November 2021
Dear Friends & Former Retreatants,
The word Cenacle is another name for the upper room where Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection. Just as his followers gathered, were transformed, and sought further change in themselves and their world, we – Cenacle Sisters and Staff – hoped and prayed that our space at 513 W. Fullerton in Chicago would provide for you the same opportunity to reflect, nourish your soul, or seek transformation in your organization.
Because of our extended closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the Cenacle Sisters of North America, in discernment with their General Government in Rome, began re-evaluating the ministry they are able to offer at this time in their life. The Sisters engaged in the process of a potential sale of the “Fullerton House,” a.k.a. the Chicago Cenacle Retreat & Conference Center. This process and discernment has concluded: the Cenacle Community which arrived on this very site in March 1920 will vacate the property, which sold in late October, on November 7; the Cenacle Retreat & Conference Center’s temporary closure is now a permanent closure.
Whether you were here on an individual retreat, group meeting, or conference, we welcomed your presence as a beloved guest (7,500 of you annually!) and encouraged you to rest or journey deeper during your stay. The Sisters who lived on this site would pray daily for the list of current groups or retreatants, and the Sisters, who recently moved elsewhere in Chicago (either to Ascension Living Resurrection Village or to the new Provincial headquarters at 3800 W. Peterson Ave.), will continue to pray for your organizations. We kindly ask for your prayers as well.
The ministry of the Sisters, which includes retreats and spiritual direction will continue, virtually for now. We hope to offer some, small, onsite programming later next year at our new location. You’re welcome to visit our website cenaclesisters.org to learn more about our new location and future plans as they present themselves to us.
With a mix of sorrow and gratitude,
