Have you heard of L’Arche, French for ‘The Ark’, or heard of the L’Arche ministry we have here at St. Francis? The organization has been in existence since the 1960s and was founded as a community-based alternative for those who were different in their ability to function in society, often living in deplorable conditions. The L’Arche Charter says, “In a divided world, L’Arche wants to be a sign of hope. Its communities, founded on covenant relationships between people of differing intellectual capacity, social origin, religion and/or culture, seek to be signs of unity, faithfulness and reconciliation.”
L’Arche Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish is committed to fostering a sense of community, family, and participation among its members. Through dedicated fundraising and collaboration with professionals and families in the Triangle area, the ministry successfully established a home in Durham. This residence provides a supportive environment for four adults with intellectual disabilities who live alongside two assistants who help with daily life. In addition to offering essential life support, L’Arche also organizes vocational programs and social events that contribute to the well-being and inclusion of its members. The parish actively participates in these efforts, strengthening the bond between the church and the L’Arche community.
As Gladys Whitehouse, ministry coordinator and contact, explains, “At L’Arche, the Catholic Social Teaching emphasized is the second theme of Community, Family, and Participation. It emphasizes all three components by creating programs and homes where a ‘shared life’ in community can flourish. After years of fundraising and building a network of professionals and families here in the Triangle, they were able to purchase a house in Durham where four adults with an intellectual disability reside, along with two assistants who oversee their daily living. It is with L’Arche’s vocational programs and social events that our parish gets involved.”
Each month, L’Arche staff plan social events for its members and invite us to participate alongside them. Many of these events are held at the Bulla Center at Edenton Methodist Church in Raleigh and include cooking together and trying new culinary adventures. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month from 2-4 pm; We also share the joy of music and fun with our ‘Jam Session’ on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 2-3 pm; and participate in a range of creative and fun craft activities on the third Thursday of the month from 2-4 pm. They also find time to enjoy online games together and to make a difference in the community by serving together, usually on weekends.
Gladys says, “My advice to anyone who wishes to get involved in the L’Arche Ministry is to first go to their website (https://larche.org) and learn more about them. Anyone who wishes to attend their events can simply visit their website (https://larchenc.org/volunteer/events), contact me at Gladys.whitehouse@gmail.com, or visit ‘St. Francis Serves’ on the parish website. She adds, “I enjoy taking parishioners to L’Arche events and introducing them to the beauty of their community. By participating and even donating to their cause, we model to them our Catholic faith by our mere presence, showing not just that we care, but also modeling extending dignity and respect to all persons, regardless of their abilities.