'What is a Cenacle?'

By Bryan Thatcher, MD (Apr 24, 2012)
Occasionally when I travel, someone will ask me, "What is a cenacle?" So I thought I'd take this opportunity to explain. The cenacle is a small faith-sharing group. It is as old as the Church itself. The idea contained in the word cenacle is derived from the meeting of our Lord's followers in the upper room where He celebrated the Last Supper. The Latin word for supper is cena. It was in the upper room that Jesus instituted the Eucharist and washed the apostles' feet. It was there that the apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Our Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy members meet in small groups. The goals are to delve deeper into the writings of St. Faustina and learn more about the Eucharist and the message of mercy. These aims become even more relevant as efforts are under way to make St. Faustina a "Doctor of the Church."

The format followed is that of a typical "small Christian Community," or "Basic Christian Community," as it is called in Africa and India. Small groups gathering to learn and share their faith is a major form of evangelization throughout the world. Our focus is on the message of Divine Mercy as found in Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Diary of St. Faustina, with a special emphasis on the Eucharist.

A major key to the success of the cenacle is the faith-sharing that takes place. In the sessions, the Image of The Divine Mercy, the Feast Day, the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and more are brought up and discussed. Life journeys, struggles, and insights are openly discussed. Thus, our faith comes alive and the importance of Divine Mercy becomes more apparent.

The groups follow the study program laid out in three manuals. It guides the group through each session. There are approximately 50 lessons per manual. If a group met twice a month, it would take two years to finish each manual.

A facilitator leads the group, but their role is not to teach but to keep the discussion on topic and let all speak and share. More is gotten out of each lesson if the member comes prepared and does the readings beforehand.

Remember that just two people can form a cenacle. We encourage groups with more than 15 members to branch off and form another group, as this will enhance the faith-sharing. The Diary is so rich and Spirit-filled that the growth of the members is inevitable. Good fruit is the result anytime people come together to talk and learn more about God.

People often tell me how they thoroughly enjoy their cenacle group and the sharing and growth and look forward to their next meeting.

If you are considering forming a group in your parish, call the John Paul II Centre for Divine Mercy in Ottawa 613-325-5447. The process is quite easy as the manuals lay everything out for you.

For those of you finishing the manuals, we are nearing completion of a manual on the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it will include approximately 28 lessons on Our Lady and follow the cenacle format. Dr. Robert Stackpole, theologian at the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy, has several excellent articles on Our Lady, and there are also 16 chapters on Church-approved Marian apparitions.

Dr. Bryan Thatcher is the founder of Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy (EADM), an apostolate of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.

Cenacles and Spiritual Formation

When you begin the regular meeting, you will find that the initial lessons are general in nature. It is important that each member has a Diary and Formation Book. We have found that groups that keep to the recommended format have the most success. Works of mercy as a group can be scheduled for a projected time when the group is ready; these normally begin three to six months after starting the group.

If you send us the names/addresses of members, they will receive newsletters and other updates of conferences, Days of Reflection, and the schedule of Mother of Mercy Messengers—all of which will boost efforts to plant and harvest the seeds of Divine Mercy in your community. Mass is offered annually at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, for all Eucharistic Apostles worldwide.

Group Cenacle Format and Guidelines (10-15 people)

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb 10:23-24, RSV).

• 15 minutes - Song (praise and worship)
• 5 minutes - Prayers of gratitude (not petition)
• 30-45 minutes - Follow the Formation Guidelines from the Formation Book, relating the teaching to our own lives, struggles, and spiritual walk
• 15 minutes - Prayers of petition
• 10 minutes - The Divine Mercy Chaplet
• 30-45 minutes - Social time/Fellowship

Suggestions for the Cenacles

1. Come Prepared! (Do the readings beforehand).
2. The lay leader will be the main facilitator, encouraging full group discussion and participation. Established group members can alternate in the role as presenters.
3. The presenter should include Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, so that over time members will better understand their Faith. The cenacle (usually bi-weekly) discussion should involve dialogue between members, and not be a lecture.
4. Persevere! Attend the groups regularly. God will reward you for your efforts.
5. The Prayers of Gratitude following the opening song are prayers of thanksgiving. Prayers of Petition, asking God for certain favors, are to follow the group discussion.
6. Community is built by calling and meeting members outside of the cenacle meetings, especially when reaching out to others in need.
7. After three to six months of meetings, pray and discuss with your parish priest about corporal and spiritual works of mercy the group can do to build up your local Church, with a focus on the marginalized of today.