that the same or similar issue found within the culture of Church and society were the same within the Family as a whole.
Having reflected upon this discussion in light of the call of the Gospel, the Council moved to the question about the role of the Family to evangelize the present culture of both church and society. What is the meaning of preservation of the Faith today? If the Family is a gift to these two entities, then how is it called to evangelize in the 21st century? How is it called to develop new models, new ways of thinking? How is the Family called to make a difference? What is the call to peace and justice? How is this accomplished together and separately as four branches and a lay volunteer program? What have we learned from our past? This will serve as the foundation for future meetings.
The Family Council has been looking at the various ways we experience Cenacle Family together. Here are three examples for us to consider:
A Cenacle Family Faith Sharing group has been meeting in Philadelphia for ten years. The eight members represent the ST, MSBT and lay members. The focus of the group is article 14 from the Rule of Life. "By reflection
on the providence of every day life in the light of the gospels we come to a devotional knowledge of the mysteries of faith and a deeper understanding of our own experiences." Our commitment involves a monthly gathering, where we alternate leading the reflection and prayer. We end with a reflection on our time together and a simple meal. We schedule a yearly weekend retreat to deepen our relationships.
Spirit of Providence (Missionary Cenacle Family Cenacle)
Purpose: To gather together as members of the Missionary Cenacle Family to take counsel on the Providence of everyday life.
Format: Monthly meetings usually held in Silver Spring, MD.
Process: To utilize the gift of counsel with each other around the daily circumstances of our lives. There is reflection on Scripture and faith sharing as preliminary steps to taking of counsel with each other. The council began in Silver Spring in1999 and is composed of members of the Family.
Contact: Brenda Hermann MSBT
In Puerto Rico, the MSBTs, STs, MCA members and other laity inspired by the Trinitarian charism collaborate and interact in a variety of ways. The small size of the region fosters a sense of closeness and Cenacle family spirit. Each branch has its own regional meeting and counts on the support of the other branches. The regional custodians of each branch meet together periodically. The MCA find support and spiritual guidance from the STs and MSBTs. There are two or three annual retreats in which the other branches are invited to participate. In November, the anniversary of Fr. Judge/Mother Boniface/Dr. Healy is a Missionary Cenacle Family activity.
| THE
APOSTOLIC MEETING
Martha Vega, MCA, International Formation Director, and Father John Seymour, ST, Regional Spiritual Guide, conducted a leadership training workshop for the Holy Trinity Region on July 13th, 2002. The following format was suggested for conducting Apostolic meetings. The next newsletter will contain the format for conducting Spirituality meetings. Welcome (10 Minutes) The purpose is to make everyone feel welcome and valued as missionaries.
Prayer (10 Minutes) The purpose is to establish an atmosphere of prayer and unity for the meetin gbe authentic, coming from the heart and not simply something routine;must be directed to the Holy Spirit; § be prepared beforehand by members (may alternate who will say the prayer);§ not be a long prayer, normally less than 10 minutes;§ have a variety of formats: e.g., a reflection on the Gospel, silence, spontaneous prayer, petition, the Ordo, prayer requesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc.;§ the use of symbols such as candles, a Bible, an icon, a crucifix, etc. is recommended to create an atmosphere of prayer for the entire meeting §include one or two songs or instrumental music. Apostolic Sharing (60 Minutes) The intention is to learn to be better apostles.
Announcements (5 Minutes) The purpose is to inform the members of important business of the Cenacle. Closing Prayer (5 Minutes) The purpose is to be sent out in mission.
Potluck, social The purpose is to get to know each other better and form community. The beginning, the continuation and all activity of the... Cenacle is grounded on a practical devotion to the Holy Spirit, and if any explanation is asked of any good that may have been done, we know of no other reason than the devotion practiced in the Cenacle to the Holy Spirit. To accomplish this purpose of the Cenacle, this thought is very much with all of us that for a general spread of the faith and the triumph of Christian principles, there is need of universal prayer. Therefore, we are actively engaged in a crusade of prayer to the Holy Spirit.(3)
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MCA General Council Meeting
Philadelphia, April 17-19, 2002
DRAFT OF THE REVISION OF THE RULE OF LIFE AND CONSTITUTION
Josie Morales distributed a draft of the revised Rule of Life and Constitution along with a letter explaining the proposed changes and the process of revision. She urged those present to share this material with every Cenacle and to encourage discussion on the proposed changes. The draft is based on guidelines from the MCA General Council. These are:
1. Make the Rule of Life and Constitution more consistent with that of the MSBT/ST but adapted to the lay state of life.
2. Inclusion of permanent deacons as MCA members.
3. Provide for more authority at the regional level.
4. Separate the Rule of Life, the Constitution, and the Directory into 3 separate documents.
Rule of Life: Explains the Cenacle vocation, charism, and spirituality; tells who we are, why we exist, our heritage and our spiritual life.
