Groundbreaking of LEED Gold Certified Retreat Center November 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ronkonkoma Cenacle Sisters will celebrate the groundbreaking for the new targeted LEED Gold certified Retreat Center, beginning at 10:30 am at 310 Cenacle Road, Ronkonkoma. The groundbreaking is a culmination of three years of assessment and planning on behalf of the North American Province of the Cenacle Sisters and the Ronkonkoma Cenacle. The Cenacle Sisters are dedicated to being good stewards of our environment, demonstrated through the sustainable features of the new retreat center. In 2006, the North American Province of the Cenacle Sisters undertook an intensive study to determine their mission priorities throughout the United States and Canada. One outcome of the study was to focus resources on the Ronkonkoma Cenacle. The study also found there was a vibrant ministry at the Ronkonkoma Cenacle and felt it was important to continue its presence on Long Island.

The Cenacle’s main retreat building of 300 rooms is large and increasingly expensive to maintain. Constructed in the first half of the 20th century, its electrical, heating and plumbing systems all need replacing; it is not air-conditioned nor handicap compliant. Making it 21st century efficient through renovation would be far too costly for what could be gained. The North American Province study determined that this building should be demolished and that a new smaller environmentally efficient – a “green” – building be constructed in its footprint. While the initial costs will be significant, the long-term savings are projected to be considerable. The annual savings in housekeeping and maintenance expenses are expected to be 60%; the reduction in energy costs is estimated to be 30% to 40%. The Sisters are committed to re-use as many materials as they can salvage from the original building. Final architectural plans are still being completed. Partial funding for the project will be provided by the Province through the previous sale of Cenacle properties. Projections indicate that $3 million in philanthropic support will need to be added to the funds generated in order to complete the work and build an endowment for the Sisters.
This work is important to ensure the continuation of the mission of the Cenacle Sisters of Ronkonkoma and to care for the land that provides a sacred place for contemplation.

The community values the Cenacle’s stewardship of this land. Few open green spaces remain as acreage is aggressively sought for residential and business development. The Cenacle is committed to continuing its mission in Ronkonkoma of providing a place of “still waters,” a place for restoration and prayer.