Origins

La Fraternite, made up of non-resident communities of women and men who live Cenacle Spirituality in their daily lives, traces its origins to 1878 in France. They continue to this day, and though called by various names around the world, have since spread to most areas of the Cenacle Congregation. Currently there are 14 Affiliate/Companion Groups in North America.

Purpose

The spirituality and mission of the Cenacle Sisters is shared by:

responding to those who have expressed a desire to be more closely affiliated with the Cenacle Sisters

providing an opportunity for Christian women and men to receive formation in Cenacle spirituality

providing Cenacle Sisters with an opportunity to share their life, prayer, and mission with others who choose a non-vowed annual commitment

formation of a faith community sharing prayer and mutual support encouraging Affiliates/Companions to be transformed into eager witnesses and messengers of Jesus Christ

Who are the Affiliates/Companions?

Affiliates/Companions are men and women, single and married, Catholic and other Christian traditions, or diocesan priests, all who desire to live out Cenacle spirituality in their own milieu. We participate in an 18-24 month period of formation in order to grow in our personal spirituality and to allow Cenacle spirituality to become a vital part of our lives.

After our formation period, we make a commitment, renewed annually, to live Cenacle spirituality in our own lives. We do not make vows.

Membership requirements

Sufficient maturity, as well as sufficient physical, mental, and emotional health, to participate fully in the formation of a faith community

Financial independence

Freedom to make an annual commitment to active participation in the faith community by:

• attending monthly meetings
• completing the reflection, reading And praying that is requested between gatherings
• making an annual retreat
• receiving regular ongoing spiritual direction
• sharing in Cenacle prayer and celebrations

A sense of call to be of service to the Church and the world

Formation

formation in Cenacle spirituality

some time reflecting on the commitment, what it means, and their freedom to make it

annual commitment (not vows)

Cenacle Sisters

Provide the formation necessary to be a Cenacle Affiliate/Companion

On an individual basis and as requested, provide ongoing spiritual direction, and opportunities for retreat, reflection and spiritual renewal

Pray with and for the Affiliates/Companions

Model community for the Affiliates/Companions, who in turn are encouraged to grow in their own understanding of community according to their own life call

Work with the Affiliates/Companions in providing prayer experiences, input, and other tools necessary to grow in their vocation

Welcome the Affiliates/Companions into the international Cenacle family

Are sister to each Affiliate/Companion

In areas where Cenacle Sisters do not reside:

The Affiliate/Companion groups meet once a month for prayer, input, faith sharing, and refreshments. Once the formation period is over, we participate in responsibility for the format of meetings and the ongoing life and vitality of the Affiliate/Companion Group. Monthly Formation Sessions

• Cenacle Spirituality
• Life of John Francis Regis
• Lives and charisms of our founders:
  • St. Therese Couderc
  • Fr. Stephen Terme
• Cenacle Heritage and History
• Mary and the Spirituality of the Cenacle
• Life, prayer and spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola Discernment

“It seems that I was attracted by the Charism of the Cenacle because of something that was already deep within me.”

For more information about
Cenacle Affiliates/Companions
Cenacle Sisters
Cenacle Ministry

Please e-mail vocations@cenaclesisters.org