June 29-July 6, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We are approaching our 249th celebration of July 4, the founding of our nation. Let's pray that we find our vision as a nation again. I hope you will enjoy our upcoming holiday.
The scriptures for our upcoming weekend are Isaiah 66: 10-16; Psalm 66; Galatians 6: 12-18; and Luke 10: 1-3, 17-20. The reading from Isaiah promises Israel (which has been suffering in the exile) that good things are coming to her. The Galatians text from St. Paul tells us that keeping the Law according to the flesh avails nothing, but that he has been crucified with Christ which makes him a "new creation", in other words, that he has a new 'freedom' because he lives 'in Christ'. And the gospel is Luke's account of the sending forth 2 by 2 of the 72 disciples announcing the Kingdom of God as well as their triumphant return having had success. (Remember that you too are sent forth in His Name and by His power.)
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (July 1), Fr. John presiding
********NOTE WELL: This Tuesday is THE FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH---Franciscan Fraternity meeting on GoToMeeting is at 7 pm********
Noon Thursday Eucharist (July 3), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (July 5), Fr. Jim presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"We are called to be contemplatives in the heart of the world by:
Seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, everywhere, all the time, seeing His hand in every happening.
Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus, especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor." The rule that Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity live by.
"If you want to identify me, ask not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for."--- Thomas Merton
"Listen, Christians! We are the last victims. The persecution is going to stop. The gallows will be destroyed. The altars of Jesus will rise again gloriously." The prophetic last words of Blessed Madeleine Fontaine (Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac) as she went to the guillotine by not denying her faith in the reign of terror of the French Revolution.
As I close, let each of these saintly sayings bolster your desire to live faithfully for Our Lord--no matter what silliness is going on around you and me.
Much love to you, fellow disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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
