L’Arche Saint John has just gone through such a change and now is in the midst of yet another. Let me explain – our community is only a “baby” and already since the opening of McKim House in June 2005, we like most communities, have seen many changes – core members coming and going, assistants coming and going but recently we’ve said good- bye to our founding community leader, Dan Kirkegaard and his family and welcomed Jocelyn Worster from L’Arche Antigonish as our new leader.

But there was a slight hitch – Jocelyn was only with us for three weeks when she was off on a six month sabbatical which had been arranged before she answered “yes” to the call to Saint John!

Even though we were concerned and anxious about how those six months would unfold, we had confidence that our Regional Council would somehow have a plan – and did they have a plan!

We are so fortunate in the Atlantic Region to have people in leadership who have been in L’Arche for many years in communities throughout Canada and internationally. When the Regional Council asked us what we thought of the idea of having Rosaire Blais come from L’Arche Homefires for the 6 months as Interim Leader we knew our prayers had been answered! Rosaire travelled back to L’Arche Homefires on weekends and stayed in McKim House with us from Monday to Friday. What a blessing – and what fun!

His six months with us was a grace-filled time of being led by a person who had lived and breathed the spirituality and day to day life as an Assistant, Community Leader, and Regional Co-ordinator. Having him live in McKim House with us gave our community the opportunity to listen to his story and the stories of many who have lived a life of commitment and dedication to the values and ideas that L’Arche tries to bring to the world.

His gentle, caring manner brought a sense of peace and comfort to a home that had just experienced the death of its founding core member, John Pike. He helped bring laughter and celebration into our daily lives. His deeply spiritual life brought the essence of a lived, committed life to his own personal beliefs, encouraging others to take ownership of their faith journey.

As we look forward to our future with Jocelyn as our community leader, Rosaire leaves us with great hope for the future of L’Arche Saint John.

Thank you Rosaire – may you always know that we look on you as one of OUR L’Arche family and that you and Ingrid are always welcome at McKim House. May you continue to live and share your many gifts in all phases of L’Arche life – wherever you are called- helping to change the world one heart at a time!

Marilyn Moore
House Leader