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"This summer confirmed my desire to work with special education for the elderly. My growth this summer was exponential; I learned so much! I loved sharing time with the core members and learning about the values of community, being with and being present. Seeing faith lived out collectively was really powerful for me and reminded me why I'm Catholic. I fell in love with L'Arche and so did my mom!" Alice, Summer Volunteer
"A lot of the philosophy of L'Arche recognizes that we are better together, even if it's less efficient or not as 'productive' as doing things on our own. The experience of living with people in the same house is so intimate that I realized that this is so much more about relationships than I could ever have expected. It was hard to leave knowing that I was leaving friends. At L'Arche, I'm surrounded by so many people who might share 3 words with me in total; I don't have to prove my worth at L'Arche, it's just assumed, known." Megan Guzman, House Leader
"The assistants had a profound impact on me and by the end of the summer, I didn't see their vulnerabilities but rather, that they're powerful human beings. I realized the power of compassion and how listening can profoundly change things. My favorite part of the summer was helping a core member achieve his two year long goal to play with a pug!" Eric Arntson
It is an absolute pleasure to work with you and all the folks at L'Arche. Beyond your pleasant and professional manner is a level of dedication to core members that I have rarely seen in the 34 years I have been involved in human services. Thanks for all you do. Lincoln, Director of ALCO Pharmacy
The best service project we had ever done — ever. I think it’s because there’s this immediate connection, because everyone’s valued: Your service there meant something. Katherine Quan, Friend and Service-Ministry Chair at St. Peter’s Church
L’Arche has a simple message for our time: focus on relationships. Welcome the poor and the rejected. Create communities where relationships are the highest priority. Create communities where each person’s gift is valued and celebrated. Welcome the least and as a result, discover the best in all. Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics
L'Arche is a work from God. Marilyn Hanlon, friend and supporter
Members of the L'Arche community give witness to what we all should do: show total acceptance of people as they are, with their limits, their strengths, and their gifts. Bishop Martin J. Amos, Davenport, Iowa
From our arrival to our departure, we witnessed the core values of independence, inclusion, self-determination, and productivity. Every individual with a disability was a full partner in every aspect of community living. Toni Fisher, former Executive Director for the DC Developmental Disabilities State Planning Council
L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C. is what de-institutionalization's dreamers had in mind. The Washington Post

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Home Blog Latest News 4th Week of Lent – Celebration

4th Week of Lent – Celebration

4th Week of Lent

CELEBRATION

L’Arche Spirituality Learning Guide, Chapter 3

Forgiveness and celebration are at the heart of community. These are the two faces of love.

Celebration is a communal experience of joy, a song of thanksgiving. We celebrate the fact of being together; we give thanks for the gifts we have been given.

Celebration nourishes us, restores hope, and brings us the strength to live with the suffering and difficulties of everyday life.

Celebration – John August Swanson

REFLECTION

Jean Vanier on Celebration

https://vimeo.com/53093320

Think of a celebration that was especially joyful and life-giving. What were the elements that made it special?
Can you name the key celebrations in your own life? How were you celebrated
How do you like to celebrate others?

Archives

4th Week of Lent – Celebration

4th Week of Lent

CELEBRATION

L’Arche Spirituality Learning Guide, Chapter 3

Forgiveness and celebration are at the heart of community. These are the two faces of love.

Celebration is a communal experience of joy, a song of thanksgiving. We celebrate the fact of being together; we give thanks for the gifts we have been given.

Celebration nourishes us, restores hope, and brings us the strength to live with the suffering and difficulties of everyday life.

REFLECTION

Jean Vanier on Celebration

Think of a celebration that was especially joyful and life-giving. What were the elements that made it special?

Can you name the key celebrations in your own life? How were you celebrated

How do you like to celebrate others?

SONG

L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C.