Community Life Coordinator

Meaningful, mutual relationships are at the core of what makes L’Arche unique. L’Arche Antigonish enables individuals to become connected to others in a way that ensures everyone is welcome and accepted just as they are. L’Arche members experience a sense of purpose and belonging, becoming engaged and feeling valued.

Part of the international network of L’Arche, Antigonish is one of seven communities in the Atlantic region. Over our 40-year history, L’Arche Antigonish has grown from two people sharing life together, to five homes, a supervised apartment, three day programs, and a summer camp. Living with difference and vulnerability is challenging, yet L’Arche is a sign that when all people, including the most marginalized, take their place, society becomes more human – more colourful, welcoming, creative, compassionate and joyful.

The members of L’Arche Antigonish are seeking a full-time Community Life Coordinator. This person would facilitate Community Life and intentionally focus on nurturing and expressing our shared spirituality. Through commitment to their own journey, the Community Life Coordinator is someone who can inspire us more deeply into Community Life and our own personal spiritual journeys. They will help community members to discover and appreciate the deeper meaning in our day-to-day life.

A collaborative and inclusive leadership style is ideal for a Community Life Coordinator—helping others to see and develop their gifts and inviting them to contribute to the spiritual and Community Life of L’Arche Antigonish. They will be a listening and thoughtful presence in community, both for individuals and for community dialogue as we strive to shape a more human society.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Chair and be a member of the Spiritual and Community Life Committee
  • Coordinate and support committees for community events
  • Coordinate the observance of Ecumenical/Interfaith traditions
  • Coordinate regular community events – i.e. prayer and meal
  • Organize the annual Community Retreat with the retreat committee
  • Support members with opportunities for individual retreats
• Hold the community with intentionality
• Provide spaces for community members to articulate and share their communal/spiritual journey
• Support learning and growth for community members in areas of prayer and spirituality
• Be a supportive and comforting presence when the community is going through a difficult situation – during the grieving process
• Make and maintain connections with the wider community and with people who have gifts in leading community worship, providing educational opportunities, and facilitating important dialogues.
• Coordinate community events/days of fun and reflections
• Be a member of the Community Council
• Coordinate with others in the Region and Nationally to facilitate the Communal and Spiritual life of L’Arche for our community and the larger community of L’Arche

Ideal Qualities and Qualifications:

• Commitment to building community
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility particularly in relation to matters of spirituality and faith
• A mature understanding of the Spirituality of L’Arche
• Caring, compassionate, and welcoming
• A good and active listener
• Able to create spaces where people feel at ease and able to share
• Able to hold, share and delegate responsibilities and tasks
• Knowledge and respect for ecumenism and interfaith dialogue
• Ability to facilitate and lead events for large and small groups
• As desire to build mutual relationships with community members while maintaining healthy boundaries
• Willingness to make a 2-year commitment
• Interest and experience in practices of discernment

Closing: January 22, 2024