L'Arche

During the month of February I had the great blessing and privilege of living and ministering at the L'Arche community here in Erie. For those of you who do not know what L'Arche is, it is a community of individuals with intellectual disabilities and those who walk along side them on the journey, helping them along. There are not enough words for how heart warming and enlarging the experience was. One thing I know is those that I encountered greatly touched me. And so as another way of sharing that part of my journey as well as catching everyone up a bit more I thought I would share another piece that I wrote for the Interim that combines both! :)

          Greetings everyone! You may have already heard about some of my comings and goings; however, I thought it was time to give you an update in my own words. I am currently in my second year of Novitiate which is a time to continue learning more about the congregation and religious life, as well as to experience different ministries in order to discern where God might be calling me. Since September 2013, I have ministered to the dear neighbor in varied ways through experiences at Villa Maria Academy, Saint Vincent Hospital, and in Marycrest. Most recently, I spent time at L’Arche which was a profound experience of love, community, and prayer that I would like to share with you.

          L’Arche is a community of individuals living with intellectual and physical disabilities and their caregivers. It is a community built on faith, love, and inclusiveness. While ministering there during the month of February, I had the opportunity to spend time at four L’Arche houses: Journey, Bethany, Jubilee,and Oasis. Each house was infused with its own vibrancy and sense of community and life. I will focus on Journey,which is the house I stayed in during the month.

          The Journey house is a community of welcome and freedom. From the moment I set foot in the house, I was greeted with love and hugs. It did not take me long to feel like I was home. In fact, some of those ministering there commented on how easily I became part of the community, while other visitors had a more difficult time interacting and feeling comfortable. As the weeks passed, I came to recognize qualities in the core members that reflected my own. I grew in the understanding of who I am: effervescent, warm, and welcoming, as well as what I need to grow into: gentleness, quiet and centered. It was humbling to realize what I have always known: We all are truly more alike than we are different.