Waiting In Our Moments
We live in a world in which we can get what we want now, or to get answers to our questions immediately, or find the best ways around Chicago traffic. But sometimes waiting is necessary and may be good for us.
Read moreRemembering Elbert
Elbert Lott passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, December 8th. Director of Care Evangeline Smith, who lived several years at Friendship House with Elbert, reflects on his life and legacy
Read moreA Time For Fall Socks & A Time For Kissy Socks
"For everything there is a season." Noah continuously reminds me that there is a time for everything, and everything should be in its time. Noah reminds our whole community of this regularly.
Read moreBreaking Ground and Building Belonging
Two weeks ago, with a little bit of confetti and a whole lot of rain, we gathered to celebrate and mark the beginning of construction on our 4th home in Oak Park. Surrounded by family, friends and new neighbors, we huddled under a tent, as it poured down rain, singing “It’s you, it’s me, it’s us, it’s God, it’s love, that builds community.”
Read moreAn Internship in Human Relationships
Hello! I am Ailynn Duarte, a current live out assistant at Angel House and student at Loyola University Chicago. This summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern as a live-in assistant.
Read moreGeode
Being an assistant is a deeply fulfilling role that provides clarity and a deeper appreciation for what it means to be human. I’m lucky to share my time with people who vary wildly from myself in their journeys and experiences, allowing me to learn from various disciplines, vocations, and personal interests.
Read moreA Black History Month Reflection
This month's reflection is on how Black History Month started and how important it is that we keep the memories of those who came before us and those now who have contributed so much to our world.
Read moreRemembering Laurence Msall
I first met Laurence in 2009 when I was working part-time as a support worker at L’Arche. He and his family hosted us for a Christmas dinner in their home. Still being new to Chicago, it was one of the first homes I’d been invited to. I couldn’t have been more warmly welcomed by Laurence, even though I was a new, occasional face in L’Arche.
Read moreWhat It’s Like to Have L’Arche as a Neighbor
I don’t know what I’d do without L’Arche as my neighbor. When I was a child “neighborhood” equaled “community.” But for many reasons we’ve lost that. L’Arche has helped to renew a sense of what neighborliness is all about—taking care of each other through prayer, care and spending time together. If a L’Arche house moves into your neighborhood, you’ll be sure to see what it means to “love thy neighbor.”
Read moreFeeling At Home
Before welcoming a new housemate into our homes, the core members and assistants of the home make a sign to put on their bedroom door. Everyone signs it and marks that room as their space. Although this may seem like a small tradition, its meaning is significant. These signs are the first welcome into the home and stay up to remind us that we are continually excited to welcome each other home.
Read moreL’Arche Chicago Fall Retreat 2022
This past weekend we gathered for a community retreat at Loyola’s Ecology and Retreat center. This retreat was extra special because 2022 marks the end of our Community Mandate.
Read moreBest Job I’ve Ever Had
I realize now that in my personal pursuit of new responsibility and growth opportunities, I have lost sight of these simple, yet profound L’Arche truths. It is easy to forget and miss the small things that make L’Arche special when focusing on achieving exciting dreams and goals from the office.
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