MCA Newsletter - November, 2000

The New Spirit of the Cenacle

Advent, 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 February 15, 2001. Please submit materials for the newsletter to Smittie Bolner, 460 Bancroft Way, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808; e-mail: sbolner@home.com.

Letter from Our General Custodian

Dear Associates and Candidates,
MAY THE GRACE AND PEACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH US FOREVER!
We have just celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. We all want Jesus to be proclaimed king in every corner of the world, but it seems that evil is overcoming the world. Our tasks are ever so clear–we must act to combat this. Where on earth will we find the energy to solve so many problems in the world? Where will the message of Jesus Christ come from? Fr. Judge gave us the answer when he told us that we would find the energy in the providence of our daily lives. He taught us to call upon the Holy Spirit constantly. In the virtues of the Holy Spirit - the virtues of the Cenacle, we will receive those daily gifts that we need to be a good and practical missionary - one that proclaims Jesus as King. Realize that this is a new time of Grace, we are to adapt a new evangelization by attracting the Holy Spirit. It is now our responsibility to proclaim the message of the Gospel. Let us constantly ask ourselves and each other, especially during this Holy Season: How am I/we attracting the Holy Spirit? Then, offer your answers to Jesus and his Blessed Mother.
May the Love of God be vividly present in your heart and may it be witnessed in the providence of your ordinary daily life during this holy season and throughout the coming year.
With love and in the Most Holy Trinity,
Josie Morales, Custodian General

MISSIONARY CENACLE FAMILY COUNCIL

RESPONSE TO JUBILEE/JUBILEO 2000

The final document of Jubilee/Jubileo 2000 is attached. The participants of Jubilee/Jubileo 2000 asked the Missionary Cenacle Family Council to set goals and objectives in three specific areas. These areas were addressed at our October meeting and we share with you the fruit of our counsel.

FORMATION in the Missionary Cenacle Family

A task force composed of Missionary Cenacle Family members that has grown out of the ST Formation Committee has been asked to continue their efforts related to a common formation but to do it in the name of the Missionary Cenacle Family Council and report to this Council. At their next meeting they will be asked to set a time line for developing some areas of common formation. A report will be made to the Family Council in April, 2001.

Giving and taking of COUNSEL

Two members, Barbara McIntyre, MSBT, and Shaun McCarty, ST, have been asked to research the historical development of the practice of taking counsel, to elicit from Missionary Cenacle Family groups models already being used to take counsel, and to identify the essential elements of this practice. A report will be made at the April Missionary Cenacle Family Council meeting. We have asked them to present a model of counsel that might be used in a workshop format to share with the entire Missionary Cenacle Family. We would experience this model first at our Missionary Cenacle Family Council meeting.

SPIRITUALITY in action

The MCA Spiritual Guides will be asked to facilitate gatherings of Missionary Cenacle Family members for faith sharing on the Scriptures. The ST Regional Coordinators are being asked to invite others to examine the connections between our love for God and our ministry with the poor.

An additional area was addressed - COMMUNICATION within the family.

One member of each branch who is involved in communications has been asked to serve

as a receiver and distributor of information from the various branches that would be of interest to the entire Missionary Cenacle Family. This information might appear in the various publications within the family.

MCA Document Revision Project

The MCA General Council has established a committee charged with revising the MCA's basic documents. Once approved by the Council, the new Constitution and Rule of Life would supersede The Apostolic Life, which is the current document. The revision committee is composed of Josie Morales, Jim Bolner, MCA; Betty Wittekind, MCA; Margaret Flanagan, MCA; Lorrie Fontana, MCA; Virgenmina Lugo, MCA; Fr. Dennis Berry, ST; Sr. Beth Butler, MSBT; and Fr. Domingo Rogriguez, ST. Considerable progress has been made. The committee met for a full day on October 12, 2000, and closely examined a draft document prepared primarily by Fr. Dennis Berry.

Any proposed changes to existing documents will be thoroughly examined by the General Council and presented to the membership of the MCA for review before being approved by the Council.

MCA STEWARDSHIP AND FUND DEVELOPMENT FUND EFFORT CONTINUE TO GROW

As we have reported to you in past issues of this newsletter, our stewardship and fund development effort has been initiated in the MCA – and is growing stronger each month! At the end of October, pledge donations have been received from 429 individuals. Another dozen Cenacles have also made joint donations. Donations since April 1^st, when the effort was launched, amount to $14,053, with another $10,800 pledged through March 31, 2001. This is significantly more than we have contributed in the past. Thanks to all who have made a commitment of heir treasure for the MCA.

Here is the breakdown of participation in each region:

Holy Spirit Region (Western United States) 187 Associates
Trinity Region (Southern United States) 63 Associates
Incarnation Region (Northeastern United States) 56 Associates
San Juan Bautista Region (Puerto Rico) 36 Associates
Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles (Costa Rica) 87 Associates

The region of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico) is beginning to introduce the concept to their members, and hope to have something to report soon.

