June 28 - July 5, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to all
Well here we are celebrating the 250th year of our democratic-republic. Happy Birthday to our country! On this occasion, because we are disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us do our part in healing and serving the peoples that make up our nation and even those that come to us. We are a nation of immigrants. God help us be a more welcoming nation! Blessed Fourth of July! God bless us and save us.
This weekend's readings are Zechariah 9: 9-10; Psalm 145; Romans 8: 9-13; and Matthew 11: 25-30. The prophet Zechariah reminds us of the humility of the Coming One and yet His total authority. The Romans reading plays with the concept of the Spirit of Christ in us calling us from the death of sin into the Eternal Life of Christ. The gospel has Jesus praising the Father for revealing the good insights of His Kingdom to 'the little ones', the nobodies of the world. (These words challenge us to humble ourselves so that we too will get it. This gospel is also the text that tells us to come to the Lord when we are tired and weary, that He will make it alright. (That is a good word to us as we celebrate a supposedly restful and relaxing holiday.)
Chapel Schedule
Noon Eucharist Tuesday June 30, Fr. John presiding
Noon Eucharist Thursday July 2, Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Eucharist Saturday July 4, Fr. Jim presiding (Because Micah, our technician, is unavailable on Saturday, we will likely not broadcast our weekend Eucharist.)
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"We were born to love, we live to love, and we will die to love still more." St Joseph Cafasso
"Where I am terrified by what I am for you, I am given comfort by what I am with you. For you I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian. The first is an office undertaken, the second a name of grace; that one means danger, this one salvation. ... while toiling away at my proper office, I take my rest in the marvelous benefit conferred on all of us in common (baptism)." St Augustine of Hippo
Again, have a blessed 250th birthday of our nation and God bless America and keep her focused on true and responsible freedom and not on licentiousness or iniquity.
Sincerely and with the love that St. Joseph Cafasso calls for in us.
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
