Spring Appeal 2023

Here in Chicago, spring can take its sweet time arriving. Weary of winter, we anxiously wait for the cold and dark to give way to longer days, the greening of neighborhoods, the gradual stirrings of life. As I reflect with gratitude on the return of spring, I am reminded of the long, winter-like isolation of the pandemic. As the months wore on, like so many of us, I was weary.

Weary of the scarcity of basic needs for the families I accompanied at work. Weary of injustices and social inequalities coming to a moment’s spotlight, before fading in the public consciousness. Weary of conducting my most meaningful conversations in virtual, two-dimensional presence.

I was looking for something new, a new way of being, a new sign of life within the world from which I felt so disconnected, and within myself.  

When I walked into the Fireplace, and experienced the nourishment of a meal, the intimacy of face-to-face conversation, and the embodied rhythm of voices raised aloud in prayer, it felt as though a new seed of hope was emerging in me. I was not asked to “do” anything—just to be, and to know hospitality. And home.

Over the past year and a half, the gift of being in relationship with this intergenerational community of Franciscan religious women and lay spiritual companions has been a radical source of healing for me, which has given me the courage to discern how I am being invited to serve the next chapter of my life. 

Mine is a single story. There is a growing extended community of spiritual seekers, artists, and activists who likewise have sought the Fireplace for both retreat and rest. Now we anticipate the summer, when we often have community dinners outside as a bonfire burns in the Fireplace backyard.

As we grow in understanding of our shared gifts and call, the Fireplace Community continues to discern how to further embody our mission, to broaden our connections, and to deepen our relationships in the service of sustaining change-makers who contribute to the flourishing of people and the planet. We remain hope-filled that the larger community will continue to support this work through gifts of friendship, labor, and material goods.  

I invite you to consider joining me in making a recurring or one-time tax-deductible donation to the Fireplace. Your gift will provide both continued hospitality and expanded outreach. Learn more about our 2022 donor-supported activities at thefireplacecommunity.org/donate.

I would also love for you to experience the Fireplace first hand. The community warmly invites you to our Pentecost celebration on Saturday, June 10th, from 6 to 10 pm. To learn more about this and other community events, please visit: thefireplacecommunity.org/events.

Until we meet, Peace, and All Good!

Angela Paviglianiti