Deepening Relationships at the Core Member Retreat

March 2, 2017

Core member-assistant pairs Erin and Moss and Ben and Michelle, attended L'Arche USA's Core Member Retreat in the Puget Sound area February 20th-22nd. The theme for the retreat was "Sharing the Fruits of L'Arche," and companion-assistant pairs were asked to reflect on how they can best share the beauty of their relationships with a world that desperately needs it. Erin, Ben, Michelle and Moss enjoyed walks, a trip to the beach, good food, lots of singing and music, new friendships, and a fun talent show that featured Erin spontaneously offering her dance moves in response to another participant's singing. 

On returning, Moss shared how moved she was to see the deep affection that each retreat pair showed to each other -- in small ways with the touching of hands or sharing a private smile or laugh to the careful consideration and respect that each showed to the other. Erin and Ben both enjoyed getting to know more people outside the L'Arche Portland community. All in all the 3 day retreat offered a breath of fresh air and rejuvenation for everyone who attended. 

We'd like to thank the Community Partners Council (CPC) for the OHSU University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) for a Community Engagement Grant and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for an SNJM Ministry Grant to fund this, and similar, experiences for members of the L'Arche Portland community throughout the year.