Pentecost appeal
Happy Pentecost! Fifty days after Easter, Christians celebrate the Holy Spirit descending upon the followers of Jesus, igniting a spiritual movement of transformation and hope.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. -Acts 2:2-4
Here at the Fireplace, a new intentional community in Chicago, we’re celebrating the holiness of fire. We call ourselves the Fireplace Community because we are a place where you can come in from the cold, warm up, and find energy to carry out God’s work – the work of justice.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we were all living through an “epidemic of loneliness.” Systemic oppression fractures communities. Many of us don’t know our neighbors. People are leaving the church, dismayed by corruption and discrimination. And those of us who want to change things – the artists, religious leaders, activists, and community organizers – get tired! We burn out because the hurt of the world feels insurmountable.
At the Fireplace Community, we offer solutions based in community, compassion, and creativity. We know that we cannot do this work alone. That’s why we’re building a hearth, a place to gather, heal, and rekindle our spirits. If you haven’t already joined us around the fire, we hope you’ll visit soon!
In our first year together, the Fireplace has:
Grown to a community of five full-time residents
Gathered for more than one hundred community dinners and prayer services
Welcomed nearly fifty guests to our housewarming party in October
Hosted public events like two talks with author Jon Sweeney and a contemplative event with artist Kiki McGrath
Provided space for two painting workshops
Hosted three individual retreatants and one group retreat, the latter for a lay-led immigration ministry
Offered short-term housing to two guests in need of shelter
Received support from over 70 people like you, who donated their time, money, and home goods to sustain this ministry! Thank you!
These are some of the things we can measure, but we can’t calculate the value of warm meals shared with friends or summer evenings around the backyard firepit with neighbors. The Fireplace is much bigger than its five residents. It’s a growing community that includes Catholic sisters and brothers, non-religious folks, students, craftspeople and creators, activists and organizers – and you. Together we’re building a community of care and connection – in Chicago and beyond.
Will you join the Fireplace in building a beloved community by giving today?
As the Fireplace enters its second year, we need you to join us in this mission. Will you help the Fireplace put down deeper roots by donating? Your contribution of $50 will help us host community dinners. $100 will subsidize food and housing costs for one artist to make a retreat with us, and $500 will help us practice care for the earth, funding supplies like an electric lawn mower or portable solar panels.
Thank you for your partnership, participation and support. Your contribution really makes a difference and keeps the fire burning!
With love,
Leslie Carranza
Sharon Dillon SSJ-TOSF
Cassidy Klein
Abby Rampone
Julia Walsh FSPA
P.S. You’re invited to a Pentecost celebration at the Fireplace on Sunday, June 5th, 1:00-4:00! We hope to see you then!