|
Support our Parish!
We are in desperate need to financial support to keep our parish going. We are working to raise $1200 to pay our liability insurance and to purchase items to hand out at August Pride. We need these funds by immediately! Please donate today using the following links or QR Codes:
|
|
Venmo: @saintfrancisparish
|
|
CashApp: $saintfrancisparish
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Body and Blood of Christ: A Sacred Gift
|
The celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most meaningful aspects of faith for Christians. It ties together stories from the Old and New Testaments, showing us just how much God’s love and care for humanity have always been a part of the plan.
|
Melchizedek’s Offering: A Hint of What’s to Come
Let’s start with Genesis 14:18–20. Here, we meet Melchizedek, who kind of pops out of nowhere as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. He brings bread and wine to Abram, who’s fresh off a big win in battle. Bread and wine may seem basic, but they’re loaded with meaning—they’re a sneak peek at the Eucharist that Jesus would bring into the picture years later.
|
What’s cool about Melchizedek’s offering is how simple yet powerful it is. Bread and wine are everyday things, but in this story, they become symbols of God’s blessing and promise. Melchizedek’s role as priest and king shows us a bit of what Jesus would later do—be both the ultimate priest and the sacrifice for the world.
|
This passage is a reminder that the Eucharist isn’t some random idea but part of God’s plan all along. Melchizedek’s bread and wine link the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, setting the stage for Jesus to fulfill God’s promise in an even bigger way.
|
Paul’s Take: A New Tradition is Born
Fast forward to 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, where Paul writes about the night Jesus was betrayed. This is where Jesus takes bread and says, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then He takes the cup and says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do it in remembrance of me.” Pretty powerful stuff, right?
|
Paul gives us a look at the Eucharist as both a memorial and a covenant. It’s a memorial because it takes us back to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, something we remember every time we celebrate the Eucharist. But it’s also a covenant—a promise of salvation sealed with Jesus’ blood.
|
The Eucharist isn’t just something we do—it’s an encounter with Jesus Himself. When we take the Body and Blood, we’re connected to Him and to each other as one big family in Christ. Paul’s account reminds us to approach this tradition with respect and gratitude because it’s not just bread and wine—it’s Jesus giving Himself to us.
|
The Feeding of the Five Thousand: A Miracle That Points to Something Bigger
In Luke 9:11b–17, we get the incredible story of Jesus feeding thousands of people with just five loaves and two fish. Imagine the scene: A huge crowd, no food, and the disciples freaking out. But Jesus calmly says, “You feed them,” and takes what little they have, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it out. Next thing you know, everyone’s full, and there are leftovers—twelve baskets, to be exact.
|
This story has some serious Eucharistic vibes. The way Jesus blesses, breaks, and gives the bread mirrors what happens during the Mass. The crazy abundance of food shows us how God’s grace is overflowing, way more than we could ever imagine. Just like the crowd got physical sustenance, we get spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist.
|
And let’s not forget the disciples—they’re the ones handing out the food, showing us that we’re meant to share God’s gifts with others. This miracle reminds us to trust God’s plan and to see how even the smallest offerings can make a huge impact when placed in His hands.
|
What the Eucharist Means for Us
The Body and Blood of Christ are a mystery we’ll never fully figure out, but that’s okay—it’s all about experiencing it through faith. The Eucharist is the heart of the Christian life, connecting heaven and earth and drawing us into Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
|
Looking at Genesis 14:18–20, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, and Luke 9:11b–17, we see different sides of this amazing gift. Melchizedek’s offering shows us that God’s plan has been unfolding for ages, Paul’s words remind us of the seriousness and beauty of the Eucharist, and the feeding of the five thousand reveals the abundance of God’s love and grace.
|
As we think about these scriptures, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Eucharist. It’s not just bread and wine—it’s God giving Himself to us. Let’s come to the altar with open hearts and gratitude, ready to receive the nourishment we need for life’s journey.
|
Wrapping It Up
The celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ is more than a tradition—it’s an invitation to grow closer to God and to each other. Through something as simple as bread and wine, God shows us His love and gives us a piece of Himself. When we take the Eucharist, we’re reminded to live as Christ’s Body in the world, spreading His grace, mercy, and compassion wherever we go.
|
So, let’s go out there, filled with the Bread of Life, and share His love with a world that’s searching for hope and meaning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us every Sunday at 3:00 PM at 557 Greene Street in Augusta Georgia in the sanctuary of the MCC of Our Redeemer.
|
|
June 22, 2025: Corpus Christi Mass
|
Mass Intention: In honor of Bishop Greer and Deacon Dana on their birthday!
|
|
June 29, 2025: Saints Peter and Paul
|
|
Mass Intention: For all clergy and laity of the OCCI.
|
|
|
|
|
For the St. George family; Fr. Bryan Wolf; Mary Nehls; for Kelesh’s daughter; James (Cancer); Linda (Cancer); Jacob (Cancer); James Long (Cancer); Mickey; Jacob Williams; Kelesh and family; Lindsay; Sherlock Bones; Tatum Johnson (Job); Bishop James Long; David; John; Joy; Greenbear; Bishop Ben and Darlene Williams; Ryn Ingells; growth for our parish family; all those in the path of the wildfires and severe weather, end of hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East; for an end to gun violence.
|
|
|
|
|
Can't make it to Mass?
You can still join us virtually, you can by using any of the following outlets:
|
|
|
Parish Bible Study
|
|
|
Our Parish Outreaches
Human First Outreach
This ministry focuses on providing food and toiletry supplies to the homeless in the Augusta, Georgia area. We provide feminine hygiene products to those that need them and food for the pets of our homeless friends and family.
|
We are working to bring a human touch to this ministry as we encourage volunteers to engage with the individuals we are helping in a compassionate and loving way. We expect all volunteers to refrain from proselytizing and preaching to those we serve. Instead, take a hint from Hamilton “talk less, listen more”.
|
If you would like to donate to this important ministry, you can visit our Amazon wishlist and purchase items to be sent directly to us.
|
Reclaiming the Cross Outreach
Check out our newest outreach in which we work to set the record straight on what the Bible says about many of the issues facing our society today!
|
Reclaiming the Cross is an outreach of our parish headed up by Subdeacon Luna Godsey.
|
Podcast Outreach
|
|
|
Help Needed!
We need help on June 28, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Augusta Commons on Broad Street. We will be hosting a booth for the Augusta Pride day!
|
|
|
Educational Opportunity!
|
|
|
Save the Date!
|
Our parish co-hosts this wonderful event!
|
|
|
|
2025 Candid Silver Seal of Transparency
|
It will give you unlimited access. We rely on our profile to gather support; it enables funders and donors to find us and learn about our impact. We’ll keep our profile up to date so you can see what your donations help us accomplish.
|
|
|
Our Parish goes social...
|
      
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