As the coordinator of this project, I am edified by the generosity of my fellow MCA associates! Rarely a day goes by any more that my mail doesn't include a donation from at least one of you. And I can promise you one thing – I pray for you when I get the mail, I pray for you when I record your donation, and I pray for you when I send your donations off to Bill Green in California for deposit into the MCA bank account. You are all simply amazing!

When I met with the CA Council in October, they decided that it was not necessary for me to send an acknowledgment for each donation. It will save money in postage, and it will save me many hours of work each month. For those of you who are sending a donation monthly, please make note of my address below for future reference.

If you are not yet participating and have by chance misplaced the pledge form we published in the last newsletter, please drop me a line and I will be happy to get one to you. We have them in both English and Spanish.

Thank you again for your kind support. With the promise of my prayers for you, I am

Pat Regan, MCA Fund Development Coordinator
3929 Greencastle Rd. #207
Burtonsville, MD 20866
Phone: 301-890-1680

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

On October 14, 2000, there was a meeting of a "candidate" young adult MCA in Lower East Side Manhattan. The meeting was held at the sisters' Cenacle and was led by Julie Cruz of Holy Redeemer MCA. Fr. Dennis Berry was there to celebrate mass and share a little about the Family. Four young adults attended, tho others have expressed interest who weren't there. They are probably more accurately described as pre-candidate since no one has declared candidacy at this early stage, they are still learning what it is.

Given the conversation at the Jubilee/Jubileo regarding our need to reach out more to attract young adults, I believe all such efforts should be trumpeted as loudly as possible. The more people see it happening the more they are encouraged to try to help it happen. FYI, Shawn Witmer is starting a young adult group in Cleveland and Beth Henken is having her first gathering of young adults in Pensacola in a few weeks, with the full knowledge and support of Living Waters Cenacle! I had hoped to meet with a group of five young adults in Queens who have been Trinita volunteers to talk about the MCA, but I have had to cancel my trip. Fr. Ray Riding, ST, is still planning to meet with them.

My point is, this fall there are four different gatherings of young adult Catholics happening, all with the goal of inviting to membership! Isn't that good news? Shouldn't everyone know about it? Is this not a fruit of Jubilee/Jubileo?

--Debbie Wilson, MSBT

REPORTS FROM THE REGIONS

The following reports from the Regions are taken from more detailed reports presented MCA General Council at its meeting in October 2000.

Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles – Costa Rica/Colombia

During the month of May, Sandra de Moya and Martha Vega visited Medellin, Colombia, where they stayed with the San Jose' Cenacle. They had the Pentecost retreat at which nine 9 members were consecrated. Six affiliate seminarians and Bro. Roberto Mena, ST, (spiritual guide at the time) participated. The experience shared by Sandra and Martha was fruitful.

Another event was the Pentecost retreat on June 24-25 directed by Fr. Dennis Berry, ST. It was a time of great spiritual formation and growth for all participants. At the closing mass, 18 members were consecrated and 6 candidates were received. Roxana Lopez Saborio was elected and installed as Assistant Regional Custodian to replace Laura Sanchez who resigned. Roxana has also temporarily taken over the responsibilities of the Regional Custodian due to the illness of the Regional Custodian, Sandra de Moya. .

A youth Cenacle has formed and has taken the name, Jesús de Nazareth.

Lizbeth Santamaria is spending the year as a missionary with the Salecian sisters in Darien (a zone in the Republic of Panama–a very difficult area for mission).

In Puerto Jimenez the Pentecost celebration was led by Fr. Guy Wilson, ST, and Martha Vega, MCA. For special reasons there were no consecrations; rather we agreed to have them on the feast of Christ the King.

Our region was represented at the Jubilee/Jubileo 2000 by Isabel Bolaños and Roxana Lopez.

During the month of September Martha Vega and Roxana visited the Republic of Honduras at the invitation of Bro. Alexis Zuñiga, ST, to share their knowledge and faith in the development of the Missionary Cenacle. They traveled by bus and found poor and abandoned people, wanting to know more about the spirituality of the Missionary Cenacle Family. For five consecutive nights they met with the community and talked about the Family. There were about 50 persons for the first four days. On the fifth day, 106 people attended, an indication of the tremendous interest in learning about the charisma of the MCF. Currently they are in the stage of counsel and discernment. Martha and Roxana are hoping to identify possible candidates and initiating a Cenacle by their next visit, which will be when Bro. Alexis is ordained.

I believe in general that we are growing; the members are very active in their apostolic meetings, and they respond positively when called upon to act in the name of the MCA. We have been conducting fundraisers, but at the same time we have had to face expenses. For this reason we have not been able to fulfill our responsibility for stewardship to the MCA. As soon as we are able, we will support the stewardship program.