Constitution: Establishes the status of the members within the organization and describes the structure of the organization and its governance.
Directory of Legislation: Contains specific policies and statutes.
The following deadlines were set:
1. August 1, 2002 - Input to Regional Custodian from the region’s membership.
2. August 15, 2002 - All suggestions and input from the Regional Custodians sent to Josie.
3. September 6, 7, 8, 2002 - Revision Committee meets to work on a final draft to be presented at the next MCA General Council meeting. After the General Council approves the document, the final draft will go back to the members for a vote to accept/reject (ONLY Associates will vote). If approved, the revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution will be presented at the Leadership Assembly.
MCA LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY
Pat Regan announced plans for the MCA Leadership Assembly to be held at Holy Trinity on March 27-30, 2003. The theme for the Assembly will be “Mission in the Providence of Daily Life.” There will be 37 voting members including the Regional Custodians. The number of delegates from each region will be based on the number of active Associates in each region and will be allocated as follows: Northeast US, 7 delegates; Southeast US, 6 delegates; West US, 7 delegates; Puerto Rico, 3 delegates; Mexico, 3 delegates; Costa Rica, 3 delegates.
We are asked to look at this assembling body as being the “voting body” with all delegates chosen by their peers. A question that has arisen is whether or not the representative delegates should vote at the Assembly for the next General Custodian and Assistant Custodian. At the last General Assembly the vote of the whole MCA supported the choices of the delegates at the Assembly. (Only about 1/2 of the eligible MCA members voted when given the opportunity).
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Pat Regan provided a detailed report on the stewardship program (see page 10).
GENERAL FUND REPORT/BUDGET
Josie provided copies of the MCA General Fund Report/Budget.
DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
Funds will be available to help pay for administrative expenses incurred by the regions. Each
region is to prepare a budget to submit to Josie. She also recommended that each region have a bank account of its own to help with record keeping and accountability. Jose Castro, Regional Custodian of the Holy Spirit Region, presented the budget he created which could serve as a model for other regions.ORDO INFORMATION
Marie Boin was asked to write an article for the newsletter on the history of the Ordo. All are asked to submit information regarding deaths of MCA members to Marie for the Ordo.
COMMUNCIATION
Josie stressed the importance of regular communication both to her and among the regions. Because of the difficulty with the communication systems in Mexico, Josie will provide funds for the purchase of two fax machines (one for each area). It is very important to “stay connected” and provide support especially to those who are most isolated.
Newsletter & Directory Jim Bolner is in charge of sending MCA news and requests for prayers via the MCA e-mail list. It is imperative that he be provided with news and with updates as to new members and changes of addresses and phone numbers. News for the newsletter should be sent to Smittie Bolner.
MCF Updates Current information on the MCF Council will appear in the newsletters of the four branches.
FORMATION
1) Formation Goal Developing a standardized formation program was one of the goals from the Assembly in Puerto Rico in 2000. While no leader has emerged to take the responsibility for this to date, some regions are making efforts to have an organized formation program; others are doing formation within the individual Cenacles with support provided; many are using Fr. Dennis’ video and accompanying book. It is hoped that regions actively involved in formation programs may be able to put together a basic formation program suitable for all to use.
2) General Council/Leadership Commitment and Formation The call to leadership in the MCA is an ongoing one. The Leadership Assembly in 1999 identified leaders to fill General and Assistant General Custodian positions, with the delegates returning to perform leadership roles within each region. The MCA Council in 2003 will continue the process of identifying persons suitable and willing to assume leadership roles.
3) Spiritual Guides We are experiencing a shortage of ST/MSBT Spiritual Guides in part due to the growth of the MCA. As a result, MCA members are being identified and selected to become Spiritual Guides. Fr. Domingo, General Spiritual Guide, together with the Regional Spiritual Guides and Josie, have been putting together a formation manual for religious and lay spiritual guides. It is presently in draft form.
