The Transformative Power of Faith

by James Robinson As we come together for this digital retreat during a global pandemic, we find ourselves in a context of crisis. In fact, we find ourselves in an atmosphere thick with the intersection of multiple social and environmental crises, an atmosphere so thick it sometimes seems difficult to

Joseph, the father, the Disenfranchised, the Refugee, the Dreamer

by Sister Melinda Pellerin ssj In my living room, above my flat screen television is the artist Lara James’s beautiful picture of St. Joseph dreaming. Dreaming is a lot like entering into a prayer, a reflection, and the heart of God’s communication with each of us.  Dreams are ways in

Family in a Van: A Wild Adventure Still Unfolding

We were excited when we got the initial phone call from Courtney Hayes-Jurcheck and her husband John Jurcheck, both 40, who were traveling across the country with their sons, Luca, 5 and Oliver, 9.  They left their home in Denver to volunteer on farms and WWOOFing sites living in a

Daunte Wright… Say His Name

The day after Daunte Wright was killed by a Minneapolis policewoman Agape folks travelled to our customary protest vigil station in downtown Ware at Veterans Park.   We came to protest the killing of Daunte and support his family, the Black Community in Minneapolis and indeed the entire Black Community

A Song Over the Land: Finding Our Prophetic Voice

(A compilation of reflections offered by Agape co-founder, Suzanne Belote Shanley during the weekend Lenten Zoom Retreat sponsored by Mary’s House co-founders, Jim and Shelley Douglas, March 19-21.) The opening theme of this weekend’s retreat, “The Earth is Weeping” defines our collective pilgrimage together, close to 200 of us on

Felipe Witchger Visits Agape

Felipe Witchger is a long-time friend of Agape who participated in the first group of graduate students ten years ago, who comprised what they called themselves, The Creatively Maladjusteds. Felipe’s wife, Casey, went to Notre Dame, where they met. Casey was here for an internship sometime in her junior year.

More Workday Photos!

About 35 people joined Agape members for a memorable day with cords of wood work put up from our Agape trees as they sacrificed themselves for us. Skip Schiel captures in a series of photos:     We loved having the Just Faith Community for the 12th (or so) year

Visit with Bobby and Jim

This past Friday, June 19th, Agape was thrilled to welcome both Bobby Karle SJ, newly ordained Jesuit, and Jim Robinson, long-time member of Agape’s Mission Council (Advisory Board) for their weekend visit. They arrived mid-afternoon with bright smiles and open arms filled with joy and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

A Wonderful Work Day in the Books!

Last Saturday, June 12th, Agape Community hosted our first large Work Day since the beginning of the Pandemic.  Support was strong as friends gathered from various places to help prepare the garden for the summer season as well as collect and split wood for this coming winter.  Despite the threat

“Escaping the Final Pandemic” by Dean Hammer

Escaping the Final Pandemic By Dean Hammer ’78 M.A.R. The spiritual “Let My People Go” rises from deep inside of me during these days preceding the celebration of Passover. Moses follows God’s instruction to confront Pharaoh’s domination of the Israelites. Moses’ chutzpah and prophetic imagination galvanize a liberation movement. Pharaoh