--Roxana Lopez Saborio, MCA

Incarnation Region – Northeastern U.S.

The Incarnation Region had its annual retreat during the weekend of September 15-17, 2000, at the Mother Boniface Retreat Center located at the Motherhouse in Philadelphia, PA. The theme of the retreat was the Jubilee Year. There were five sessions: Freedom-Liberty, Lying Fallow; Forgiveness; Peace and Justice; and Opening Doors. The presenter was Fr. Vincent Fitzpatrick, ST. He related the themes above to the Missionary Cenacle Family Rule of Life. Father Vincent, who met our founder, related anecdotes of Father Judge's life and his teachings..

There were 22 members from the region who attended the retreat.

As part of our retreat we had an MCA meeting of the Custodians and Assistant Custodians to plan our annual retreat for the next two years. We agreed that we will try to have our retreat in the same place, Mother Boniface Center at the Motherhouse, on the weekends of October 19-21, 2001, and October 18-20, 2002.

--Angel A. Garcia, MCA, Custodian, Cenaculo Sagrada Familia, New York, NY

Our Lady of Guadalupe– Mexico

With God's grace, this year 34 persons were consecrated as MCA in Temascalapa, EDO de Mexico, founding three new Cenacles: Espíritu Santo, Padre Judge, and Franciscano. This now makes 6 Cenacles in Mexico. .

Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Cenacle in Buenavista has 24 members. The Custodian is Vicente Mora Villanueva and the assistant is Veronica Espino Ramos. The members meet for prayer and retreat each 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Their apostolic ministries include catechism, choir, eucharistic ministers, and participation in the Busqueda Bible center. They gather in groups of 3 or 4 persons and visit the sick and needy by being with them, listening, and sharing Bible lectures. Their Spiritual Guide is Fr. Eugene Mueller, ST.

Santa Ana Cenacle in Michoacan has 22 members. Their apostolic ministries are done as leaders of Bible study groups. They work in 4 sectors of the town and on two ranches, sharing literature with the needy. They are also involved in different ministries in the parish, such as lectors and eucharistic ministers. They also assist with the children's mass. The Custodian is Guadalupe Soto and the assistant is Rosalia Torres Alvarez. Sr. Grace Raymond, MSBT, is the Spiritual Guide.

There are plans for members to be in charge of some communities that are turned away from the Church and to do more missionary work not necessarily connected to the parish.

Santísima Trinidad Cenacle has 9 members. On the 1^st Sunday of the month they meet with Fr. Jesus Ramirez, ST, their spiritual guide. They also meet for their regular prayer meeting on the 3^rd Monday of the month. They coordinate, oversee, and support the activities of the "Pastoral Parroquial" of San Francisco in Huitzila. They also meet the 1^st Friday of the month in the "Casa Casual." Some of their apostolic ministries are serving as eucharistic ministers, visiting the sick, prayers, catechism, "Pastoral Social," and other important celebrations: Mother's day, Father's day, first communions and confirmations. At the "El Coyol" church, the Cenacle coordinates and forms catechists. Members gave retreats for 60 children who made their 1^st communion and for 30 young adults who received the sacrament of confirmation. The Cenacle provides support for the MCA candidates in Temascalapa; members attended the consecration mass there. At this mass they renewed their personal commitment to the MCA. In August they started a new catechism course. There are about 60 children enrolled who will make their first communion in May 2001. In the Perseverance course there are 12 children. The Custodian is Mercedes Baumgarten and the Assistant is Emma Escalona.

Espíritu Santo Cenacle has 12 members. The Custodian is Rolando Juárez Mendoza, and the assistant is Eduarda Sanchez Lopez; their Spiritual Guide is Sr. Margaret Fay, MSBT. Their apostolic ministries include "Pastoral Social," premarital counseling, "Busqueda de Papas," Eucharistic ministry, Liturgy, missionary infancy, catechists, and an "Alateen" group. They are helping to collect money for the floor tiles in the conference room in the Retreat Center and are organizing a Dinner-Dance as fundraiser for the next marriage retreat The Cenacle meets every first Friday of the month to share apostolic ministries and spiritual formation.

Franciscano Cenacle has 9 members who meet the first Sunday of each month. The Custodian is Patricia Ceron Praxedis and the asistant is Enrique Quejada. Their Spiritual Guide is Sr. Margaret Fay, MSBT. Their apostolic ministries are Busqueda, youth group, marriage counseling, premarital counseling, adult catechism, "La Pandilla," and "esteem" workshops.

Padre Judge Cenacle has 13 members. The Custodian is Jesus Ceron and the assistant is Victor Lima. Sr. Margaret Fay, MSBT is the Spiritual Guide. Their apostolic ministries include workshops, youth group, Pastoral Social, coordinating lectors, choir, eucharist ministers, Pandilla, coordination of "Acolitos," baptismal classes, and assisting with "Reclusos de Otumba." They meet the first Saturday of each month.

