We serve Simple Lenten Meals (en español) in the North Conference Room on the Friday evenings of Lent following the 6pm Stations of the Cross.
Each Friday we collect donations to benefit a different community-based organization in Washington, DC. On Friday, March 13, the beneficiary will be L'Arche Community. Consider spending your early Friday evening with St. Matthew's family and friends - come for the 5:30pm Mass, 6pm Stations of the Cross, and end with a shared meal organized by the Cathedral † Young Adults, and this great opportunity for almsgiving.
Please visit the L'Arche Greater Washington, DC www.larche-gwdc.org/ (and L'Arche USA www.larcheusa.org/ ) websites from which the following is summarized.
L'Arche Greater Washington, DC
Founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964, L'Arche (French for "the Ark")communities bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities (known as "core people") possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship. Pope John Paul II called L'Arche a "providential seed of the civilization of love."
Since 1983, L’Arche Greater Washington, DC (two homes each in Adams Morgan and Arlington, VA) has provided safe housing, compassionate support services, and the opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to become integrated into their neighborhoods. The organization was inspired by Jean Vanier's vision – the best way to reveal the gifts and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities is to create a caring community in which people with and without disabilities can share their lives. The focus is the mutual relationship between the core people and those who assist them - one of mutuality, respect, and companionship as they live, work, pray, and play together.
L'Arche Identity and Mission Statement
We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communites belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.
Our mission - Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships - Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story - Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human story.
About Us
The L'Arche Greater Washington, DC mission is comprised of three elements:
Community
L'Arche is an inter-denominational Christian community that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Community members are encouraged to discover and deepen their spiritual lives according to their particular faith and tradition. Those with no religious affilitation are also welcomed and respected for their freedom of conscience.
Professional Services
L'Arche assistants are not medical professionals but are trained to administer medication and recognize potential medical conditions. Professionals in the disability field herald L'Arche as one of the best community-based care providers for people with intellectual disabilities.
Advocacy
Historically, people with intellectual disabilities have been ignored, left out, and spoken for. L'Arche advocates for their rights, dignity, and quality of services. L'Arche assistants advocate for core people daily and empower them to advocate for themselves (e.g., redirecting questions so the core person can answer, asking core persons' opinions instead of assuming what they think, giving core persons space to speak and including them in their community).