Good News! 2025
In this episode, Jon and Lauren host Reverend Dr. Amy Slaughter, who shares her journey and experiences as a priest in the Episcopal Church and a novice in the Anglican Third Order of the Society of St. Francis. Amy discusses the impact of Franciscan spirituality, the merging of two Episcopal congregations to form St. Francis Episcopal Parish and Community Center, and the importance of community building and conflict resolution. She emphasizes the significance of joy, spirituality, and connection in fostering a thriving, diverse parish that also engages with the local Spanish-speaking community. The discussion highlights how these practices not only deepen her personal faith but also strengthen her leadership and sense of community at St. Francis.
Highlights from the Podcast
Introduction In a world filled with change and uncertainty, finding joy and purpose can seem daunting. Reverend Dr. Amy Slaughter, an Episcopal priest, embodies this search through her journey as a novice in the Anglican Third Order of the Society of St. Francis. Recently, Amy shared her experiences and insights during a conversation with hosts Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch. This blog post delves into her moving story and the profound impact her path has had on her personal spirituality and work as the rector of St. Francis Episcopal Parish and Community Center.
Journey into the Franciscan Order Amy Slaughter’s journey began with a calling—one that resonated deeply within her community at the St. Francis Episcopal Parish and Community Center in Baltimore County. Members of her congregation, through a prayerful and visionary process, chose St. Francis as the name of their unified parish, signaling values of creation, peace, and spirituality.
Amy describes how this calling led her to the Franciscan Third Order, a religious community focused on living the way of St. Francis and St. Clare. The Third Order welcomes laypeople to engage in deep spiritual reflection and self-discipline, supporting spiritual life through vows and community. The chapter wrote itself, fortifying her faith and driving Amy to explore profound theological insights alongside fellow Franciscans.
Impact on Leadership and Community The Franciscan way has also dynamically influenced Amy’s leadership at St. Francis, where she integrates the order’s principles into her life’s mission. As a rector, her ‘rule of life’—encompassing study, work, and service—enriches her role and expands her approach to community leadership. Amy intentionally seeks to nurture a playful and creative spirit, advocating for joy as part of spiritual discipline, thus enriching her parish community with transformative inclusivity and lightheartedness.
Amy’s journey also aligns with St. Francis Parish’s commitment to being a vibrant community center. Here, the church actively engages with the surrounding neighborhood through food distribution events and bilingual services, embodying hospitality and fostering unity in diversity. As Amy emphasizes, this dedication mirrors the Franciscan belief in breaking down barriers and recognizing all humans’ innate goodness.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust One of the most challenging aspects of Amy’s role is not letting fear take the lead amid diverse political and social opinions within the parish. She bravely shoulders the task of fostering a safe environment where open dialogue and mutual respect prevail, embracing difficult conversations with courage and empathy.
Practicing conflict resolution and mediation remains a cornerstone of her leadership, taught and learned through ongoing, intentional practice. This commitment to relational engagement ensures that the St. Francis community thrives on trust, even among differing perspectives, echoing the powerful tenet that clarity and connection can bridge divides.
Conclusion Reverend Dr. Amy Slaughter’s journey illuminates the enriching paths faith can carve when aligned with an authentic community spirit. Her story inspires us to seek a spirituality of joy, celebrate diversity, and embrace our common humanity through love and service. Her work at St. Francis Episcopal Parish and Community Center stands as a testament to the power of living faith in action, and her powerful conviction urges us all to remain open, hopeful, and connected in the pursuit of deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Through her profound insights and resilient leadership, Amy’s story remains a beacon of hope and an invitation to all who seek a life enriched with purpose and peace.