Spirituality and Relationship

Spirituality at L’Arche Portland is rooted in finding the sacred in the ordinary and in forming relationships by sharing time in daily activities.  We hold that spirituality is within the most mundane details of the day when they are shared intentionally. We also believe that weaknesses and vulnerabilities are better welcomed and shared rather than hidden or shamed.  Within L’Arche Portland, we strive to see our collective and individual “disabilities” as treasures that draw us into community, not shameful parts of our humanity that must be compensated for.

Everyday Practices

L’Arche Portland welcomes people from all faith traditions and spiritual paths (or none). Our community has a spiritual practice which involves after-dinner prayer in a variety of forms, blessing new and departing daily life members, hosting Taize, and offering retreat spaces for Daily Life and extended community members to reflect on L’Arche values such as Welcome, Authentic Relationships, Growth, Forgiveness, Vulnerability, Celebration, and Suffering and Joy. This practice helps us express gratitude and hear and hold what is present in the hearts of each person. 

L’Arche welcomes people from different faith traditions and spiritual paths, and members of L’Arche share daily times of simple prayer together – often around a candle before or after the evening meal. It is a time to express gratitude, listen to and hold what is present in the hearts of each person, sing, and celebrate. Each person in L’Arche is invited and encouraged to be attentive and committed to their personal spiritual journey and nourishment.

Our former assistant Ilana Weber beautifully captures what it means to live a spiritual life within L'Arche in her essay "A Spirituality Vignette."