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Prayer Nights

L'Arche joins with family and friends for prayer night each month.  Core people and assistants lead the group in prayer night, often retelling Bible stories through art, skits or other activities. Guests are encouraged to experience L'Arche's spirituality. Information about specific locations and times follows. Just show up, or, for more information, contact (202) 232-4539 or info@larche-gwdc.org.

In The District

WHEN: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month.

Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Prayer at 6:45 p.m.

WHERE: The Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Washington

5001 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20783

In Arlington

WHEN: 1st Tuesday of each month.

Prayer time and Sharing at 7p.m., snacks following.

WHERE: Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in The Founders Room located in the Ministry Center

2700 South 19th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22204

L'Arche Greater Washington, DC, welcomed me as an assistant in 2002, and paired me with Eileen to serve as her "accompanier." As her accompanier, I was responsible for Eileen's health and well being. I eagerly took on those responsibilities, as I had in New Zealand. The difference this time, though, was Eileen. Because of her special giftedness, she, too, eagerly took on responsibility for my health and well being. If I had the slightest runny nose or sore throat, Eileen was the first to inquire and to keep watch over me until I was restored to complete health. If I was sad over news of my father's progressing cancer, Eileen would sit next to me, asking frank and caring questions. When I was pregnant, Eileen faithfully rubbed my belly each day, saying "I love your baby."

And so here, at L'Arche Greater Washington, DC, I've learned the real lesson of L'Arche: I can be cared for by people with disabilities as much or more than I can care for them. We're in this life together, Eileen and I, and once again I feel privileged, every day, to be here.

-Melissa Javier Barry, Community Member 2002-Present