Rule Life and Constitution

of the

Missionary Cenacle Apostolate

This Rule of Life and Constitution was adopted on October 13, 1984 by the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate General Council after a year of study and consultation with the general membership. It is similar to the Rule of Life of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity and the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. All statements in italic in this Rule of Life and Constitution are the words of Father Judge.

1. Our Lord had very much at heart the creating of a spirit, a missionary spirit, an evangelical burning that would sweep over the whole world. He came to cast a fire on the earth, and he willed that it would be enklindled (Lk 12:49). The Holy Spirit has enkindied this fire in our hearts. This is our heritage: an apostolic spirit, a Gospel spirit, a Catholic spirit. The Missionary Cenacle Spirit is charity, charity aflame.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

2. We, the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, are a community of lay persons, an association of the Christian faithful, one branch of an apostolic family, who have been called by God to be missionaries in the Church. We have a special relationship with the Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute, the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. Together with them we comprise the Missionary Cenacle Family.

3. By our lives as Cenacle Lay Missionaries we seek first to glorify the Triune God. We follow in the footsteps of the Apostles who, filled with the Holy Spirit, went forth from the Cenacte to spread everywhere the knowledge and love of Jesus. We live and work that God's name be hallowed, that his kingdom come, that his holy will be done (Mt 6:9-10).

4. The missionary thought, the missionary idea, the missionary spirit should be dominant in our Missionary Cenacles. We meet the pressing needs of our day by undertaking works that the Church wants, that are good and necessary, and that serve the abandoned, those who do not experience the love of God.

5. Our specific mission is the preservation of the faith in those areas and among' those people who are spiritually neglected and abandoned. Our chief effort is to develop a missionary spirit with the goal that every Catholic be an apostle. In all our works we are to manifest a particular concern for children, especially for their spiritual and moral development.

6. We are to have an ardent zeal for the poor, for those desolate in all things spiritual and for victims of injustice. Charity urges us to action on behalf of justice as an integral part of announcing the coming of the kingdom.

7. The Cenacle spirit is a Catholic spirit, a living, burning, operating love of God and neighbor. We are to share this spirit by promoting and supporting the ministries of all the baptized people of God in the mission of the Church. We acknowledge "different gifts but the same Spirit, different ministries, but the same Lord" (1Cor 12: 24). Thus, we foster involvement of all in the mission and ministries of the Church not only as a particular aim, but as a part of our apostolic efforts.

8. We are to call forth apostolic persons from everyday walks of life to become members of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and to encourage those who feel called to other branches of the Missionary Cenacle Family. A family spirit should be demonstrated by loving regard among the members of the branches and, when feasible, by collaboration in apostolic works. It is our particular responsibility as Cenacle Lay Missionaries to spread this Cenacle spirit through word and example. Father Judge declared that if the right spirit is maintained, if the primitive spirit is passed down, this family idea will engender the most beautiful fruits for the honor and glory of God and for the edification of the Church.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

9. The Cenacle spirit is a Christ-like spirit of faith working through love (Gal 5:6). We are to confess in our hearts the mysteries of faith: the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. We aspire to a devotional knowledge of these mysteries, that is, a deeply personal and interior faith that is restless until it finds expression in good works; our good works, in turn, nourish our life of faith and bear fruit in apostolic holiness.

10. We seek to have a personal love of God our Father, of his Son Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit who

abides with us. In a particular way we cherish in our prayer and labor the naked, abandoned Jesus

on calvary. We express our love through personal service to his poor and abandoned members.

11. We seek to make the Holy Spirit better known and loved. By steadfast prayer in our Cenacles we

seek to attract the Holy Spirit so that our hearts may be enkindled with God's love and that we may

spread this fire to others. We ask to be filled with the gifts of the Spirit, wisdom and fortitude

especially.

12. The Cenacle spirit is a Gospel spirit. In order to follow Jesus more closely, as set forth in the Gospels, we consecrate ourselves to be apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ within the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate as an expression of our baptismal consecration. The uncompromising message of the Gospels calls us to exercise our prophetic role as witnesses to truth.

[There is no Article 13.]

14. We shall hold the Word of God in high esteem. We cherish the Gospels in particular because they depict Jesus showing by word and example the way to the Father. By reflection on the providence of everyday 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. Each shall have a copy of the Sacred Scriptures and make frequent use of them in prayer and proclamation.

15. The Eucharist is the center and sun of our apostolic lives. We seek to worship God in the daily celebration of the Eucharist, our sacramental participation in the mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection. We should so prepare and celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy that it will be a genuine expression of ecclesial community and source of apostolic vitality. We are to have reverence for all that is related to the Eucharist.

