Our community name, Agape, grounds us in the Biblical Jesus, His nonviolent being and mission in the world. Agape is a theology of love based on the historical fact that Jesus lived, died and rose from the dead exclusively in the spirit of nonviolent love. To those who follow him, Jesus reveals the names we give God: Love, Compassion, and Mercy. Scripture calls us to the furthest boundaries of charity, to love even our enemies (Matt. 5:44). It is in these names that we struggle to ground our personal and communal thoughts and actions. Gospel nonviolence has a profound effect on:
The power of nonviolence is determined by how we live our lives every day. This unarmed love promotes merciful speech and demeanor, especially in the face of violence and fear. Such love rejects an "eye for an eye" standard of justice, seeking instead the long-haul-power of healing, truth and reconciliation both within ourselves and with our adversaries. Even in light of our own failures, we attempt to live a family and community life involving nonviolent child-rearing and discipline with love. Living nonviolence changes our entire habit structure, infusing our daily speech, work, family, and community relationship with nonviolent love. In Christianity grounded in the gospel, we soon learn that the real battleground is within us.
To fully experience the blessing of being alive, enjoy leisure and rest, is to observe the Sabbath. This ancient practice finds its origin in the Genesis Story and is loved by People Israel for thousands of years. In observing the Sabbath, all work ceases from Sundown on Saturday through Sunday. We encourage leisure activities, fellowship, hikes, recreation, music and days of solitude.
Liturgy: As Catholic lay community, we maintain a devotion to the liturgical traditions. At the same time, we remain open to the creative tension of new movements within the church and the uniqueness and power of our experience as lay Catholics. We are open to diversity of religious expression by those of different faiths who visit, volunteer or intern at Agape.
We rejoice in the inner authority with which women and laity inspire a new vision of the church as together we build authentic Christian communities for the 21st Century.
All Are Welcome at Agape. No one is excluded from participation in Agape’s community life, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious or non-religious affiliation. We rejoice in our shared struggles to conform to the mind of Christ, mercy, love, compassion, and inclusivity.
Directions to Agape from New York and Connecticut:
Take 95 North to 91 North. Take 91 north into Massachusetts to 291 East. Take 291 East to the Mass Pike, to Exit 8 Palmer. Make left after toll booth onto 32 north. Follow 32 north into Ware (approx. 15 minutes. You will pass Walmart and Big Y on right). At blinking yellow light in the center of Ware, make first left at traffic light Onto NORTH STREET. (Friendly's on left) Take North Street to the end. Right onto Greenwich Road. Stay on Greenwich road for 6 miles. Agape is on the left, past the winery, black mail box with white lettering AGAPE. 2062 GREENWICH RD.
From Boston to points West:
Take 90 Mass Pike West towards Springfield. (follow the above from blinking yellow light).