L’Arche USA, a national organization with membership in the International Federation of L’Arche Communities, posts news that has international and national interest. Most news from local L’Arche communities in the United States can be found through the community websites. Other news can be found here.

L'Arche USA Hires New Director of Vocational Development 

The board and staff of L'Arche USA are delighted to announce that Bob Sackel has accepted the position of Director of Vocational Development.  In this role, Bob will lead and coordinate development of recruitment and vocational programs for assistants, core members, volunteers and leaders of L’Arche communities in the United States. Bob has 20 years of membership and service experience in L’Arche:  as community leader of L’Arche Syracuse, as Eastern U.S. Regional Coordinator, and most recently as Assistant Director of L’Arche Syracuse.  Prior to coming to L’Arche, Bob worked in direct service positions and leadership roles in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Catholic Charities in the Pacific Northwest, and in mental health transition services in Syracuse. 

A New Book from Orbis - "Jean Vanier: Essential Writings"

To celebrate the 80th birthday of Jean Vanier, the prophetic founder L’Arche, Orbis Books is proud to release this new compilation of his essential writings in our Modern Spiritual Masters Series. Selected with an Introduction by Carolyn Whitney Brown, this collection of Vanier’s writings, inspired by his theme—“Change the world, with love, one heart at a time”—reflects the great discovery of his life: “That we are all healed by the poor and the weak, that we are transformed by them if we enter into relationship with them, that the weak and the vulnerable have a gift to give to our world. . . . They call us together, in unity and peace, to build community.” The book is available in Canada from Novalis: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Stepping Into the Ark: Article from San Gabriel Valley Tribune writer, Evelyn Barge, features friend of L'Arche and Asuza Pacific University professor, Kevin Reimer

Reimer's upcoming book, "Mere Samaritans: Compassionate Love and Disability in L'Arche" is slated to be published by Continuum International Publishing Group next summer. To read the article, please visit this link. Speaking of the impact that exploring L'Arche communities had on him, Reimer says, "We all live on a continuum of disability. All of us are disabled in one way or another, and all of us are worthy of unqualified respect. I think (L'Arche) recognizes that people can choose to live differently. They want to show the world an alternative — a compassionate alternative — that literally runs on love."

Timothy Corey of Advanced Approach Posts Artwork from Vanier's "Befriending the Stranger"

While Jean Vanier recently spoke at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Timothy Corey worked quietly illustrating Vanier's words about compassion. This chart was created on a 10'x4' piece of paper, and is considered a triptic. As Tim says, "we open to our woundedness and suffering, experience mystery, and learn to be in relationship."  

Jean Vanier Visits the Western U.S. Region, Gives Public Talk at St. James Cathedral in Seattle

Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche, was present for the Western U.S. Regional Gathering in Seattle, Washington, June 20 - 22. On Sunday evening, Vanier gave a public talk to a standing-room-only crowd at St. James Cathedral. For the sites, sounds, and reflections from the weekend, see below:

• Audio File. Vanier's message, entitled, "Befriending the Stranger: A Fruit of Compassion." This audio file is in an .mp3 format (Coming Soon.)
• Images. From the St. James Cathedral website, a collection of images from the event.
• Article. Joel Connelly, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist, spent some time with Vanier on Sunday afternoon, and wrote about that encounter. 

L'Arche Referenced in New Book by Stephen Post: "Why Good Things Happen to Good People"  

Long-time friend of L'Arche, Dr. Stephen Post, has co-authored a book with journalist Jill Neimark about the growing new science of love and giving. With profoundly moving real-life stories to show exactly how giving unlocks the doors to health, happiness, and a longer life, the book highlights founder Jean Vanier as well as L'Arche more generally. Post is Professor at the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love. 

"Walking on a Rolling Deck: Life on the Ark": New Book by L'Arche Clinton house coordinator, Kathy Berken, to be Released Summer 2008

Kathy Berken is house coordinator for one of three homes in a L’Arche community in Clinton, Iowa, where she lives with five men with developmental disabilities. Her new book, "Walking on a Rolling Deck: Life on the Ark," is the story of her journey into L'Arche and of a heart turned to God and changed by love of others. It is ultimately the story of all of our Christian lives, no matter where or with whom we live.

Jean Vanier, Founder of L’Arche, on American Public Media’s “Speaking of Faith”

Jean Vanier was featured on American Public Media’s “Speaking of Faith” program, which is hosted by Krista Tippett. The interview, titled, “The Wisdom of Tenderness,” was recorded in October 2007 and aired in most cities over Christmas. In August 2007, “Speaking of Faith” featured L’Arche’s community in Clinton, Iowa: The Arch. This feature was described as a "radio pilgrimage, which takes listeners into a radically different faith community that confronts our assumptions about service and diversity, and the worth of individuals.” Please click here to listen to "L'Arche: A Community of Brokenness and Beauty."