DATES FOR UPCOMING MCA GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
2002 - October 11th p.m., 12th and 13th at Motherhouse in Philadelphia.
2003 - March 25-26 (prior to MCA General Assembly) at Holy Trinity, if space is available.
2003 - September 11-12 Motherhouse in Philadelphia if dates are available.
REFLECTION
This is the first 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.
Pat Regan, MCA,Divine Providence Cenacle, Maryland
Christ-Crucified: The “Jesus of the Cenacle”
Apostolic spirituality is profoundly Christ-centered. While there are any number of images of Christ we can draw upon (The Good Shepherd, Christ the King, Jesus the Evangelizer of the Poor, Jesus our Brother, etc.), the focus of Father Judge’s thought is clearly on Christ Crucified. In a 1930 conference to Missionary Servants, he writes: “Our Jesus, the Jesus of the Cenacle, is the naked, abandoned Christ of Calvary.” And again in a 1927 letter to Sr. Marie of the Holy Trinity, we see this thought expressed: “The Cross, Calvary, the Man of Sorrows, the Woman of Sorrows, our thorn-crowned King -- these should ever be before us.”
Father Judge viewed suffering for the cause of the Gospel as the way the missionary enters into Christ’s redemptive act and continues Jesus’ ministry on earth. As Jesus suffered for us, “let us suffer for him” in order to gain “greater glory for all Eternity . . . God will love us more and more.”1
The Incarnation event is decisive for Fr. Judge and provides a framework for his spiritual thought. He once wrote: “The Mystery of the Incarnation means much to us, and that is only another way of saying that Jesus Christ is all to us.”2 But the Incarnation is not some event that happened once long ago. As Father Dennis Berry, S.T., explains: “The Incarnation is a living, present reality for Father Judge. Thus, in his Christmas letter conference to the Sisters in 1931, he reminded them that they, not the lifeless statues of the creche, were to ‘be the shepherds.’” 3
The Incarnation, for Father Judge, is intimately connected to the Trinity. In an article he wrote for Holy Ghost Messenger in 1928, he explains the connection:
We cannot consider the mystery of the Godhead, we cannot consider the Mystery of the Incarnation without considering the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, because the dogma of the Blessed Trinity and the dogmatic teaching of the Church in regard to Jesus Christ run together into one.
Father Judge’s understanding of the Trinity provides a clear focus for his spiritual thought. Our own Rule of Life echoes that focus when it states that one purpose of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate is “to glorify the Triune God.” An excerpt from a letter written in 1924 explains the centrality of the Trinity in Father Judge’s thought: “All Christian doctrine is grounded on the great fundamental truth, the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity.”
But Father Judge’s Trinitarian theology is not simply theoretical. He views it in very practical terms as the basis for the Cenacle vocation. In a 1921 conference, he speaks of census statistics showing vast numbers of people with no church affiliation, which leads him to conclude “they had no time for God, which is practically saying that they know nothing about the Holy Trinity and didn’t want to know.” This realization about the indifference to God led him, in that same conference, to explain the particular vocation of Cenacle members, whom he urged to “do something for the greater honor of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.”
Questions for reflection:
1. How is the Incarnation “a living, present reality” in your own spiritual life?
2. What does the image of “Christ Crucified” mean to you? Where do you find Christ Crucified in your daily life? What other images of Christ do you have, and how do they influence the way you live your daily life?
3. What has been your experience of “suffering” for the Gospel? How did the experience(s) help you grow in your missionary vocation?
How is your understanding of the Trinity reflected in your daily apostolic life? How have you put this basic doctrine of our faith into practice as a missionary?
1.Letter dated 8/1/1918 to Sr. Mary of the Holy Agony Champlain, M.S.B.T.
2.Letter to Missionary Servants in Puerto Rico dated 9/14/1927.
3 Berry, Dennis M., S.T. God’s Valiant Warrior (Holy Trinity, AL: Missionary Cenacle Press, 1992), p. 231.
NEWS FROM THE
REGIONS
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS ANGELES REGION (Costa
Rica)
The following message was received from Father Guy Wilson.
I was able to visit the Costa Rican MCA volunteer, Elizabeth Santamaria Sanchez, who has been working two years in the jungle of Darien, Panama. She is doing excellent ministry and is as happy as they come. The Salesian missionaries are grateful for her presence and interested in our Missionary Cenacle charism. She accompanied a group from our Mission on a canoe journey to visit several of the settlements. We arrived at one settlement in which the tribe was celebrating a rite of Thanksgiving. Martha Vega and I were warmly received because of Elizabeth—so warmly received that we were tattooed on our biceps as is tradition for the tribe at these celebrations! The leader told us that the tree bark pigment would stay on us for about a week. It has been five days and the tattoos are still as bold as ever. Kind of cool!
