March 30-April 6, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
God's abundant blessings to you. I hope Lent has been a good experience for you as we are deep into our time of reflection and prayer. Our upcoming scriptures are Isaiah 43: 16-21; Psalm 126; Philippirans 3: (4-7) 8-14 (15-16); and John 8: 2-11. The reading from Isaiah alerts us to the fact that God is doing a new thing, is making a road and a river where there has been wasteland and wilderness. The second reading is a call to step into maturity as a follower/disciple of Jesus. St Paul highlights that he HAD reason to boast as a good, faithful Jew, but now he counts that as garbage as he has COME TO KNOW CHRIST JESUS AS HIS LORD. He then calls us forth into MATURITY. (Spend some time meditating on this passage. It is rich.) Finally, our gospel is the rich passage from the Evangelist John that tells the story of the adulterous woman brought forward by the Temple leaders for Jesus' judgement as to whether she should be stoned under the rigors of the TORAH. His answer echoes through the centuries: 'I don't condemn you, but go and sin no more'. Repentance is asked of us this season, but so is mercy!
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (April 1), Fr. Jim presiding
*****Also, Tuesday evening, Fraternity Fellowship at 7 pm on GoToMeeting
Noon Thursday Eucharist (April 3), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist, (April 5), Fr. John presiding
Reminder, I would like someone to join me representing our Franciscan community as we serve with the many other volunteers from many other churches of our city in the 11 yearly effort that is called FORCOLUMBIA on Saturday April 26. Should you be interested, I will help get you registered.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Labor without stopping. Do all the good works you can while you still have the time." St. John of God, founder of the Brothers Hospitallers in the 1500's
"Be diligent in serving the poor..., to love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself." St Louise de Marillac, co-founder with St. Vincent de Paul of the Daughters of Charity.
"Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love" St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust for power, and idle talk. But rather give the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to thy servant. Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own errors and not judge my brother, for Thou art blessed from all ages to all ages." St Ephrem of Syria (306-373 AD)
Again, May God give you many insights and blessings this Lenten Season.
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
