by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Community of the Lamb is asking for help as it establishes its first North American presence right here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
In late May, nine members of this community, a branch of the Dominicans, left their mother-house in southern France and arrived in Kansas City, Kan., to open a mission. Eventually, the order will have six members based in this new community house, the former St. Benedict Parish rectory.
The community, which includes both male and female members, is a mendicant order. Mendicants, or members of mendicant orders, do not own personal or community property. Instead, they take a vow of poverty, live very simply, and depend on the generosity of others and the providence of God to sustain them.
At this time, the community’s two greatest and most immediate needs are for food and wood. Since the Brothers and Sisters literally beg their daily bread as part of their ministry, the need for food is self-explanatory. But the need for wood requires some explanation.
Rather than accepting used furniture donated by others, the Community of the Lamb requests wood instead, and the woodworking tools it takes to build chests. Then, with the help of volunteers skilled in woodworking, they hope to build the chests they will use for their beds. They will also use the chests to store clothing and other articles.
Finally, the community also has need for money, transportation (a van — either owned or borrowed — is preferred), and a Windows Office computer program, preferably Vista.
For more information about the Community of the Lamb, call Father Anthony Ouellette at St. Patrick Parish at (913) 299-3370. Or to make a donation, make checks payable to the “Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas,” and note on the memo line “Community of the Lamb.”
Mail checks to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Attn: Community of the Lamb, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.