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA REGION (Puerto Rico)
“The love of God causes everything to be easier”.
The love and the service that we give to each other is a measure of God’s love for us. This was reflected during our Pentecost Retreat when Father John Seymour, ST, visited. We discovered together that in the “mission encounter with God, transformation happens.” We reflected on the movements of the Holy Spirit in the life of the apostles, the first to be transformed. The Holy Spirit acts within us and with all of us no matter what our situation is.
Father John also gave a workshop for Spiritual Guides. Participating were Sister Gloria Mercedes, MSBT; Sister Rose Morales, MSBT, Sister Margarita Rivera, MSBT; Sister Josefina Méndez, MSBT; Father Vicente Pascualetto, ST; Brother Gaspar, ST, and lay associates who want to learn and to give in the development of this Missionary Spirit. It is this Spirit of the Cenacle that unites us and gathers us as family. In only ten days Father John visited from Loiza to Mayaguez, (almost the entire island) and filled us with his service and his understanding of God and the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate.
God continues to invite beautiful and good lay apostles to our Cenacles. We received two new associates, Eva Rivera and Leonor Borrero of the Cenacle Divine Mercy in Mayaguez.
The summer is a good time for us to work on the revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution and Stewardship (the sharing of our Time, Talent and Treasure) for the entire MCA. Lisette Ortiz, MCA, and Yitza Arcelay, MCA, are a big help in this task.
The booklet “Sparks of Faith,” written by Father Lawrence Brediger, ST, contains a quote from Fr Judge: “What are you doing to spread the light and to radiate the heat of charity and the Catholic truth?” We are all invited to respond from the depth of our heart. I thought about the Community of Indian Town, in Canóvanas; we are all there—an MSBT, an ST, and members of the MCA working together in love, full of enthusiasm to grow in the love of God. What blessings we have when we work hand in hand—laity and religious! What joy to be a Missionary Community, to think as Family! What opportunity we have when thinking about Family! We interlaced ourselves in spirit and in apostolic action. How much good we do for the church! “Look, they love each other!” the heart of God exclaims.
Recently I spoke with one of my fellow workers who wanted to know about the Cenacle. What is it? What makes the Cenacle? At that moment, a transient approached the window of the car and to my surprise the young person remembered me. After my greeting, I said as usual, “Take care! God loves you.” I tried to continue the conversation with my fellow worker regarding the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. He then said to me: “Say no more, I understand now." Love is the main reason for every struggle.
What a blessing it is to belong to the Church of the Apostles!
In love and service,
Alma Robles, MCA
Regional Custodian
TRINITY REGION (Southeastern U.S.)
Trinity region annual retreats on three weekends during the Pentecost season.
1. May 10-12 (Mother's Day weekend) . Theme: "On Gifts and Counsel."
The MCA retreat of May 10-12 was led by Fr. Shawn McCarty, ST. He focused on taking counsel in Cenacle, explaining what that means and how important it is within each Cenacle. Joanne Jones spoke about her personal experience with family counseling during her childhood. Retreatants shared how family decisions had been made in their families of origin and how they are made in their own families. This led to a better understanding of "taking counsel" in Cenacles and the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the group decisions. In lieu of one representative giving a report of the Cenacle's apostolic work, all shared at least one incident in which the Holy Spirit's guidance brought about a special, unexpected result.
Mary Brown, MCA, Spirit of Light Cenacle
2. May 19th (Pentecost Weekend) Fr. Ray Riding ST.
Theme: “Pentecost."
3. May 26th (Trinity Sunday Weekend) Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, ST (MCA General
Spiritual Guide). Theme: "Trinity"
The weekend began as all our MCA retreats on Friday afternoon. People slowly drifted in for registration and a wonderful supper prepared by the cooks at the retreat house. We were tired and weary. Some of us had traveled hundreds of miles, but why? We needed something--but what? We all came with different expectations, but what a joy we felt to be home." That's what Holy Trinity is to the MCA, "home." We were so blessed to have Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, ST, Joanne Jones, Gerry Shook, and Joanne Harrison participate in our retreat Fr. Domingo talked on the Mystery of the Trinity. He told us the Trinity is a mystery, but one of awe and not fear. He compared pre-Vatican II to post Vatican II theology on the Trinity and warned us not to swing too far to either side. He challenged us to always question our faith and seek our hearts. We closed our retreat with a spiritual and uplifting liturgy with new candidates receiving their pins. Our souls had been refreshed and we left with a renewed strength to face our mission field in our ordinary daily life.
