In 1980 in Quincy, Massachusetts, a community south of Boston, three families and Sr. Pat Murphy gathered as a group of Faith and Light (see faithandlight.org).  Their history states: “Faith and Light was born of a desire to help people with an intellectual disability and their families find their place within the Church and society.”

In 1982 Sister Pat continues “we received incorporation.  No turning back.  At this point we named the community Irenicon, which means ‘a message of peace and hope.’  There has always been hope in this community, even in our darkest moments.”  The LaSalette Shrine in Ipswich offered them the house with 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 baths, a dining room and a large kitchen for a rent of $150.00 per month, completely furnished.  No doubt at all according to Sr. Pat, that God lead them to the North Shore.

During this 2 year span 16 applicants had met with the admissions committee and the home in Ipswich was filled with Core members, assistants, part time assistants…as well as the sentiments of love, friendship and family.

In November of 2004, we relocated the Irenicon offices from Washington Street to 57 Wingate Street in Haverhill, where we remain today though we moved from the 3rd floor to the ground floor in 2008. Swanna Champlin became our Interim Director/Program Director in December, 2004 by then in community over two years.

In September of 2006, Swanna accepted the mandate of Director on our 23rd Anniversary as a community.  Another outcome of evaluation of community’s needs was the purchase and renovation of 9 Sussex Court in Bradford to potentially accommodate handicapped residents. The office staff grew as well, with the addition of Pam McGrath, as Director of Development and Outreach, fulfilling a dream of Irenicon, and Tom Murphy, a former Head of House, as Recruitment Specialist.

With 17 core members and 35 assistants (everyone is considered an assistant, including the community leader, assistant director, etc.), several volunteers and countless friends, L’Arche Irenicon is a healthy community of people leading simple lives in the L’Arche tradition. Like all L’Arche communities in the United States, L’Arche Irenicon in Haverhill, MA is an ecumenical community and welcomes people from all faith and traditions as well as atheists. Life at L’Arche Irenicon is busy and active. At the center of community life are the Thursday night gatherings for prayer and special celebrations. Celebrations and rituals have and always will anchor the community in the L’Arche traditions.