Our Parish is a Member of Local Faith and Community Organizations
Mission Diocese of Florida
St. Francis of Assisi is part of our Mission Diocese of Florida.
While our Province is still quite young, 2010, we align with the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, which resulted in a separation from the Roman Catholic Church in the late 1800s. We are Apostolic, that is, our heritage goes back to the Apostles. We are truly inclusive. The Laity and Clergy are in accord on all matters of importance. Both men and women comprise our Clergy: deacons, priests and bishops. And, our Clergy may be married if so desired (just as in the days of the Apostles.) All Sacraments are available either at the parish or brought to those in need directly. All Baptized are welcome to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Dunedin Council of Organizations
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a member of the Dunedin Council of Organizations. This is a gathering of mostly nonprofit organizations in Dunedin, including a number of faith organizations. The monthly meetings offer a wealth of opportunity to network while also holding to a full agenda. We have been warmly embraced and are an active member.
Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association
The Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association is a very vibrant grouping of most retail stores in our community. We, St. Francis of Assisi, are among a small number of faith groups that are active in this Association. Our little “parish that can” is prominently displayed in the DDMA’s Walking Guide, an annual publication widely used by both tourists and newcomers to our wonderful community.
Interfaith Ministry Group
Father Bob participates in this group which meets on the third Wednesday of the month at a local restaurant in Dunedin. Standing invitations are held by ministers of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Mark Lutheran Church and, our very own, St. Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church.
A Prayer amid a Pandemic
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevents future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
Amen.