Clergy Notes — August 23, 2026
This past week, I found myself in a situation where I needed a little extra help and prayer, and in two different conversations, the topic arose as to which saint it would be most prudent for me to petition. I had a chuckle when St. Jude came up, as he is the patron saint of lost causes and I have affection for him because of that… partly because I’m sure he’s prayed for me, having sometimes felt like a bit of a lost cause myself at times!
Maybe you too ask the saints for their prayers from time to time, or maybe this whole saint thing is new to you, and you are concerned that the Anglicans you’ve found yourself amongst have lost the plot!
Rest assured, whatever your thoughts are on that subject, you are in good company… literally! In the communion of saints, we are one with believers past, present, and future, and we can ask them to intercede for us just as we ask our friends and fellow believers to do here on earth. Even if you don’t feel comfortable doing that just yet, maybe it is comforting to know that the prayers you offer individually are being received together with the prayers of all believers. And we know that, wherever two or three are gathered (whether in person or in spirit), there God is in the midst of us.
May all our prayers this week rise like incense; may they be received as a fragrant offering even as we are joined together in the act of offering them.
Mother Amanda

St. James' Anglican Church