Betty Mcgowan, Custodian
Spirit of The Redeemer Missionary Cenacle
Eufaula, Alabama)
Sylvia Ramos, a Candidate in Light of Christ Cenacle, shared her thoughts on the Trinity weekend Retreat.
I would like to share a few thoughts from the
[retreat]. I only have a few as I only recorded the things that struck me as
primary to me right now. As in any presentation each participant hears the
presenter and the presented in his/her own way, so I invite you to share a few
of the points/thoughts that were meaningful to me. Here are my points of
light from Fr. Domingo’s presentations.
1. Our "becoming" is part of the mystery of the Trinity.
2. God does not change, only our perception of Him changes.
3. Others’ perception of God in me is not only reflective of my growth in
virtues, but is also reflective of what God wants the other person to see in me.
That is to say that being open and growing provides the fertile
ground/environment for God's action in others. If another needs to
perceive/feel the virtue of charity/love, I then can be His instrument to be
love for the one in need, whether or not charity is a virtue in
which I am strong.
4. Post Vatican II emphasizes our intentionality and cooperation with the graces
of the Eucharist, not just that the Eucharist provides grace regardless of our
cooperation and involvement.
5. Jesus is the sacrament of the Father.
6.Personal convictions can become greater enemies of the truth than lies
themselves.
7. We are called to "be" not to "do." Doing follows Being.
8. As with the Sufi Master, we must put the big important things in our
lives in order in the pot of life first and then fill in with the small pebbles,
sand, and water.
9. Be sure your actions are what God wants regardless of what your good
intentions are. Intentions must be in line with God's plan. You might not see
the truth of the real situation, only He knows.
10. For the Cenacle family, be always aware of what's best for the group and do
not narrowly focus on your own mission. In any group issue be sure to look for
the "what" is happening to find the solution. We are human--remember
to forgive and reconcile.
The sharing from everyone this weekend was very
reinforcing. This all means to me that the Cenacle family is a safe place to
grow towards wholeness because even while revealing our strengths we are not
expected to be perfect but can be safe and accepted when revealing our
weaknesses and needs and growth experiences.
| CORRECTION: In our last issue we incorrectly identified the new Cenacle forming in Tennessee as being located in Dixon, TN. That should have been Dickson, TN. We apologize for the error. |
HOLY SPIRIT REGION (Western U.S.)
Pentecost Retreat - May 18, 19 and 20
Subjects: The unknown God, Fire of the Apostolic Vocation, Our Devotions and the Apostles of Emmaus. Speakers: Fr. Roberto Mena, ST, and Martha Vega, MCA. Approximately 250 people attended. Two Candidates and seven Associates were received. The retreat came to a grand finale with the proposal of marriage made by Jose Oscar Castro, MCA, Regional Custodian, to Maria de Jesus Sandoval, MCA. The parents of both are members of the MCA and were present. He also asked her parents for her hand in marriage right then and there and it was granted. Their families, as well as the Missionary Cenacle Family were very happy to be present and be part of their engagement and their joy.
English-speaking Retreat- 22 and 23 of June
The English-speaking members had their retreat with Fr. James O’Brien, ST. Theme: "The Foundation of Our Christian Catholic Faith." Approximately 30 members and 10 guests attended. Josie Morales, General Custodian, who attended on Sunday, thanked the veteran members for their contribution to the MCA in this region and said that she considers them the jewels and the seeds of the region, calling on them to continue scattering the seeds.
OTHER EVENTS IN THE REGION
Easter Talks - A week of Easter talks in English and Spanish were given to the community of Our Lady Of the Victory in East Los Angeles by a team of MCA members (most were from the youth Cenacle, Jesus de Nazareth) accompanied by Fr. John Seymour, ST. The energy and enthusiasm were obvious as was the complete support of the veteran members of the MCA and Father John, Regional Spiritual Guide. Thanks to the invitation made by Fathers Francisco Goméz, ST, and Carlos Zacarias, ST, we could share our call to the vocation and the charism of the Missionary Cenacle. On the last day of the talks, the Spanish and English speaking groups shared supper with the Family. This community will discern if the MCA is invited to initiate formation of their members into the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate.
