June 15-22, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to all!
This upcoming weekend is the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our Roman Catholic friends celebrate Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) and since I preside on Saturday, I will focus there. The Corpus Christi scriptures are Genesis 14: 14-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-30; and Luke 24; 30-35 The first reading tells the story of Abram sacrificing bread and wine with Melchizedek, the King of Salem, who then blesses Abram. The second reading is the oldest scripture reference of how to do the Eucharist. Because of it, we have a clear "shape" of the Eucharistic liturgy from the earliest days. And the gospel is part of Luke's account of Jesus' Emmaus walk with disciples and His appearance as they celebrated Eucharist.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (June 17), Fr. Jim presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (June 19), Fr. John presiding (NB, this is our newest National Holiday celebrating the end of slavery, JUNE TEENTH, so let's pray for continued racial reconciliation.)
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (June 21), Fr. John presiding Feast of Corpus Christi
******Note Well, Business meeting is at 7:30 pm June 21 on GoToMeeting*******
Pray with me for traveling mercies. The first 3 days of this week I will be at an ecumenical meeting in Chicago. It is called the INITIATIVE, the group founded by John Armstrong, the author of YOUR CHURCH IS TOO SMALL, the book we studied a few years ago. I trust it will be insightful and refreshing to be with good people I deeply admire.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"How should we come to know Jesus Christ better? We will know Christ by His works in the Gospels, and we will know Jesus when we love Him more than we love ourselves. How are we meant to follow God's teachings? We must follow the teachings that Jesus taught us and that are still taught today. We are meant to love. We are born for it. And as long as we do this, our joy will increase." St. Mechthild of Magdeburg
God bless your week and all you will do in His Name. 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
