The MCA Newsletter - Len/Easter, 2000

The New Spirit of the Cenacle

Lent/Easter, 2000
The New Spirit of the Cenacle, the official newsletter of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, 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 Friday June 30, 2000. Please submit materials for the newsletter to Smittie Bolner, 460 Bancroft Way, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808; sbolner@lsu.edu.

FROM THE GENERAL CUSTODIAN

Dear MCA Members,

"May the grace and peace of the Holy Spirit be with us forever!"

During this first Lenten Season of the 21st Century, our guidelines are the same as for the last century, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. MCA members are already doing this by seeking opportunities to share the love of God in the providence of their daily lives, going out of their own comfort to serve others-- wherever they may be.

I am so inspired and encouraged by your generosity towards the poor, the abandoned and towards one another. We have been provided the gifts and graces needed to carry out our vocation. As Fr. Judge told us so well: "The graces you are getting are strengthening you so that you may strengthen others by your words and by your actions."

As I visit and hear from the Regions, I can tell how different they are from one another. Yet, I hear the same desire expressed in all-- that no one stays abandoned from the love and the experience of God. And I hear you say that you want to be more and do more for Jesus. I feel your eagerness to cross lines, boundaries and even countries to do this.

During this period of Lent, I invite you to take the time to reflect and pray as one Cenacle -- and as one family for our future endeavors and our place in the Church and in the world as one community.

My love and Prayers,

Josie Morales

General Custodian

General Custodian Visits Mission Sites

It was an honor and a privilege to have been present on the occasion of the ordination in Costa Rica of Fr. Edgar Solano Bruno to the priesthood and of Alexis Zuniga to the Deaconate on November 10, 1999. It is of great significance that this was the first ordination of a member of the Missionary Cenacle in Central America.

The House of Formation in Costa Rico was established in 1992 by Fr. Charles Gordon, ST, and Fr. Louis Murphy, ST. The Missionary Cenacle Apostolate was introduced in 1997 by Fr. Eugene Mueller, ST.

The work, commitment, energy and love of so many in the community--MCA and STs-- were very evident at this event. Fifty guests from various places and from all the branches of the MCA were present. Credit and thanks for this event are due members of the Missionary Cenacle Family, whose participation made it happen

I was very proud to see first hand the contributions of Martha Vega, MCA, towards the formation of the students. Martha began working with the formation team in Costa Rica in May, 1999. Since then she has worked in close collaboration with the team and with Sandra Ortiz de Moya, MCA Regional Custodian, in the formation of the MCA in the areas of San Jose and Puerto Jimenez.

I must also acknowledge the contributions of Fr. Guy Wilson, ST, whose courageous work and support made all of this possible. His efforts give much hope, and indeed, provide a model for the future of the Misionary Cenacle Family. From the beginning of their formation, the students learn to work, collaborate, and participate with the MCA. Many serve as spiritual guides for the local Cenacles.

In other news from Central America, Edgar Solano, ST, whose mother, Jenny Bruno, is a member of the MCA, received the assignment to work in St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Temascalapa, Mexico. It is noteworthy that in his assignment he was specifically instructed to work with the MCA.

I await with much enthusiasm the ordination of Alexis Zuniga Velasquez to the priesthood, which will take place in a year in Honduras, Central America.

MCA Stewardship

A New Model for a New Millennium

Stewardship is defined as the return to God for the gifts we have been given. It involves the giving of our time, talent and treasure. Stewardship as a model for the MCA makes sense at this juncture in our history. In faith, we believe that in our members we possess all the necessary gifts to fulfill our mission. We are faith-filled men and women who have committed our lives to the MCA and to the Missionary Cenacle Family. Practicing stewardship gives each of us the forum for expressing our commitment in varied ways.

The international MCA task force on Stewardship Education and Fund Development met over the past few months to determine goals and outline a 3-year plan for implementing stewardship in every region. The goal of the U.S. task force 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 at the general and regional levels within three years. The goal of the Spanish-speaking regions is to have 50% of members practicing stewardship in three years.

The task force set up regional teams to present the principles of stewardship to individual cenacles. Another committee is being formed to administer the "treasure" aspect of stewardship- in other words, the financial commitment we are asking of each member. All of this is being done with the guidance and affirmation of our General Council, who have been involved in the project from the beginning.

Last year's Leadership Assembly, convened by Marvine Waite to commemorate the 90^th anniversary of our founding, was a momentous occasion. Your delegates to that gathering called for a new way of structuring ourselves that would promote leadership in our members, and allow us to embrace and support the international community we have become. Implicit in that challenge is the need to develop our own resources- including the financial resources that are necessary if we are to be the dynamic community of lay missionaries we are called to be.

By adopting a model of stewardship, the MCA is taking a giant step toward self-sufficiency. As each of us reflects on the gifts God has given us, we will be asked to make a conscious decision to share of our time, talent and treasure for the good of all.

Just as we asked for your prayerful support of the Leadership Assembly, we are now begging your prayers for this effort. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit! Together, we can do anything!

Pat Regan, MCA
Task Force Coordinator

STEWARDSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT

There has been a change of responsibility for receiving and disbursing MCA funds. In the future please send all MCA stewardship contributions to:
Patricia Regan
3929 Greencastle Road #207
Burtonsville, MD 20866

The Missionary Cenacle Family To Celebrate Jubilee/Jubileo 2000

The Missionary Cenacle Family celebration of Jubliee/Jubileo will take place on June 15-18, 2000, at Villanova University, Villanova, PA. Registration packets and information were sent to you earlier. We look forward to seeing as many of you at this most important event. If you cannot be there, we ask that you join in prayer for the success of the celebration

The Spirit Is A' Moving

Recently the MCF gathered with youth from across the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee for a Day of Reflection on Mission. It was dynamic! It was powerful! It was blessed! There were 22 Catholic youth between the ages of 18-30 who had been invited by various means: church announcements, e-mail, letters, etc. They came from all parts of the diocese. It was held at St. Thomas More, Pensacola. The day began at 10 a.m. and most stayed through liturgy and supper at the Sisters' Cenacle until almost 7:30 p.m.. The air was alive with the Spirit moving in these young folks. Fr. Ray Riding, ST, Sr. Terry Bretthauer, MSBT, Sr. Debbie Wilson, MSBT, and Nancy Beukenkamp MCA, from Spirit of Light Cenacle in Fort Walton Beach made presentations. The presentations focused on "finding your mission in life" right now. They addressed such things as experiences of faith, of the spiritual call to faithfulness, the ways and means of accomplishing mission, how to discern what that might be, and how mission is being carried out by laity. I presented the last segment for which they were divided by geographical groups- Pensacola, Mid panhandle, and Tallahassee. They responded to "What next?" The overwhelming response was "we want more." (That more included a need and desire for praying together, to be missionaries together, and to learn more). Each group was to work out the how and what is to follow. Fr. Ray encouraged them to "take it and run," to build on what had transpired that day, and to ask for help from the advisors who were identified in each area. This was such a personally rewarding witness to me of what the family serving as family can do! It was indeed beautiful!-- Love in the Trinity, Joanne Jones, MCA

MCA Council and Spiritual Guides Meeting, Puerto Rico, 11-13 Feb. 2000

The purpose of this extraordinary meeting was to help the General Custodian and the Council form goals and priorities for the MCA for the next four years. It is significant that the meeting was held in Puerto Rico, underscoring the inclusive and diverse nature of the MCA.

Attending were Josie Morales, MCA, General Custodian; Jim Bolner, MCA, Assistant General Custodian; Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, Facilitator; Claribel Santana, MCA Secretary; and the following Regional and Assistant Regional Custodians and Spiritual Guides from the regions indicated:

Northeastern Region: Marie Boin, MCA; and Joanne O'Rourke, MCA,

Puerto Rico Region: Virgenmina Lugo, MCA; Sarai Melendez, MCA; Sr. Gloria M. Gonzalez, MSBT

Southern Region:Joanne Jones, MCA; Ivette Cordero, MCA; Sr. Mary Ann McIntyre, MSBT

Western Region: Luz de la Torre, MCA; Maria Santana, MCA, Fr. John Seymour, ST

Mexico: Teresa Zepeda, MCA; Patricia Palomares, MCA; Jorge Mejias, MCA; Fr. Harold Stone, ST

Costa Rica: Sandra Ortiz, MCA; Laura Montero, MCA; Martha Vega, MCA

After three days of intensive and prayerful deliberations, the group was able to arrive at six goals that are summarized below:

1. Growth- reach out to other cultures and invite participation and recognize our international status.

2. Formation- develop a theology of mission; create teams of formation from Region to Region; develop leadership; develop formation for Spiritual Guides, including more laity as Spiritual Guides

3. Time, Treasure, Talent-identify and use talents and gifts of the entire MCF.

4. Collaboration- promote more collaboration among all Branches, recognizing cultural, language, and regional differences

5. Communication-use modern technology (e-mail, Web Pages, etc.) as well as traditional means to become better connected ; identify a contact person for each region

6. Spirituality-connect with MCF spirituality; involve more STs and MSBTs in MCA formation

Leadership visions for the MCA International Administration for the next three years

Achieve canonical status

Revise Rule of Life and Constitution

Regularize election processes

More authority at Regional level

Recognize that structures develop at regional level that support development of leadership

Formation of Spiritual Guides, new and ongoing--use lay Spiritual Guides

Formation into family

Revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution

A committee has been appointed and given the following charge:

To prepare a revision of the Rule of Life and Constitution to better provide for current realities and future needs of the MCA.

To consult with the leaders and members of the MCA as needed in the process of preparing the revision

To submit the revision to the General Custodian for adoption by the membership

To assist the General Custodian and the Council in the process of receiving approval from Rome on the Revised Rule of Life and Constitution.

It is the desire of the General Custodian together with the General Council that the committee:

Separate the current combined Rule of Life and Constitution into two distinct documents. The General Custodian and the Council may also draft a third document - a Directory of Policies along with a clear definition of what they are and how they are to be used.

Revise the Rule of Life to bring it into greater textural harmony/consistency with the MSBT/ST Rule of Life, remembering that we are a lay branch with a vocation. (Look at Rule #13 of the Rule of Life of the other Branches .)

Investigate the feasibility, implications, and significance of including permanent Deacons in the membership of the MCA.

Revise the Constitution to clarify responsibility and authority of the Regional Custodians, Assistant Custodians and Regional Councils, with clear definitions of their roles and duties.

Clearly set forth the areas of competence between governance at the General level and governance at the Regional level.

Revise the process to elect the General Custodian and Assistant General Custodian, providing for the possibility of an assembly of delegates every four years to select candidates for the offices of General Custodian and Assistant General Custodian.

Make the period of candidacy for Associates two years or more (as necessary), with a minimum of one year only in extraordinary cases upon the recommendation of the Custodian and the Spiritual Guide.

Emphasize that the Act of Consecration is a lifelong commitment, and that Formation is a necessary stage leading to the Act of Consecration.
The General Custodian also recommended that the committee:

Take time to reflect on situations that are becoming more common in our society, taking care not to lose sight of Catholic teaching.

Consider what to do about termination of membership or dissolution of a Cenacle.

Consider revising the section on the election of local and regional custodians and assistant custodians to cover more contingencies, including early departure from office by resignation, death, etc.

Include the process for electing leadership and the terms of office in the Directory. Add a section on care of the sick and elderly members to the Directory.

WHY REVISE THE RULE OF LIFE AND THE CONSTITUTION?

The current Rule of Life and Constitution was adopted on October 13, 1984, by the MCA General Council after a year of study and consultation with the general membership. It parallels and is similar to the Rule of Life of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (ST) and the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity (MSBT). One anomaly is the absence of Rule 13 in the MCA document. This is due to the fact that Rule 13 in the Sisters' and the Priests and Brothers' documents deals with the vowed life. In 1984 the MCA Act of Consecration was apparently not considered equal to the vows taken by the other Branches. That perception needs to be reexamined in the light of what it means to be a member of the MCA. Does it mean that you have joined a prayer group, or "just another" Catholic organization? Or is it truly a vocation? In the view of those attending the Puerto Rico meeting, the Act of Consecration is considered a lifelong commitment. Thus, greater emphasis should be placed during formation on the importance of making the Act of Consecration. As you contemplate what the MCA means to you , we urge you to make your views known to your Regional Custodians so that they can communicate these to the Committee. But above all we ask that you pray for the successful revision of the Rule of Life and the Constitution.

IN MEMORIAM

Another Missionary Says Good-bye

Eufrosina Plasencia was born in Capilla de Milpillas, Jalisco, on December 31,1932, of very humble beginnings. She married very young and had 18 children with only 6 of them surviving. Eufrosina was one of the pioneers in the Spanish-speaking cenacles in California, beginning in 1982. Her children say that their mother had always been a missionary. Eufrosina had a very jovial missionary spirit. She shared the love of the Lord wherever she was and was willing to go to other countries to serve as a missionary - even Cuba! (She was advised against it because of her age).

At one time Eufrosina was visiting her hometown when the parish priest asked the young women with long hair to donate their hair for the statue of the blessed mother. They were to go to a certain hairdresser to see if their hair was appropriate. Eufrosina, who had always worn her hair below her waist, decided to go to the hairdresser. It turned out that her hair (at her age) was the most appropriate, and the blessed mother is now wearing her long hair. During the month of December, 1999, Eufrosina began to feel sick. She encouraged and attended the posadas in her community nonetheless.

On December 31, 1999 (her birthday), she agreed to go to the hospital after she was assured there was a substitute for her apostolate of taking the Eucharist to the home-bound. The committee that communicates news regarding sicknesses, tragedies, and deaths among the membership, promptly delivered the news to MCA members that Eufrosina was in the hospital. Many visited Eufrosina, including Fr. John Seymour, ST, Regional Spiritual Guide. Many others just stopped by to support the family at the hospital. It was impossible for everyone to see her, but they were united in prayer. However, it was the will of the Lord that Eufrosina would die on the day of the Epiphany, January 6, 2000--one of her favorite feasts and a special day for the Region of the Holy Spirit whose leadership and spiritual guides were to gather for a celebration of the "Kings." Normally Eufrosina would have been there. This gathering proceeded very joyfully after the Mass said for her. Obviously her spirit was there! The Rosary, Mass and funeral services were so well attended by family and friends, many from the MCA, that the church was full to capacity. Her life was a true testimony to the charisma of the MCA. Many there asked what this Missionary Cenacle Apostolate was. There were even some who wanted to join the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate family and have since done so. ---Josie Morales, MCA

Liz Clark, Heart of Jesus Cenacle, Montgomery, Al, died Wednesday December 4, 1999. Her sister, Mary Brown, is also a member of the Pensacola , FL, MCA. The funeral was held at St. Bede the Venerable in Atlanta at 11AM Tuesday, Dec.21st. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Liz Clark and for the consolation of her family and her many friends.

Ed Golden, Former MCA General Custodian, FL. Passed away February 15, 2000. Please pray for his soul and for consolation for his widow Betty Golden.

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS

Incarnation Region-Northeastern U.S.
MCA Weekend Retreat - Nov. 12 - 14, 1999 - Mother Boniface Center

The theme of the weekend was The Love and Compassion of Our Father, God. Fr. Shawn McCarty, ST, began by asking us to examine our images of God, as we tend shape our way of praying and believing in order to conform with our image of God. God is mystery, beyond all images, concepts, and gender. We use analogies to try to figure out what God is like, so we can imitate God.

On Saturday we looked at conversion or metanoia, the Greek word meaning a change of heart. The first conversion we all experience is an acceptance of God's love. Our giftedness as well as our sinfulness needs conversion. In Jubilee time, especially, we need to examine both personal and social aspects of sin, to open ourselves to conversion.

On Sunday morning at the closing session we examined our understanding of what our mission is, how we carry out our mission through ministry, and which gifts enable us to do this. Before our Cenacle business meeting on Saturday night, Fr. Shawn had asked us to reflect on the Missionary Cenacle spirit, what it means for each of us, how it affects our lives and our apostolic works, and what we hope for in the new millennium. It was exciting to hear the similarity of answers from each of the twelve of us and from Fr. Shawn, who reminded us that he had been a member of the MCA in Elmhurst before he felt his call to the priesthood. Some of the responses were: the sense of belonging and being accepted unconditionally; the different people in the Cenacle who embody the Cenacle for each of us; and the fact that whenever we get together as Family, we are strengthened and enabled to be apostles in our everyday lives. There was consensus that our hope for the Family in the new millennium centers around truly living our charism, being family, and continuing to respond to the Holy Spirit's urging to help the poor and abandoned wherever and whoever they might be.-- Submitted, Margaret A. Flanagan, Holy Redeemer Cenacle, New York.

Holy Trinity Region--Southern U.S.

Queen of Peace/Christ the King Cenacles, Ocala, FL

In Ocala, Florida, the Cenacles of Queen of Peace and Christ the King convene jointly on the second Tuesday of each month to celebrate a spiritual meeting. The topics offered by their Spiritual Guide, Charles Becker are:

December, 1999 The Mystery of the Incarnation

In The Apostolic Life we find: "…The Incarnation is the exhibition of God's wonderful love for us." Fr. Judge had an intense, deep love for the Mystery of the Incarnation. The Jubilee 2000 is a special call to better understand the mystery of the Incarnation.

January 2000 The Mystery of the Incarnation and God's Grace

The Great Jubilee Year 2000 is not just the turning of the calendar and passing of another year, decade, century and millennium. It is a celebration of God's grace.

February, 2000 The Holy Spirit

In The Apostolic Life we find: "this is the day of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God wants to use us." Fr. Judge was convinced that the Laity had great power for good. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would inspire us.

March, 2000 The Minister and the Missionary

The Cenacles in thought and prayer will vigorously explore the concept of the "Minister and the Missionary"--a comparison presented by Fr. John Seymour, ST--Marcia M. Barnes, Candidate, Christ the King Cenacle

Queen of Peace, Ocala, FLA, Christmas Celebration

Queen of Peace Missionary Cenacle celebrated Christmas with Christ the King Missionary Cenacle at a breakfast buffet at a swanky Ocala restaurant. Our guest of honor was Fr. Luke Miksahl, ST, who drove down to spend a few days with us from his mission assignment in Blakely, GA. A happy surprise for all was the recognition of Fr. Luke by member Bernadette Colpitts, who first met him when she was 10 years old and he was the priest at St. Mildred's Church in Swansboro, NC. ---Joe KibbeLiving Waters Cenacle, Pensacola, FL.

Our members have felt deeply the loss of Sr. Helen Varsel, MSBT, who was such a dear friend and inspiration to us. We gave a donation to Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance program in memory of Sr. Helen. A memorial mass was celebrated at St. Thomas More Church, Pensacola, on February 3, 2000.

We have been visiting and praying for Blanche Baker, who is recovering from serious surgery.

Members are doing a Spiritual Bouquet for Henry and Gloria Burrell on the occasion of their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Marianne Beckman, Rita Tolbert, and Sr. Beth Henken, MSBT, led a program on the process of counsel in January. We took counsel on the temperature of our Cenacle in terms of zeal, and on ways to grow spiritually and apostolically.

Fr. Ray Riding, ST, will address our Cenacle on "What is the Missionary Heart?" on March 5, 2000. The Milton, Mobile, and Fort Walton Beach Cenacles have been invited to attend this Sunday Afternoon of Recollection.

Members brought backpacks to the December meeting for Sr. Beth's after school program at the Outreach Center. We had a covered dish Christmas celebration--we all feasted on Van Fell's gumbo!

Harold Lauterbach developed the idea for a beautiful Living Waters banner, which was executed by a local artist. The cross is based on a photograph of the Mission Cross at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat.

There are five Candidates in formation, which is being led by Lois Walker, Mary Giblin, and Noreen Moser.--Mianne Beckman, Custodian

You are invited to visit The Missionary Cenacle Family Page