Merciful God, who raised up your servant Frances Joseph-Gaudet to work for prison reform and the education of her people: Grant that we, encouraged by the example of her life, may work for those who are denied the fullness of life by reasons of incarceration and lack of access to education; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Bio: https://standingcommissiononliturgyandmusic.org/2010/12/30/december-30-frances-joseph-gaudet-educator-and-prison-reformer-1934/

The Episcopal Church Calendar of Saints honors extraordinary individuals from the “Communion of Saints”, who have exemplified Christian values and ideals and have served as faithful witnesses of Christ during their lives. This diverse group, who has gone before us, is selected to inspire us as well as remind us that we as members of the Communion of Saints have been provided by God with the skills, strength and guidance necessary to make a difference in the world.

As our nation celebrates Black History Month, Grace Church will lift up each week four African American individuals, who are designated as Saints in the Episcopal Church. All four were Episcopalian. All four led exemplary lives and were faithful to God’s call to heal a broken world.