The Rev. Rich Nelson Named Founding Director of the Community of Saints Francis and Clare
The Rev. Rich Nelson has accepted the call to serve as the Founding Director of the Community of Saints Francis and Clare at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville. Fr. Rich will officially begin working in his role on January 15, 2025, initially working part-time and remotely as preparations are made for this transformative new ministry.
The Community of Saints Francis and Clare is an intentional, Christ-centered community for young adults aged 20 to 35. Members will live on St. Peter’s campus, dedicating ten months to prayer, study, and service while sharing life together in an ecumenical and supportive environment. Set to welcome its first cohort in January 2026, this program seeks to foster spiritual growth, guide participants in their journey of faith, and support them in embodying Christian discipleship in all aspects of their lives.
The Rev. Nelson brings over two decades of experience as an Episcopal priest, having served Episcopal and Lutheran (ELCA) congregations, as well as roles as an Episcopal school and college chaplain. He is a co-founder of community-based ecumenical nonprofits and spirituality centers and is deeply committed to fostering intentional communities and spiritual formation. His academic achievements include a Master of Divinity from the Seminary of the Southwest and a Master of Arts in Christian Formation from Virginia Theological Seminary.
In the words of the Rt. Rev. David Read, Bishop of West Texas, the CSFC members will be “living icons” of what it looks like to be a disciple in today’s world. Inspired by the lives of Saints Francis and Clare, this community seeks to send forth young adults firmly rooted in their Christian identity to impact the church and the world profoundly.
For more information about the Community of Saints Francis and Clare, please visit www.stpeterskerrville.com/csfc. You can also read more about The Rev. Rich Nelson at his website www.revrichnelson.com
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