These last 3 Cenacles are in Temascalapa. They have a prayer retreat once a month with Sr. Margaret. Two members of each Cenacle are in charge of the formation process of a candidate group for the MCA. They will have their presentation meeting on October 21. At their monthly retreat, September 17, two members from Costa Rica who were visiting Fr. Edgar Solano, ST, shared with them. It was very special for them to hear the testimony of the people from Costa Rica.

I joined members of the Espiritu Santo Cenacle in a meeting of preparation for the marriage retreat and Franciscano Cenacle in their monthly meeting. In these meeting we reflected on the theme "The Missionary Idea." We dialoged about experiences that we are having as a group and share our apostolic ministries.

I have planned a meeting with the Custodians and Assistants for the end of October to inform them about the Stewardship program, elections for the new Regional Custodian, and formation of new candidates. I will be visiting Buena Vista and Santa Ana at the end of November.

--Patricia Palomares, Regional Custodian

St. Juan Bautista Region– Puerto Rico

During its meeting of September the Region had the opportunity to identify as a group our strengths and weaknesses. This was done by all the Cenacles of Puerto Rico. Below is a brief summary of some of the points covered.

Strengths: 1) There are young people with great teaching ability who develop topics for their own formation.

2) Members are very active in their own community parishes and support each other through prayer and in their daily work. 3) We have many people who are faithful and role models for others. 4) Vocations have developed among the family.

Weaknesses: 1) There are few participants in common apostolic missions. 2) We have very few young adult members. 3) We need to improve our communications among the members. 4) There is a need for more active participation with other members of the Missionary Cenacle Family. 5) There is a need for more formation prior to making the act of consecration. 6) We need more time to be available to look for new candidates.

The following recommendations were made to build on the strengths and address the weaknesses.

1) We will offer workshops in communication, prayer, Catholic Action, and new techniques to recruit new members.

2) We will improve communication via telephone, Internet, and visits.

3) We will share materials.

4) The Spiritual Guides will give a more active response to our work.

5) We will recruit young adults and look for those members who are no longer active.

6) We will prepare members to take active roles and responsibilities as leaders.

7) We will assist special activities in the church, for example, the Eucharistic Congress to be held in Puerto Rico.

8) We will organize more Missionary Cenacle Family activities and participate in them.

Recently Alicia Rodriguez, MCA, Gerardo Ramirez, ST, and Virgenmina Lugo, MCA, visited the Republic of Santo Domingo in a sector called Caleta, Valiente. The purpose of this trip was to work with the community that has been formed under the guidance of Nilda Reyes and Tony Garica. They distributed literature and other material and gave them a donation of $501. (See the account of the visit by Br. Gerardo in this issue under "They Tell Their Stories.") It is important to maintain an open and constant communication with the people in Santo Domingo and to provide love and support in their search for God. Many of these people have no economic resources; they lack the daily basic necessities. They are truly the poor and abandoned of today's world. We also intend to work with the local immigrants from the Republic of Santo Domingo here in Puerto Rico, who also need our help.

Our Lady of Lourdes Missionary Cenacle in the town of Cabo Rojo celebrated its 53^rd anniversary. (See the article by Linda Landin under "They Tell Their Stories.")

The Stewardship Program has been implemented and the group will participate actively within the next few weeks.

--Virgenmina Lugo, Regional Custodian

Trinity Region– Southern U.S.

Status: We currently have 24 Cenacles listed in our Region, although some of them may no longer be viable and practicing.

The Spanish Cenacle will spend another year in formation. Sr. Maria Lauren, MSBT, continues to work with them. A visit by Assistant Regional Custodian Ivette Corderro is planned for the future.

Pentecost Retreats: About 50 percent of Associates attended the annual retreats during the Pentecost season. We had three retreats in order to accommodate all of the Associates who wished to attend. An MCF director collaborated with one or more MCA members in both planning and presentation of each retreat. A highlight of each retreat was the sharing of mission as each Cenacle told "Our Story." These stories reflect the works of our Associates and encourage new areas of ministry. They provided concrete examples of the way we can serve as missionaries "in the providence of our every day lives."

Communication: Communication among the Cenacles has improved as more and more members are using e-mail as a means of staying connected.

Stewardship: It is estimated that 30-35 percent of Associates have responded to the call to pledge to the stewardship program. Members of the Task Force on Stewardship visited some Cenacles in the Region. They also made presentations at each of the Pentecost retreats.

Visitation: We have formed two teams consisting of (1) the Regional Custodian and Spiritual Guide, and (2) the Assistant Regional Custodian and one MCA leader. Plans are to have the teams visit Cenacles in the Region. Associates are encouraged to visit one another.

