July 5-12, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to all,
I hope you had a wonderful celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, despite the extreme heat.
The scriptures for this week are Isaiah 55:10-11, Psalm 65, Romans 8:18-23, and Matthew 13:1-23. The reading from Isaiah highlights the fruitfulness of the Word of God, while the passage from Romans speaks of creation groaning for the revealing of the Children of God. In the Gospel, Matthew shares Jesus' parable of the sower scattering the seed of the Word of God.
Chapel Schedule
- Tuesday, July 7: Noon Eucharist, Fr. John presiding
+++++++NOTE WELL: It is the first Tuesday and we have Fraternity Fellowship at 7:30 pm on GoToMeeting.++++++
(And so we will not be confused from now on, both First and Third Tuesday Fraternity meetings will be at the same time: 7:30 pm)
- Thursday, July 9: Noon Eucharist, Fr. Jim presiding
- Saturday: 5 pm Eucharist, Fr. Jim presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
Pope Saint John XXIII's prayer for peace in his encyclical: Pacem in Terris:
"May Christ banish from the souls of men and women
whatever might endanger peace.
May He transform all people into witnesses of truth, justice and love.
May Christ illumine with His light the minds of rulers,
so that, besides caring for the proper material welfare of their peoples,
they may also guarantee them the fairest gift of peace.
Finally, may Christ inflame the desires of all people
to break through the barriers which divide them,
to strengthen the bonds of mutual love,
to learn to understand one another,
and to pardon those who have done them wrong.
Through Christ's power and inspiration
may all peoples welcome each other
to their hearts as brothers and sisters,
and may the peace they long for
ever flower and ever reign among them." (Quite a beautiful prayer for peace!!)
That does it for me. Much love,
Fr. John, OFP
Padre’s Pontifications by Fr. Jim McNeely
September 2025
A Pastoral Statement
September 16, 2025
As a community of people committed to following the example of Saints Francis and Clare, we are stunned by the senseless violence that occurred last week, which ended in the murder of Charlie Kirk. We condemn in the strongest possible language the use of violence and hate against anyone, regardless of their political leanings.
We call for all Christian people – and especially those who follow a Franciscan calling – to embrace the virtues of peace, love, toleration, and compassion. Pray earnestly for the repose of the soul of our brother, Charlie Kirk. Pray for his wife and family. Pray for those involved in this shooting. And most of all, pray for those who found pleasure in the senseless murder of an innocent person.
As a community of faithful followers of Jesus, we call all people to re-examine our hearts and find new ways to be Christian examples in our communities. And we renew our belief that real compassion is found not in loving those easy to love, but those who challenge our comfort zones and disagree with us on any level.
-Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Pastor and Protector of the Order
-Fr. Jim McNeely
Priest in Residence and Friend of Francis
