Spatula baseball: L’Arche ‘leans into creativity’ during lockdown
Laura DeMaria
My friend Christine wrote a beautiful piece for Catholic News Agency about how L’Arche Greater Washington, DC is handling lockdown during coronavirus. The article is called, “Spatula baseball: L’Arche ‘leans into creativity’ during lockdown.”
She interviewed our Executive Director, Luke Smith, who raised some good points about the extra-susceptibility of the community during a medical crisis, when sometimes people with disabilities are not prioritized. I am also glad he made a point to recognize the assistants who are always wonderful, but especially in adapting to very new rhythms of life with everyone home (most core family members have jobs, you know).
The wish list he mentions is here, and yes, our fundraising breakfast has been canceled. Please consider donating.
My favorite quotes are at the end:
“I've been sharing with the community that we need to be gentle with ourselves and gentle with others and that it's okay to be frustrated with the coronavirus, but we don't need to be frustrated with each other.”
And of course, this truth, which resonates perfectly with my experience of L’Arche, wherein I have recieved far more than I have given:
“We are praying with you,’’ said Smith. “We are thinking of ways we can support you. L’Arche wants to give, too; we as a community want to be supportive.”
And of course, I am greatly pleased by the knowledge that Charles is still wearing his tie.
I’m having virtual dinner with 6th Street on Saturday. Can’t wait. And if you’d like to join the DC community for virtual prayer on Tuesday, April 7, you can do so here.