Jubilee/Jubileo 2000: Thirteen members from our Region attended the Jubilee. All have responded that it was a life-changing (positively) experience for them.

Leadership: On September 10-12 the Region held a leadership workshop at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat for Custodians and Assistant Custodians. The Workshop was funded in part by a grant from the STs. Twenty-six persons attended the workshop, with 17 of 24 Cenacles represented. Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, served as facilitator. The workshop helped to clarify my position as a leader in the Region and the Missionary Cenacle Family. The attendees went away with a better understanding of their responsibilities as leaders in the Cenacle. For many it was their first experience with taking counsel, an essential element in being a part of the MCA.

Apostolic Report: Cenacle members throughout the Region continue to serve as missionaries in various capacities: nursing homes, hospice, jail ministry, soup kitchens, outreach to troubled youth, and outreach to THE POOR. Their presence is also visible in politics as they march in peaceful demonstrations, serve on legislative boards, encourage prayers for peace, protest abortion, and uphold the right to life for all. They serve in their own churches in various ministries: children and adult religious education programs, eucharistic ministers, lectors, and hospitality ministers. Above all they are witnesses to the ideal of serving the Triune God in the providence of their everyday lives.

--Joanne Jones, Regional Custodian, Trinity Region

Holy Spirit Region– Western U.S.

Our region continues to grow and is responding to the call of the Holy Spirit. At the Pentecost Retreat, 17 people became associates and 11 began their candidacy.

Our youth Cenacle, Jesus de Nazareth, gave an evangelization retreat to 150 young persons with the guidance and support of their Spiritual Guides, Ana and Victor Gutierrez. They had several fundraisers in order to fund the retreat; participants were not charged. It was a great success. Many of the participating young adults wanted to know when the next retreat would be held because they want to invite their family and friends. To show our appreciation and acknowledge the fine job done by the young members of Jesus dc Nazareth Cenacle, we held a pizza social for them.

The Holy Family Cenacle will be offering a retreat in October for couples who are planning to get married in the church. After that, they will be sponsoring a retreat for married couples of the MCA. Fr. Domingo Rodriguez, ST, will preside as the speaker.

All of the Cenacles in our region are very active in evangelizing including going door-to-door, arranging for recitation of the rosary in homes, visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals, and visiting jails and juvenile detention centers. Others provide food for the poor and abandoned while trying to evangelize them. In Los Angeles; 500 homeless persons are fed every Sunday. Some of the members continue with the apostolic work of preparing the children of Tijuana for their first communion at the Casa Hogar in Tijuana.

Holy Trinity and Holy Spirit Cenacles have Bible and Rock Foundation (Apologetics) classes in homes in the Orange and Long Beach areas,

A workshop for Custodians, Assistant Custodians, and Spiritual Guides was held in August under the direction of Fr. John Seymour, ST. The workshop was given by M.C.A members who are presently Spiritual Guides to the local Cenacles. These Spiritual Guides had been local Cenacle custodians previously. It was very beneficial for the new custodians to learn from the experience and wisdom of these lay spiritual guides. Attendees requested that these workshops continue; the next one will be held on January 13, 2000.

The Timon (Spanish-speaking Area Council) continue to meet once a month. This is where the Custodians are trained and learn from one another by sharing their experiences, Most of the planning and communication between the Cenacles take place here.

Fr. John Seymour, Regional Spiritual Guide, continues to walk with us, providing guidance, counseling, and reflection. Fr. John and I meet with the local Cenacles' Spiritual Guides once a month to continue their training and provide the necessary guidance. This is a most valuable practice because the Spiritual Guides take their roles and responsibilities very seriously; these meetings help them to do their best.

In August the Region had a picnic in which members brought their families. There was a variety of food and games. .

I continue to work with the assigned team in regards to the Stewardship Project and many have responded very positively. They have expressed the view that this is a better plan because of the spiritual base it has been given.

A communication committee continues to work very efficiently; news of deaths or illnesses of any MCA members in the region is known within 24 hours. This is remarkable in that most members in this Region do not have computers or e-mail. Communication takes place via telephoning,

Our region has many things for which to thank God.

--Luz De La Torre, Regional Custodian

THEY TELL THEIR STORIES

QUEEN OF PEACE MCA - OCALA, FL

The Queen of Peace Cenacle and Christ the King Cenacle were deeply moved by the enthusiastic and spirit-filled report of the Jubilee 2000 celebration and conference in Philadelphia attended by Rita and Joe Kibbe. Their remarks and exuberance reflected a truly charismatic happening. Their experience of sharing at the sessions implanted a message in their hearts, minds and souls. We all felt our identity as co-members of the MCS and MCF...we are baptized and gifted. Our founding charism developed from the efforts of Fr. Judge to foster a missionary laity. Nearly a century after Fr. Judge called the first Associates, we continue to express our charism as: A Mission, A Method, A Spirituality and the Future. Refer to The Apostolic Life: Mission, pp. 29-32; 65; Method, p. 78; Spirituality, p. 93; The Future, pp. 33-35.

