L'Arche Genesaret

L’Arche Genesaret is a Community of people with and without intellectual disability, sharing life in Community, belonging to an International Federation. L’Arche is a French word meaning “the Ark”.

Together we build community where people with and without disabilities experience a place of belonging and welcome. Each person is encouraged to discover and share their unique gifts and grow in love, self-giving and wholeness.

We are an intentional community in the Christian tradition, respecting and welcoming people of all faiths and different beliefs. Our name “Genesaret” is a place name from the Gospels and signifies our Community in Canberra as a place of faith and healing.

We strive to enable our members with an intellectual disability to live with independence and choice in daily life, maintaining employment, therapeutic and recreational activities, day programs and social connections with friends, family, churches and the broader local community.

Members of L’Arche Genesaret include those who live in our community households in the Woden Valley, along with members who live in their own homes around Canberra and spiritual members who live beyond Canberra.

We share daily life in our community households and come together regularly for friendship, prayer, celebrations and retreats.  Hospitality is central to our community life and we love to welcome friends and visitors to share a meal in the evenings or on the weekends.