November 3-10, 2024
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Greetings to all!!
As I prepare this, I hope you are praying for a peaceful and Holy Spirit guided national election. May the Peace of Christ rule in our hearts and minds these days.
Our Scripture texts for the upcoming weekend are1 Kings 17: 8-16; Psalm 71; Hebrews 9: 24-28; and Mark 12: 38-44. The main focus of our first reading and of the gospel is the example of 'a poor widow'. In the 1 Kings reading Elijah asks a very poor widow to give of the small amount she had to live on and God provided totally for her and Elijah. In the gospel, Jesus points to a poor widow who gave everything of the little she had at the Temple as being more generous than any of those who gave small amounts from their wealth. The second reading focuses on the once only sacrifice of Christ as He offered His Life in sacrifice for us.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (November 5), Fr. Jim presiding
--FRANCISCAN FELLOWSHIP at 7 pm (November 5) on Go To Meeting--
Noon Thursday Eucharist (November 7), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (November 9), Fr. John presiding
For those of you that remember that the Prengers do a SOUP AND DECK PARTY every year, it would have happened last weekend----BUT....most of the Prenger clan was out of the country. We are hoping to do it this Saturday, November 7, at about 7 pm after the Eucharist at our chapel. Come even if you can't bring anything. We can use soups, desserts or hor d'oeuvres to round out our culinary choices. The purpose is to gather and have a good fellowshipping time together. Sorry about the late notice.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"I can never cease to speak of Christ for He is our truth and our life; He is our bread, our source of Living Water who allays our hunger and satisfies our thirst." St Pope Paul VI
"In the presence of the standards of your legion, when you celebrated the festival of the emperor I made answer openly and clearly that I was a Christian and that I could not accept this allegiance, but could serve only Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father Almighty." St Marcellus, Roman centurion, who upon his conversion in 298 AD, laid down sword and insignia and was martyred. He also stated on that occasion: "It is not right for a Christian man, who serves the Lord Jesus Christ, to serve in the armies of the world."
"I was 16 years of age when I learned to know Our Lord. This experience overwhelmed me and I wanted God and only God." St Emily de Rodat
That's all I have. May 1 Corinthians 13 (the AGAPE chapter ) rule our lives. Much love.
Fr. John ofp
Padre’s Pontifications by Fr. Jim McNeely
November 2024
1. Check in regularly to https://drjimbomac.wordpress.com/ . I pontificate there too :)
2. Recently, our bishop – Michael Davidson – sent a message to the clergy of the diocese. We are meeting in March to discuss many items of importance to the denomination, the diocese, and us as a community. Let me make a recommendation to you: If you are a lay person, please feel free to share your ideas about the direction of the CEC and the diocese. I’m sure he would love to hear your thoughts. His email address is standintl@hotmail.com.
3. In October, I sent an email to the community about buying a gift for Fr. John. It’s not too late if you want to donate!
4. This month begins my third year being with the community. Please know how honored I am to be a part of this group. That I get to function as a priest here is whipped cream and a cherry on the top! J
5. As you continue in your prayers, I ask that you remember me, a sinner and your servant in Christ Jesus. Your outpouring of love to me at the 29th anniversary of my ordination was meaningful and touching.
6. This is my final edition of Padre’s Pontifications for this year. Next month I go for my semi-regular prayer retreat. I plan to be at Conception Abbey for a short time of intense prayer and spiritual reading. I plan to spend specific time asking God for discernment for my life in the future.
7. My prayers are yours.
Dr. Jim McNeely+
Parent, Priest, Person
