|
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 Rock, The Mission, and The Qualifications: Saints Peter and Paul
|
When talking about Saints Peter and Paul, you’re diving into two of the most influential figures in the early Christian Church. But what’s fascinating is how their stories—and their writings—give us profound insights into what it means to lead in faith, whether you’re an apostle starting the Church or a member of the clergy today. Let’s take a closer look at three powerful scripture passages—Acts 12:1–11, 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18, and Matthew 16:13–19—and see how they shape our understanding of spiritual leadership and its qualifications.
|
Peter: The Rock and the Prison Break
In Acts 12:1–11, Peter’s story reads like a scene straight out of a thriller. He’s imprisoned by Herod, chained between guards, and facing what seems like certain doom. Then an angel shows up. The chains fall off, the doors open wide, and Peter walks out, barely comprehending what’s happening.
|
What does this tell us about Peter as a leader? First and foremost, it underscores his deep faith. Peter doesn’t panic. He trusts in God’s plan, even when things look bleak. This kind of trust is fundamental for anyone serving as a spiritual leader. It’s not about having all the answers or controlling every situation—sometimes it’s about letting go and trusting that God will show up (even if it’s at the eleventh hour).
|
Paul: The Fighter and the Finisher
Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18 are nothing short of a farewell speech. He knows his time is short, and he reflects on his journey with striking honesty: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This isn’t the boast of a man who had it easy—Paul endured shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and countless other trials. But through it all, he stayed focused on his mission.
|
For clergy today, Paul’s example is a call to perseverance. Ministry isn’t always glamorous or straightforward. There are challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But like Paul, spiritual leaders are called to stay the course, to fight the good fight—not for personal glory but for the eternal reward that only God can give.
|
Jesus’ Question: The Foundation of Leadership
In Matthew 16:13–19, Jesus asks his disciples a game-changing question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter nails it: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then declares Peter the rock on which He will build His Church, giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
|
This moment is pivotal for understanding spiritual leadership. It begins with recognizing who Jesus is. Clergy are not leaders because of their charisma, education, or administrative skills (though those things can help!). They lead because they know Jesus and are willing to proclaim Him boldly. That’s the foundation.
|
Qualifications for Clergy: Lessons from Peter and Paul
So, what do these passages teach us about the qualifications for clergy? A few key themes emerge:
|
- Faith under fire: Like Peter in prison, clergy need unshakable trust in God, especially in tough times.
- Perseverance: Paul’s life reminds us that ministry isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon requiring resilience and endurance.
- Recognition of Christ: Leadership starts with a personal and profound understanding of who Jesus is, as Peter demonstrated.
Peter and Paul weren’t perfect. Peter denied Jesus three times. Paul started out persecuting Christians. Yet God used them in extraordinary ways. Their stories remind us that spiritual leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being faithful.
|
Final Thoughts
|
As we reflect on Saints Peter and Paul, we’re reminded that the Church wasn’t built on superhumans—it was built on people who trusted God, even in their weakness. For anyone called to lead in faith, that’s both a humbling and inspiring thought. Whether you’re behind a pulpit or simply trying to live your faith boldly every day, remember: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 29, 2025: Saints Peter and Paul
|
Mass Intention: For all clergy and laity of the OCCI.
|
|
July 6, 2025: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
|
|
Mass Intention: In honor of Bishop Greer and Deacon Dana on their birthday!
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Call to action!
|
The Progressive Faith Community of the CSRA is hosting a No Kings 2.0 rally on July 4, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the intersection of Edgefield Road and Clearwater Belvedere Road in North Augusta, SC. We hope you will come out to support this effort!
|
|
|
|
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...
|
      
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