16. Because of our need for God's mercy in our brokenness, we are encouraged to approach the Sacrament of Penance frequently for reconciliation and healing. By our experience of sacramental forgiveness, we grow in mercy and compassion toward others.

17. The Cenacle spirit is a prayerful spirit. We recognize that only a prayerful person can lead an apostolic life, and that we cannot be spiritual without prayer. Great value, then, shall be placed upon periods of prayerful silence and recollection. We are to devote suitable time each day to personal prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Our reading should include Missionary Cenacle writings and, in keeping with our maxim sentire cum ecclesia, we are to reflect prayerfully on the documents of the Church.

18. Periodically we shall seek extended times of prayer and recollection. We are encouraged to make an annual Missionary Cenacle retreat. In order that we may be more attentive to the rights and impulses of the Holy Spirit in our following of Christ and in our continuing formation as Cenacle Lay Missionaries, we are encouraged as individuals to seek spiritual guidance from a person well versed in Missionary Cenacle spirituality.

19. We are to come together regularly to glorify the Triune God. We pray together to promote zeal in the apostolate, more supportive community life, and stronger bonds within the Missionary Cenacle Family. A common day of recollection shall be held each month for communal prayer. We shall encourage others to share our prayer by attending these days of recollection.

20. Our prayer should not be narrow, personal prayer; it should reach the throne of God only after having touched the farthest bounds of God's creation and mourned in every human misery and rejoiced in God's goodness. We are to pray, therefore, for the needs of the entire Church, especially for the Holy Father, for bishops and priests; we pray for children and for those who are sick, suffering, or abandoned. We have a special obligation to pray for our living and deceased relatives, friends, benefactors and members of the Missionary Cenacle Family.

21. In our Missionary Cenacle Family, we have a special devotion to Mary, Queen of the Missionary Cenacle, to Joseph, an unfailng and powerful friend, to the Apostles, ardent followers of Jesus, and to Vincent de Paul, patron of charity and humility.

22. The Cenacle spirit is an apostolic spirit which finds its perfection in zeal, the white heat of charity. We are to become perfect in the spirit and virtues of the Cenacle, to live and die simple, prudent, humble, charitable persons; persons of sacrifice, of patience, of self-denial whose lives are spent and consecrated to the service of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

MINISTRY OF AUTHORITY

23. Relying on the Holy Spirit, we are to seek together in the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and in our local Missionary Cenacle to discover God's will in a climate of respect and trust. With genuine love, we call each other to grow in apostolic holiness through encouragement and mutually appropriate accountability. This practice of taking counsel in common matters of life and mission is a cherished tradition in the Missionary Cenacle. After prayer and counsel, we humbly accept the decision made. Our obedience manifests God's holy will.

24. Authority exercised in the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and in our local Missionary Cenacle is to call us to be faithful to our vocation as Cenacle Lay Missionaries. The functions of this authority are to assist each other and to seek the will of God, to promote a true spirit of community and to unite us in pursuing our apostolic goals.

25. This authority, a ministry after the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mt 20: 28), is to be exercised according to the Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate.

26. We recognize the value of counsel and consultation in important matters of common concern. In the local Missionary Cenacle, we are to share the responsibility for decisions affecting the local Cenacle. The local Custodian is responsible for calling the local Cenacle to council and to serve the local Cenacle in carrying out the decisions in keeping with the Rule of Life and

Constitution.

a. Each local Missionary Cenacle shall elect during the month immediately preceding the Feast of Pentecost each year a Custodian and an Assistant Custodian. They shall assume office on Pentecost Sunday and serve for one year. They may be re-elected for successive terms.

b. The Custodian shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the local Missionary Cenacle including conducting the semi-monthly apostolic meeting in a spirit of simplicity so that all will be encouraged to take an active part, encouraging all Cenacle Lay Missionaries in their respective apostolates and ministries by being familiar with them and assisting them when needed, maintaining all records of the apostolic work, administering all finances, maintaining all membership records, cooperating with the local spiritual guides in encouraging the continuing formation of all local members, maintaining contact with local pastors keeping them informed of the activities of the local Missionary Cenacle, serving as liaison with and making reports to the Regional Custodian and the General Custodian.

c. The Assistant Custodian shall assist the Custodian in all responsibilities as requested and shall assume the office of Custodian when vacated prior to the end of the term of office, whereupon the local Cenacle shall elect a new Assistant Custodian to complete the term of office.

d. Local Missionary Cenacies can be established by the General Custodian upon recommendation of the Regional Custodian. When a local Missionary Cenacle has become inactive or is acting contrary to the Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, the Regional Custodian shall by every appropriate means seek to reactivate the Missionary Cenacle or bring its actions into compliance with the Rule of Life and Constitution. If the Regional Custodian is not able to effect the reactivation or rehabilitation of the Missionary Cenacle, the Regional Custodian shall recommend its suppression to the General Custodian. The General Custodian shall seek to communicate with the Missionary Cenacle and request its intention of becoming active or acting in accord with the Rule of Life and Constitution. If the Missionary Cenacle does not make a significant effort to comply within a reasonable period of time, the General Custodian shall suppress the local Missionary Cenacle. Any assets, including money, of the local Missionary Cenacle shall remain the property of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. The General Custodian shall direct that any such money or other assets be used for the purposes for which they were received. The Associates who are members of the local Missionary Cenacle shall remain members of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate unless action is taken in accord with the Rule of Life and Constitution to dismiss them on an individual basis.

27. In the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate full authority shall be exercised by the General Custodian assisted by the General Council. This authority encompasses leadership and government of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate and the call of the members to our apostolic way of life.

a. The General Custodian shall be elected by a vote of the Associates for a term of four years and may be elected to successive terms. The General Of f ice of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate shall be in the vicinity of the place of residence of the General Custodian.

b. The General Custodian shall preside over all meetings of the General Council; appoint in consultation with the General Custodians of the other branches the spiritual guides available at the local, regional and general levels; serve as liaison with the other branches of the Missionary Cenacle Family; submit annual reports to local ordinaries of the activities of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate in their respective dioceses; establish and suppress local Missionary Cenacles; receive in person, or by delegate, the acts of consecration of all candidates becoming Associates; visit each local Missionary Cenacle in person or by delegate at least once every four years; represent either in person or by delegate the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate at any convention or other gathering which the General Council deems representation advisable.

c. An Assistant General Custodian shall be elected by vote of the Associates for a term of four years and may be elected to successive terms to assist the General Custodian and to succeed to that office if it becomes vacant prior to the end of the term of office. The General Council will elect a new Assistant General Custodian to complete the unexpired term.

d. The General Council shall consist of the Assistant General Custodian and three General Councilors. Each General Councilor shall also serve as Regional Custodian. Each shall be elected by the Associates in the respective regions and shall serve a term of four years and may be elected to successive terms. The General Council shall have the power to amend the Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate.

e. There shall be three regions: the Region of the Incarnation (Eastern), the Region of the Trinity (Southern), and the Region of the Holy Spirit (Western). The specific geographical areas encompassed by these regions may be designated by the General Custodian and the General Council. Additional regions may be designated by the General Custodian and General Council.

f. Cenacle Lay Missionaries shall assemble in their respective regions for an annual meeting on Pentecost Sunday. At this meeting eligible candidates may make their acts of consecration to the General Custodian or delegate, the recently elected local Custodians and Assistant Custodians shall be installed by the General Custodian or delegate, and reports shall be given of the activities of the respective local Missionary Cenacles. Every four years at these meetings, elections shall be held to elect the General Councilor (Regional Custodian) of the respective region. Regional nominating committees composed of the outgoing local Custodians in the region shall submit nominations for the office of General Councilor. These nominations along with supporting information shall be submitted in writing to the Associates prior to the Pentecost meeting. The General Custodian and Assistant General Custodian shall be elected every four years. The current or out-going General Councilors shall serve as a nominating committee and shall conduct the election. The General Councilors may decide to conduct this election at the annual regional meetings on Pentecost or by a mail ballot. If a mail ballot is used, the ballots should be mailed out to all Associates no later than one month prior to Pentecost and must be received by the General Councilors no later than one week prior to Pentecost to be counted. The results of the election shall be announced at the regional meetings on Pentecost. Cenacle Lay Missionaries shall prepare individually and together for the great Feast of Pentecost each year with prayers to the Holy Spirit for nine days preceding the feast. They shall seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the conduct and actions of the annual meeting on Pentecost Sunday. The newly elected general officers shall assume office on Trinity Sunday following the election.

g. General Councilors shall provide counsel for the General Custodian, attend all meetings of the General Council, serve as the delegate of the General Custodian when authorized, and serve as Regional Custodian by visiting local Missionary Cenacles in their respective regions on an annual basis, providing training and support for local Custodians, collaborating with the Spiritual Guides to provide regional or subregional monthly days of recollection and regional annual retreats, collecting reports from local Missionary Cenacles and submitting reports to the General Custodian, planning and presiding at the annual Pentecost meeting, organizing new local Missionary Cenacles in the region and recommending their establishment to the General Custodian. Regional Custodians shall be assisted with counsel by a regional council composed of all Custodians in the region.

h. The Missionary Cenacle Apostolate shall comply with the exemption requirements of the Internal Revenue Code as set forth in accordance with the Provisions of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Code.

i. In the event of the dissolution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, the assets shall be distributed only to organizations that enjoy tax exempt status in accordance with the provisions of the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended and supplemented.

28. In all our apostolic commitments, we hold a deep reverence for the Priesthood. We recognize the evangelical call to unity and the authority of the bishops and their special roles as signs of unity and as pastors of the local Church and the authority of the Holy Father and his special role as the sign of unity in the universal Church.

MEMBERSHIP

29. The apostolic spirit is a rare spirit, a priceless spirit, a spirit high above those who are ordinarily devout. This is the spirit of those great self-denying, sacrificing lovers of Jesus Christ who leave everything and dispose themselves to go anywhere.

a. Members of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate are called Cenacle Lay Missionaries. The categories of membership include: (1) Associates, who have made an act of consecration; (2) Candidates, who have been formally admitted to candidacy and are preparing to make their acts of consecration as Associates; (3) Affiliates, who wish to participate in the life of the Missionary Cenacle.

b. Voting privileges are reserved to Associates.

30. We are to encourage and to foster vocations to the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate through our local Missionary Cenacles. We look for candidates who have, in addition to those human qualities requisite for the apostolic life, a love of God, a zeal for neighbor and a spirit of sacrifice.

a. Any Catholic lay person, not already a member of a religious order including any third order, who feels called by God to live out the baptismal consecration within the charism of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, may be admitted to candidacy by a local Custodian. The candidacy is for a minimum of one year and can be extended to a maximum of three years at the discretion of the local Custodian. The candidates are to be acquainted with the life and spirit of the Missionary Cenacle.

b. Any Catholic cleric, religious, or lay person may be permitted by a local Missionary Cenacle to participate in its monthly day of recollection and apostolic works as an affiliate. Attendance at the apostolic meetings will usually be restricted to Associates, candidates and members of the other branches of the Missionary Cenacle Family. Affiliates may be permitted to attend the apostolic meeting by a consensus of the Associates of a local Missionary Cenacle only if the affiliates intend to attend regularly.

c. Local Missionary Cenacles may sponsor junior Cenacles for persons between

the ages of thirteen and seventeen. These persons are to be trained in the

Missionary Cenacle principles, practices and devotions and encouraged in

apostolic works. An Associate shall serve as sponsor for a junior Cenacle

and be present for all of its meetings. Each junior Cenacle is encouraged to hold

its own apostolic meetings and to attend with the local Missionary Cenacle the

monthly days of recollection and annual retreat.

31. Candidates are introduced to the nature and practice of the apostolic life according to our charism by the local Missionary Cenacle. At the completion of candidacy and at the minimum age of seventeen, those candidates who are admitted as Associates shall make an act of consecration, renewing their baptismal consecration, within the charism and according to the Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. The act of consecration shall be received by the General Custodian or delegate on behalf of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. Acts of consecration will be received usually at the annual Pentecost meeting.

32. As Associates we accept the obligations to attend regularly the apostolic meetings of our local Missionary Cenacle, the monthly days of recollection, and annual retreats; to receive regular spiritual guidance; to engage in apostolic works, and to abide by the Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. If an Associate has made no notable effort to fulfill these obligations over a substantial period of time or should the conduct of an Associate be seriously harmful to the Church or to the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, the local Custodian shall present a written summary of the facts to the Regional Custodian who shall also conduct an investigation and report the entire matter to the General Custodian. After personal consultation with the Associate regarding the charges, the General Custodian may dismiss the person from membership and so notify the person and the local Missionary Cenacle in writing.

33. Fidelity to our vocation demands that we continue our spiritual, apostolic, academic, personal, and social development, within our common goals and mission. We have gifts that differ according to the favor bestowed on each of us (Rom 12: 6). In community we should be challenged to discover, develop and use our gifts, lest the grace of God be given in vain (1 Cor 15: 10). This is a lifelong process, and, as we advance in age, we are to follow Jesus ever more faithfully in the power of the Spirit, until that day when, with him, we enter into the glory of the Father.

Do give this much thought, do hold yourselves responsible for the future of the Cenacle; do remember that as you are, so others will be. What more beautiful legacy can you leave than that of an example and life fragrant and rich in the Cenacle traditions. This means that even after your death you will be continuing your apostleship through others whom your virtue has attracted to the service of God. Such will be my constant prayer for you; do make it your constant effort.