Our Spiritual Meetings the following months were spent sharing, reviewing and reinforcing these charisms.

In September, 2000, the Custodians, Assistant Custodians, and Spiritual Guides of the Trinity Region spent a weekend workshop at the Shrine Retreat House. Participants were guided by the talented Sister Brenda Hermann, MSBT, through the concepts of Formation, Methodology, Structure, Leadership, Mission, Spirituality, and Future. One very impressive facet Sr. Brenda presented was the Custodian...a priestly vocation, one who is a blessed priest, prophet, and king; maintains the spiritual temperature of the Cenacle; leads, protects, cares; needs support and help in the many duties which include Administration, carrying on the Story and Tradition, focusing on Mission and Vigilant about Formation.

Our members are sharing their Mission and Spirituality ministering with detention youngsters at the Church Without Walls, prayerfully praying outside the Ocala Abortuary, providing donated food to Brothers Keeper homeless, driving seniors to medical appointments, visiting nursing homes, seeking awareness for the needs of mentally ill and hospice volunteers. We are blessed with a deep bond which draws us ever closer to our mission...the Spirit is moving.

We ask your remembrance in prayer for Bob Bailey, recovering from open heart surgery; Al Leroux recuperating from hip-replacement, also our former Cenacle member, Virginia Lacina, now residing in North Carolina, is in need of prayers during her present illness.

We wish you all a blessed holiday...May the Spirit of the Trinity fill your hearts and souls with Christ's Peace in the New Year.

--Marcia M. Barnes, MCA

Also from Queen of Peace, Ocala, FL

During the summer, our members spread the Cenacle message through personal visits to New England, Ireland, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Alaska.

Art Grimes recovered from some very serious ills and surgery and is now back with us and on the active list.

A draft of a formation program outline was prepared for comments. This is a tiny first step to counsel locally on the subject of spreading MCA membership around the Ocala area.

On Tuesday mornings when our meeting is scheduled, the two Ocala Cenacles sit in a body at the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

A Cenacle Christmas breakfast will be held by the joint Cenacles on 12 December at a nice restaurant.

Cenacle members continued their works by delivering food to the hungry, visiting the sick and lonely, picketing an abortion mill, and transporting the sick to doctors.

---Joe Kibbe

The Road To Santo Domingo By Brother Gerardo Ramirez, ST

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

I would like to share my recent visit to the Republic of Santo Domingo. The mission: to bring to the people love, knowledge and the charisma of the Trinity spirit.

Virgenmina Lugo, Regional Custodian for the MCA called me and invited me on their mission. Virgenmina had already visited the island and left footprints of our family. Economically, I was at a disadvantage, and though my heart wanted to go my answer was "NO." However, Divine Providence stepped in, and thanks to some members of the MCA arrangements were made for my trip. The Lord heard our prayers and off we traveled to Santo Domingo.

We collected a good amount of clothing, materials for Cathechism and some textbooks. Financial help was also taken thanks to the members of the MCA who contributed to the school project. When we arrived in Santo Domingo the warmth of the people who picked us up was waiting for us. They offered us not just their homes but the blessings of being part of their own family. They shared their homes and food within their means.

I was deeply touched by so many people who were learning about the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity of our charisma and even more. There were reading and sharing the letters of Father Judge. The people already knew about the meditations of Father Judge thanks to the labor of Virgenmina Lugo and the MCA members.

Our charisma teaches us to be with the poor and abounded, with the children, women, youths, and the elderly who have nothing but the hope of our good Jesus that things will go better in the future.

There is a group of 40 to 50 children that gather every week to learn catechism; some of them are getting ready for their First Holy Communion. It was now time for the adults to sit and read about Father Judge and our charisma and what it means to be a member of the MCA. They are very interested in forming a Cenacle in Santo Domingo. We vision a new Cenacle, a hope and a dream that is about to become real.

All this takes place in an atmosphere of love, service, ministry and hard work. I felt so surprised at their thirst for knowing about the things of God–a hunger is not only physical but spiritual as well. A journey began and the road to Santo Domingo is waiting. The spirit has shed light and will guide us to bring hope and love to the poor and abandoned. I pray to God to guide us where the Holy Spirit wants us to be and that we may be open to discern the calling and take action. At this very moment there is a light for these needed people; it is our duty to keep the light burning. We will continue to help, and we will keep you informed of our progress.

Yours in the Trinity,

Brother Gerardo

A Visit to Cabo

A Personal Experience: By Linda Landin, MCA

Cabo Rojo has already said, "Present!" as dedicated members of the Trinity Family that truly reflects their vocation as missionary laity in the church.

