Building an affirming and accepting parish in the Deep South is difficult work. And sometimes it feels like we are like the disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel. The disciples knew they were in Jesus’ presence, but they also wanted to ask to make sure it was Jesus. However, they were afraid.
It is scary to stand on the front lines of the battle being waged in our nation. People are afraid of the changes happening in our world today, and many do not feel safe to speak up. I understand that fear and it is natural. Not everyone is called to stand on the front lines. There needs to be people ready to continue the fight for the moral soul of the nation when those of us on the front lines are gone.
Our parish has committed to being a safe space for all those who are marginalized, abused, and neglected in our world. It is not easy, but it is our commitment. We have been fighting for the rights of all people for decades and will continue to fight as long as we have breath in our lungs.
We cannot do this work without you!
I know some of you are scared to be seen in a progressive church. Some are leery to be in the church after the abuse and marginalization they have experienced in the past. This too is understandable.
Here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we are trying to build something different. We are a different way to be Catholic. We are not bound by the dogmatic nature of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, we are an open, accepting, and affirming parish that seeks to be a safe space for all people.
Like I said, we need you to continue our work. We need you to come be an active part of our parish. We need you to financially support the work we do. Not only that, but we cannot continue to offer the services and safe space we do without you.
Our parish needs to raise $1200 in the next couple of weeks to pay our liability insurance, prepare for the Augusta Pride fest in June, and to continue providing the online services we offer.
Even more than that, we need you to come and support our parish in person. You can become a lector, acolyte, or greeter in our church. As we grow, there will be more and more things to do in the parish. And that is where you can help out!
Consider today becoming a part of a new way to be Catholic!
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer