In Nanterre, a church hosts associations for disabled people, prostitutes or precarious people

In Nanterre, a church hosts associations for disabled people, prostitutes or precarious people

Spontaneity and intimacy

With her contagious good humor, Blandine, a faithful member of the GEM, storms out in front of Romain Pincemin, the Baptist pastor in charge of the grocery store. The latter invited her to rummage through the clothing donation box. The 27-year-old young woman, who has Asperger's syndrome, loves the t-shirt she found. She jumps with joy: “Thank you Romain,” she says before leaving as quickly as she arrived. Several weeks ago, the members of the GEM rolled up their sleeves when faced with the voluminous palette of vegetables received for the students, rushing to help Romain peel everything. Basic necessities have also found buyers among the women supported by Solenciel. “It’s the principle of communicating vessels,” smiles the pastor.

Recipes for success

To accommodate vulnerable audiences, the premises have been designed to respect privacy. Thus, each association has a closed and independent room.

The richness of the exchanges between the associations results from the good understanding between those responsible.

The facilitators have put in place a mutual support system.

The needs of the population surrounding the church guide the parish. Thus, reception of patients from the neighboring hospital and inmates from the chaplaincy of the Hauts-de-Seine penitentiary center is ensured.

Let’s keep our churches alive!

This report opens the second series of articles illustrating the common commitment of Pilgrim , CFRT/Le Jour du Seigneur and the dioceses of France to make our churches places of life open to all. One hundred and fifty years after its creation, our magazine continues its mission as a mediator in the service of the common good.

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