A Visit to Cabo Rojo is a visit to love, a visit to family. A family who celebrated fifty three years of service and love to the town of Cabo Rojo and the island of Puerto Rico– rich in the Trinity charisma and strong believers that every Catholic be an apostle.

Cabo Rojo invited us to their 53 anniversary and we also said "present." At the church doors a welcome committee was waiting for us with open arms and filled with the love of the trinity family. We greeted each other with the same tradition and marched down the aisle arm in arm to celebrate together as one big family. It all began with an Eucharistic Celebration followed by a sermon that invited joy and tears. The local parish priest proclaimed the Trinity mission as one of service and love that captured the town wholeheartedly. A devotional spirit of prayer amongst every member. He even invited the townspeople to participate and join the Family that has helped in the formation of the town's

image and service to our fellow brothers and sisters. The priest also mentioned the labor of love that Sister Isolina has done for Puerto Rico. He eloquently mentioned how Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Sister Isolina Ferrer were not only sisters in Christ but also how both women left the seed of love, a channel of peace for us to follow.

Later we gathered together to join our family in a social celebration. A photograph of the original members was presented to the MCA from the MCA members and Sister Rose. People's tears flowed as they recalled members that were no longer with us. The MCA of Cabo Rojo presented us with memorabilia of the event. The sisters and Virgimnina spoke of the involvement of the Cabo Rojo members and their true love for others. A typical meal was shared and the day was as fresh as flowers. The Holy Spirit truly bestowed on all of us graces and blessings. It all ended too soon, but we will always remember Cabo Rojo. Thank you Cabo Rojo for your invitation, for your 53 years of service and love to the people and Our Lord. Thank you for your constant dedication, for showing us that nothing is impossible. A love like this will always prevail. The members of the MCA in Cabo Rojo lives and breathes the Trinity Charisma, thus producing fruits for the glory of our Triune God.

GOLDEN JUBILEE – ONE ASSOCIATE'S STORY

CONGRATULATIONS to Johanna Schino of Our Lady of Light Cenacle, Trenton, NJ, on her Golden Jubilee as a member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. Johanna became a member of a Junior Cenacle when she was in Junior High School. Later she made the Act of Consecration and became a member of an adult Cenacle.

After graduating from high school, Johanna joined the staff of the Catholic Welfare Bureau as a secretary and continued her employment there until she retired a few years ago.

Johanna gives a great deal of time for volunteer work. She credits her Cenacle training for awareness of serving others--whether it was instructing children for preparation: for the .Sacraments or for availability to seniors who need transportation or just a friend who cares.

Recently several members of her Cenacle hosted a luncheon for her. They were joined by Sr. Rosa Mystica and Sr. Anne Regina. Sister Anne Regina tells this story:

In 1950 I was missioned to Our Lady of Light Cenacle in Trenton, NJ, and was told to start a Junior Cenacle. After approaching the principal of Cathedral High School it was arranged that Sr. Marie of the Holy Trinity would be invited to speak at an assembly. She encouraged the girls to volunteer to work at the Diocesan Home for Children. There was a great response from that group, and a Junior Cenacle developed. Johanna attended that first meeting, and I don't believe she ever missed future meetings. Many of the girls dropped out as they got involved in other activities, but Johanna remained.

Johanna, we thank God for you and for your vocation to the Cenacle Family. May the Holy Spirit continue to do much in and through you.

In Memoriam

CHARLES CAVALCONTE, Ph.D.

Charles Cavalconte, a long-time member of Resurrection-Ascension MCA (Rego Park) L.I., N.Y. died on June 25, 2000, after a short bout with cancer. Charlie has been described as "a gentleman and a scholar" and indeed he was both. He had earned two bachelor's degrees, two master's and a doctorate. But it was his willingness to do things for others that many in his community remember most. If someone needed something, Charlie was there first. He was also remembered as a philosopher, and one of his neighbors said - "He walked into a room and the conversation immediately upgraded."

In his professional life he was an engineer and taught at Long Island University (C.W.Post) for thirty years, where among other things, he initiated the Corporate Business Ethics Award. He was a member of Corpus Christi parish in Mineola, and was instrumental in the creation of their religious education program in the 1950's. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus, as well as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Charlie was the recipient of numerous

awards and recognition at the university, in the community and the church. He and his wife, Margaret, received the Outstanding Parishioners Award in 1998 for their years of service and

dedication.

