L’Arche Frederick Maryland, Inc.
L’Arche Frederick Maryland, Inc.
Saint Katharine Drexel actively supports L’Arche Frederick Maryland, Inc. – a community of persons with and without disabilities. On one Friday night each month, L’Arche Frederick holds a social gathering, sponsored by Saint Katharine Drexel. All are welcome to attend. Activities include singing, dancing and crafts designed to ensure that adults with disabilities enjoy fellowship with their friends and families. The youth of Saint Katharine Drexel volunteer at L’Arche’s Friday night events, building personal relationships with their friends with disabilities. An annual Variety Show in the fall is another event for which Saint Katharine Drexel and L’Arche Frederick collaborate.
L’Arche Frederick is part of the international federation of L’Arche, which is French for “The Ark,” meaning a place of welcome. Founded in 1964 by Jean Vanier, L’Arche communities bear witness to the reality that persons with intellectual disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome and wonderment, spirituality and fun. L’Arche creates inclusive communities for adults with and without intellectual disabilities, where the dignity of every human being is honored and everyone shares faith and friendship.
The mission of L’Arche Frederick is to fulfill the vision of Jean Vanier by creating loving homes in Frederick. Plans are being finalized to open their first residence in 2020. With this house, L’Arche Frederick will provide 5-6 persons with and without disabilities a home to share. Other homes will be opened in the future to create a true “community within a community,” where those who live at L’Arche can interact together and with people in the greater Frederick area.
Upcoming events – currently held on Zoom – check the website for links. All events start at 7:00 PM.
2021 Dates
Friday Night Gatherings – fun social events for people with and without intellectual disabilities.
15 January 19 February 19 March 16 April 21 May 18 June
Prayer Nights – a time to join as a community in gratitude
7 January 4 February 4 March 1 April 6 May 3 June 1 July
5 August 2 September 7 October 4 November 2 December
To find out more about L’Arche Frederick, Click Here or contact Pat O’Connor at the parish office.
