You no doubt remember the holiday season of 2020, in the early months of the pandemic. Cautioned to keep our distance from one another, some of us were fighting Covid. Many of us were still learning how to navigate virtual connections online and to plan outdoor celebrations in all weather.

What I remember most from that holiday season was the quiet. Not only from reduced traffic on my street, nobody at the L’Arche office, and fewer airline flights overhead, but also from being unable to gather to make or listen to live holiday music. There was an incredible effort to fill that gap virtually. Genius sound engineering resulted in music played by individuals anywhere around the globe coming together in online recorded performances. Each performer was in their own little box on the screen, yet beautiful blended music came out of the computer speaker.

But – it wasn’t the same. In L’Arche communities where mutual relationship is a big part of what defines us, we knew that those offerings were pale imitations of the real thing: live, in-person opportunities to make music—to make a joyful noise, together.

L'Arche St. Louis members sing together
L'Arche Atlanta members dance and play the bagpipes

Last summer I had the privilege of joining with hundreds of people from L’Arche communities in our first large, in-person gatherings since the pandemic. Let me reassure you, L’Arche has not forgotten how to make a joyful noise! These events—part family reunion, part celebration, and part learning together—serve to reconnect us all to the broader mission of L’Arche lived in 180 communities around the world. I’m grateful for the memories of those days together that continue to inspire our dream of a better, more-inclusive world for all.

L'Arche GWDC members sing together
L'Arche members dance and sing at a summer regional gathering

Whatever you find yourself doing this holiday season, whether that be singing, celebrating, worshipping in your faith tradition, or simply being, I hope you have the chance to experience the joyful noise of togetherness and belonging.

Joyfully together in the mission,

Laura Giddings
Executive Director and National Leader
L’Arche USA

This page header features art from members of L’Arche Chicago and L’Arche Clinton. Photos depict members of L’Arche St. Louis, L’Arche Atlanta, L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C., L’Arche Heartland, and L’Arche USA.