World Youth Day - Four young men of the Cenacle Jesus de Nazareth will accompany Fr. Ramon Riding, ST, to the world-wide event July 22 to the 30th. They will promote vocations for the Missionary Cenacle Family. The funds to cover their expenses have been raised by the region, they themselves and other individuals. Shawn Witmer, MCA, and Director of the Volunteer Program will provide lodging for them. These young men are: Raul Estrada, Bulmond Sandoval, Alfonso A. Castro, Jr, Custodian of the Cenacle Jesus de Nazareth, and Jose Oscar Castro, Regional Custodian. They will be joining the Holy Father in a Eucharistic celebration.
Youth Retreat - MCA Youth
- The youth Cenacle, Jesus de Nazareth, had their third annual retreat for young people of the community. Approximately150 young persons (15 to 25 years old) of the community attended. It was a great success thanks to the support of the STs and the participation of the local cenacles. The energy and enthusiasm was so contagious that participants expressed desire to becoming part of the Missionary Cenacle. Follow-up to this retreat is currently taking place.The new Custodian of the youth cenacle, Jesus de Nazareth, is Alfonso A. Castro, Jr., and the new assistant is Zulma E. Meléndez. They coordinated and directed the above-mentioned retreat. The spiritual guides are Victor and Ana Gutierrez.
Leadership Training
Leadership training was held on July 13th by Martha Vega, MCA, International Formation Director, and Father John Seymour, S.T., Regional Spiritual Guide. The training was on the meaning, scheme and order of the meetings of the MCA. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of the region, tools were provided and skills were taught on how to prepare and lead the MCA Apostolic and Spiritual meetings - from schedule, agenda, preparation of the meeting place, welcoming, etc.
Pat Regan, Director of the Stewardship Program, was in town and visited. She congratulated the region for the participation of most of its membership in the program. We give much credit and thanks to Luz de la Torre who has taken her role (and apostolate) as the coordinator of the Stewardship Program in this region very seriously and does not let us forget “our envelopes.”
Workshop for Holy Family Cenacle
In June the members of ESIPAF (School for Integral Improvement of the Family) presented a one-day workshop on the integration of the family. It focused on how to raise our children. The material received will be very useful to the members themselves and to their apostolate.
Jose Oscar Castro, MCA
Regional Custodian
THE MISSIONARY CENACLE FAMILY COUNCIL
The Missionary Family Council is made up of the General Custodians of each of the branches plus two delegates from each branch. Following is the current make-up of the MCFC.
Missionary Cenacle Apostolate (MCA)
Joise Morales
Alma Robles
Jose Oscar Castro
Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity (MSBT)
Sr. Barbara DeMoranville
Sr. Mary Shaun Dunphy
Sr. Joaquina Carrión
Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (ST)
Fr. Austin F. Walsh
Fr. Gary Banks
Br. Paul T. Michalenko
Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute (BTMI)
Peggy Hayes
Margaret Guzzo
Cathy Dehner
Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, is the Facilitator and Br. Steve Vesely, ST, is the Executive Secretary
The MCFC meets three times a year.