His contact with the Cenacle Family began in the mid 1930's when Margaret Healy was his history teacher at Bryant H.S. in Queens, N.Y. She introduced him and several other students to MCA

members in Brooklyn. Impressed by the apostolic work being done, they decided to form a men's group and in short order began participating in parish visiting, Welfare Island visiting, and other Cenacle work being done at that time. In Charlie's own words: "As I look back at that group called the Men's Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, we can judge that God's Providence was at work in all this. There was much good will on the part of all who participated; a desire to follow the plan of Father Judge for the lay apostolate." Later, for a few years he was a seminarian in the priests' community at Holy Trinity, AL. He always remained in touch with the Cenacle Family, and in the early 1950's he and Margaret joined the MCA in Rego Park. In the homily given at his funeral, these words seemed to sum up Charlie best - "He showed just how high the human spirit can soar - the height of nobility, Charles Cavalconte was a nobleman. He belonged to the aristocracy of humanity." - and we will miss him at Resurrection-Ascension MCA!

--Vivian Latorre

MCA REGIONAL CUSTODIAN ELECTIONS

Dear Custodians and Associates,

MAY THE GRACE AND PEACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH US FOREVER1

In the spring, we will be having elections for the positions of Regional Custodian and Assistant Regional Custodian. This is an especially significant undertaking. I urge you to give it your utmost attention. Over the past 3 years, we in the MCF have worked very hard to develop potential leadership within the MCA. We have sponsored leadership workshops and have devoted considerable effort to identify potential leaders within the MCA. As a result we have seen an emergence of many individuals capable of performing the variety of tasks demanded for these positions. In the past it has been difficult to find people willing to run for these offices. I ask each of you to look within your own Cenacle and at other Cenacles within your regions. Also please consider whether you have the gifts and are willing to serve in this capacity. Please keep in mind that one does not have to have previous experience or extensive knowledge of the workings of the MCA. The Spirit will guide whoever is elected.

The first step in the process is the nomination of candidates. Below is a brief description of the duties of the officers and a nomination form. This is a wonderful opportunity for counsel within your Cenacles. At your Cenacle meetings consider reading this letter and then elicit nominations from your Cenacle Associates or from other Cenacles. Please do this at soon as possible. You may nominate more than one individual for each position. (Copy forms as needed). Nominations are due January 15, 2001.

I want to encourage your prayers and your participation in choosing those individuals who are willing and capable of assuming leadership positions in the MCA.

Yours, In the Trinity

Josie Morales, Custodian General, MCA

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TIME FRAME FOR ELECTION PROCESS:

November: Nomination forms distributed.

January 15: Nominations forms submitted

Last two weeks of January: Contact nominees to get their OK

February: ballots sent out to members

By April 15: ballots due

Pentecost Retreat Weekend: Installation of new Regional Custodian and Assistant

The "job descriptions" below were submitted by Joanne Jones, Regional Custodian, Trinity Region.

REGIONAL CUSTODIAN: The Regional Custodian is elected to serve in this office for four years and he/she can be re-elected. The Regional Custodian, in counsel with the local Cenacle leaders, has the responsibility of the Ministry of Authority in his/her Region. Only Associates can be elected to this position, and only Associates are allowed to vote. The Regional Custodian should be able and willing to travel by plane two or three times a year to meetings held in Philadelphia, PA. The Regional Custodian has the responsibility of planning the Pentecost Retreats (along with the Spiritual Guide and Retreat Center Staff) and also the Regional Training or Council meeting in the Fall. The Regional Custodian serves as the representative of the General Custodian in the Region, as the General Custodian has a responsibility for each cenacle in each Region. The Regional Custodian must be concerned about all the Cenacles in the Region and visit them. All expenses incurred while carrying out the work as Regional Custodian will be reimbursed.

ASSISTANT REGIONAL CUSTODIAN: The Assistant Regional Custodian is elected to serve in this office for four years and he/she can be re-elected. The Assistant Regional Custodian will assist the Regional Council whenever possible on sub-committee work (e.g,. the Stewardship Task Force). Only Associates can be elected to this position, and only Associates are allowed to vote. The Assistant Regional Custodian should be able and willing to travel periodically as needed to Regional Council meetings. The Assistant Regional Custodian will assist in the planning of the Pentecost Retreats (along with the Spiritual Guide and Retreat Center Staff) and will work closely with the Regional Custodian in planning and implementing the Regional Training and/or Council meeting. Expenses incurred while carrying out the work as Assistant Regional Custodian will be reimbursed.

NOMINATION FORMS

REGIONAL CUSTODIAN

I [We] would like to nominate___________________________________________ as candidate

for the office of Regional Custodian for the ___________________________________Region.

Candidate's Address: ________________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone No. _______________________________________________

Your name _________________________ Cenacle name ________________________

Your Address: __________________________________

__________________________________

Phone No. _______________________________________________

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ASSISTANT REGIONAL CUSTODIAN

I [We] would like to nominate_________________________________________ as candidate

for the office of Assistant Regional Custodian, ____________________________Region.

Candidate's Address: ________________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone No. _______________________________________________

Your name _________________________ Cenacle name ________________________

Your Address: __________________________________

__________________________________

Phone No. _______________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN NOMINATIONS BY January 15, 2001 TO: