In November 2003 we brought you news that Bishop Patrick had offered the old presbytery at Dodding Green, near Kendal, to Cenacolo, an organisation working for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Then there was local hesitation to the scheme. Now the news is better. On November 26th last, Bishop Patrick “ warmly welcomed” the permission granted by the Inspectorate for the Department of the Environment allowing for the establishment of the first Cenacolo Community in England. Bishop Patrick said: “While we understand the fears of some of our neighbours, we do assure them that the community will adhere strictly to the conditions laid down by the Inspectorate. This, together with careful monitoring will prevent their fears being be realised.”

This new community at Dodding Green, near Kendal, will occupy the former presbytery and chapel. Dodding Green has been a centre of Catholicism for over 300 years and is in the care of the Stephenson Trust. The new community will be managed by the Trustees of the Limited Company and registered charity, the ‘Friends of UK Cenacolo Community.’ It will be financed through the support of benefactors, and visited frequently by the Trustees. Fr Michael McCormick and the local Catholic clergy will be the community’s chaplains. It will be home for up to 16 men all aged 18 and over. The first 12, specially chosen for this task, are coming from other Cenacolo communities. Bishop Patrick again: “ this good news is the result of much prayer, much hard work and the generous support of so many good people. We pray that the work of the Cenacolo will show the Gospel at work in the 21st Century.”