The Cenacolo community is a Catholic ministry to those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Cenacolo is not a rehab or 12-step program but a way of life. It immerses the addict in an environment of prayer, physical labor, and fraternal community. Members of the community typically stay for three years before returning to the outside world and the majority, through the grace of God and the way of life learned in the Cenacolo community, remain sober for the rest of their lives. Cenacolo, by treating the man as a physical and spiritual being, succeeds where other substance abuse programs fail.
There are dozens of Cenacolo communities throughout the world for both men and women. The community in Hanceville has 20-25 men and was brought into our Diocese by Bishop Baker. They receive no money from the Federal Government, State Government, or from the Diocese. The members of the community rely utterly on divine providence. If there is no food, they go hungry. If they lack something like soap or napkins, they improvise or do without. They are not allowed to beg or otherwise indicate what they need.
Please bring the following non-perishable items to the Sunday Masses in Lent as follows:
- 1st Sunday of Lent: March 10th
Breakfast Cereals – Grits, Oatmeal, Breakfast Bars, etc. - 2nd Sunday of Lent: March 17th
Cooking & Baking – Oil, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Baking Flour, Tomato Paste, Tomato Sauce, Condiments, Spices, etc. No Vanilla Extract, please. - 3rd Sunday of Lent: March 24th
Paper Goods & Cleaning Supplies – Napkins, Paper Towels, Kleenex, Toilet Paper, Liquid Dishwashing Soap, Dishtowels, Scouring Pads, Floor Cleaner, etc. - 4th Sunday of Lent: March 31st
Toiletries – Bar Soap, Disposable Razors, Shave Cream, Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, etc. No mouthwash or hand sanitizer, please. - 5th Sunday of Lent: April 7th
Dried Goods – Rice, Beans, Peas, Pasta, Parmesan Cheese, etc. - 6th Sunday of Lent: April 14th
Beverages – Coffee, Tea Bags, Instant Tea, Powdered Milk, Lemonade Mix, Gatorade Mix, etc.