MCA General Council
Josie Morales, MCA General Custodian
James Bolner, Assistant General Custodian
Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, ST, International Spiritual Guide
INCARNATION REGION: Northeastern US
Marie Boin, Regional Custodian
Angel Garcia, Assistant Regional Custodian
Rosa Tirado, BTMI, Regional Spiritual Guide
TRINITY REGION: Southeastern US
Joanne Jones, Regional Custodian
Gerry Shook, Assistant Regional Custodian
Sr. Mary Ann McIntyre, MSBT, Regional Spiritual Guide
HOLY SPIRIT: Western US
Jose Castro, Regional Custodian
Rosalia Becerra, Assistant Regional Custodian
Fr. John Seymour, ST, Regional Spiritual Guide
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA REGION: Puerto Rico
Alma Perfecto, Regional Custodian
Lizette Fortuno, Assistant Regional Custodian
Saraí Melendez, MCA, Regional Spiritual Guide
Fr. Vincent Pasqualetto, ST, Assistant Regional Spiritual Guide
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS ANGELES REGION: Costa Rica
Maria Eriqueta Quiros Castro, Regional Custodian
Roxana Lopez, Assistant Regional Custodian
Fr. Kevin Nugent, ST, Regional Spiritual Guide
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE REGION: Mexico
Vicente Mora, Regional Custodian
Jose Antonio Olvera Ceron, Assistant Regional Custodian
Sr. Margaret Fay, MSBT, Regional Spiritual Guide
Sr. Maria Lauren Donohue, MSBT, Assistant Regional Spiritual Guide
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In Memoriam Eleanor C. Gale, a member of the former Holy Spirit
Cenacle for many years, died on February 28, 2002. Eleanor worked for many years
in the housekeeping Dept of the Motherhouse-the last few years part-time. She
raised a beautiful large family of which she could be rightly proud. Not often
sick, she developed pneumonia, complications set in and after several weeks in
the hospital the end came. Eleanor will be remembered for the quiet unassuming
way she performed many charitable acts. Stephanie Lacina, the beloved daughter (in-law) of Virginia and Dick Lacina, MCA, died on Friday, May 10th, 2002, following 2 ½ years of batting cancer. Virginia and Dick wished to express their thanks to the entire MCF for their prayers on her behalf during her long battle with cancer. “She derived a great deal of peace knowing you were all there pulling for her.” Our hearts go out to the Lacina family especially to Stephanie’s husband Steve and their children. We pray that God will console them and give them comfort.
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MCA Stewardship Update
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
It has been 2 ½ years since the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate introduced stewardship as a practice for all members. Stewardship is defined as the return to God for the gifts we have been given. It involves our time, talent and treasure. We are faith-filled men and women who have committed our lives to the MCA and the Missionary Cenacle Family. Practicing stewardship gives each of us the forum for expressing our commitment in varied ways.
In the United States, the goal is to have 75% of members practicing stewardship of time, talent and treasure, and to be able to cover the operating expenses of the MCA by 2003. The goal of the regions outside the United States is to have 50% of their members practicing stewardship by 2003.
In the year 2001, pledge donations were received from 460 individuals, including combined contributions from members in the regions of Costa Rica and Mexico. Donations amounted to $22,427.00. This is significantly more than we ever generated under the dues model, but still not enough to meet our annual expenses. During the first half of 2002 (through June 30th), 380 individuals have made contributions to the MCA for a total of $10,076.25.
Here is the breakdown of the numbers of members participating in each region for 2001 and the first half of 2002:
| Region | 2001 | 2002 |
| Holy Spirit
Region (Western United States)
Trinity Region (Southern United States) Incarnation Region (Eastern United States) San Juan Bautista Region (Puerto Rico) Nuestra Senora Reina de los Angeles (Costa Rica) Our Lady of Guadalupe Region (Mexico) |
197 60 43 36
45 |
168
43 19 13
50 |
In both years, the Holy Spirit region accounted for nearly half of all contributions. While the average gift is smaller than in some other regions, the numbers of members participating in the stewardship program has allowed them to make a significant contribution to the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. What an excellent example of what can be done when everyone participates! Thanks to them, and to all members who are sharing their “treasure” with the MCA.
If you have not begun participating in the stewardship program yet, please consider what your contribution can be. Everyone is capable of making a contribution. The size of the gift is not as important as the fact that everyone participates. One way you can contribute more than you might otherwise is to make a monthly commitment of an amount that is comfortable for you. Over the course of a year, modest monthly contributions amount to a total gift that would be more than you could make at one time.
Father Judge reminded us that we are responsible for the future of the Cenacle. Let each of us make a commitment today to share our time, talent, and treasure for the good of all.
Pat Regan,
MCA Fund Development Coordinator
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 Regan, MCA
3929 Greencastle Road #207
Burtonsville, MD 20866-2114
Fund Development Coordinator
Pat Regan's e-mail: patregan3@aol.com.
Please notify Jim Bolner, who maintains the mailing list for the newsletter, 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 who wish to receive the newsletter. Jim is also in the process of updating the MCA Directory. Please notify him of any changes in your Cenacle’s officers and Spiritual Guide. Jim’s mailing address is the same as the newsletter editor’s; his e-mail address is poboln@lsu.edu.
MCA website: http://mcenacle.org/mca/
HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR ORDO?
They are available from the Missionary Cenacle Press, 3501 Solly Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136
| HELP
NEEDED with Ordo
1) Preparation of text If anyone is willing and able to help, contact Marie Boin by e-mail: mariecboin@juno.com
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