The Cenacle of Prayer: Walking Together in Prayer with the Blessed Mother

Before the Cenacle of Prayer was an official ministry, it was just three young moms who connected over a desire to deepen their faith. Over 30 years ago, Janet Waterhouse, Karen Prunty, and Darlene Eckerman were working together on Vacation Bible School and realized that they all longed for friends with whom they could pray and share the faith. So, they began to meet once a week to pray the Rosary, bringing their young children along.

“There was a deep draw to continue, as we usually left refreshed,” Janet says. “We always had each other when one or another needed prayer.”

It was a simple beginning, but the start of a lifelong friendship. Other women joined the prayer group over the years and as the women grew in their faith, they supported one another through hardship and loss.

“During these years we have earnestly prayed for our families, spouses, and personal problems,” Janet says. “We have shared our lives deeply. We have seen cancer more than once in our families. We have traveled the road of a child dying. We have shared our joys and sorrows.”

The prayer group evolved over the years as different members brought new inspiration. The word cenacle refers to the Upper Room where Christ and His disciples had the Last Supper. One of the members read a book by a Marian priest, Fr. Gobbi, in which he shared words he received from the Blessed Mother. Fr. Gobbi created Cenacle prayer groups for priests and then expanded to the laity.

Janet and the others took on Fr. Gobbi’s format. The women pray to the Holy Spirit, read Fr. Gobbi’s writings, pray a Rosary, then pray for the pope and an Act of Consecration to the Blessed Mother.

The women have taken part in various Scripture studies and consecrations over the years. As their faith has grown, the members have brought things they’ve learned back to their own parishes. They’ve become more involved with Eucharistic Adoration as their reverence for the Eucharistic has deepened.

Looking back, Janet can see how having this community of women transformed her faith and carried her through difficult times. Yet, it all began with three young moms taking a chance on one another.

“If you feel a desire for more faith, don’t be afraid to create your own group,” Janet says. “Especially young women with young children — walk through life with these women, because they share the same desire for Christ that you do. It doesn’t have to be formal, just get together and pray.”

The Cenacle of Prayer meets most Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Sts. Mary and Hyacinth. Women from all the parishes are welcome to come, pray, and share fellowship.

“This prayer group has been my rock,” Janet says. “How blessed I have been to pray and receive prayer. I cannot imagine what life would have been like these past 32 years without this prayer group. We walk with the Blessed Mother leading us on.”

All women are welcome to join or to contact Janet Waterhouse with questions at 715-350-1080 or waterhom55@gmail.com.

(From left) Darlene Eckerman, Judy Black, Tina Heuss, Janet Waterhouse, Patty Koeple, Karen Prunty, and Eileen Hartle

(From left) Karen Prunty, Darlene Eckerman and Janet Waterhouse