May 18-25, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus.
The readings for the coming weekend are as follows: Acts 16: 9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21: 1-2, 22-27; and John 14: 23-29. The Acts reading has Paul receiving a vision to head to Philippi in Macedonia where he then had success in preaching the Gospel. The account from Revelation continues some of the New Heaven and New Earth imagery of what is ahead for God's people. The gospel begins to touch on Jesus' promise of sending the Paraclete to be with us as our helper and counselor. All of these readings begin to set a tone for Jesus' physical departure at His Ascension and then our empowerment when filled with His Holy Spirit.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (May 20), Fr John presiding and Fr. Jim preaching
Noon Thursday Eucharist (May 22), Fr. Jim presiding and Fr. John preaching
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (May 24), Fr. John presiding
This coming weekend is Memorial Weekend, so we remember those who offered their lives in the military and also, any of those beloved to us who have gone before us.
Fr. Dennis ,one of our priests serving with Fr. Chris at Bread of Life parish in Dousman, Wisconsin has recently received a serious Cancer diagnosis. Please hold him in prayer.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Christ comes to us as one unknown, without a name, as of old by the lakeside he came to those who knew him not. He speaks to us the same word: "Follow thou me," and sets us to tasks which he has to fulfill for our time. He commands. And to those who obey him, whether they be wise or simple, he will reveal himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in his fellowship, and as an ineffable mystery they shall learn in their own experience who he is." Albert Schweitzer, 20th century theologian and missionary
"If we lived in a state where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us good and greed would make us saintly. And we would live like animals or angels in the happyland that needs no heroes. but since in fact we see that avarice, anger, envy, pride, sloth, lust, and stupidity commonly profit far beyond humility, chastity, fortitude, justice, and thought, and have to choose, to be human at all...why then perhaps we must stand fast a little--even at the risk of being heroes." Ascribed to St. Thomas More (put on his lips in the movie and play, A MAN OF ALL SEASONS)
I believe the whole Church is being called to a new kind of integrity these days. So may the Lord bless us as we redouble our efforts to live His Gospel faithfully in these challenging times. Much love and blessing to all.
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
