Samuel Thomas

November 19, 2025

This article featured in our Third Quarter Newsletter of 2025, written by Mary Colleen Sinnot

There are some blessed moments in life when heaven’s light comes crashing through into our world and leaves us forever changed. My first connection to L’Arche through a core member was such a moment… It was 1983. My youngest child was 2, my oldest 5 and the middle one 3 ½. I was working part-time as a special ed teacher, my husband was frequently out of town with his work and my father was in and out of the hospital. And, I was exhausted… feeling quite unmoored as I ran from one situation to another. A friend suggested I go to the newly opened Spiritual Renewal Center for spiritual direction. I couldn’t imagine what anyone could say to me that would ease my stress, but I knew something had to change.

I met with the director, Jim Krisher, and after hearing my story he encouraged me to visit the L’Arche James Street Community and gave me their number. I called and was warmly invited by the founders Doug and Perry to come and meet the community. A date was set for the next week, and I continued whirling in my chaos , to the point that I almost missed the meeting… but God had someone waiting for me…

It was a cold, windy November day. I trudged up the walkway to the front door and rang the bell. I heard heavy, slow footsteps come to the door which slowly opened and there stood Harold, welcoming me with a big bear hug and a quick question, “Coffee?” He pointed to a chair and soon a steaming hot mug of (very sugared!) brew was set before me Then Harold and I sat together, content to exchange a few niceties, but mostly in a deeply companioned silence. I felt like I was being held in the palms of God’s hands. The care, incredible presence and unconditional love Harold offered me was the cure for my angst. I have never forgotten that moment, that hug of hospitality so generously bestowed on me. It has become my ‘pocket first-aid’… I pull that memory out when life starts swirling , then I am taken right back to Harold again… with much gratitude