March 1-8, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Love, Blessings and Conversion of Heart to all of us who are drawing closer to Our Lord this Lent!!
How is that for well-wishing as I begin this missive? Our upcoming weekend scripture texts are Exodus 17: 3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5: 1-2;5-8; and John 4: 5-42. The gospel is the well known account of Jesus and His dialogue with the woman at Jacob's well in Samaria. The first reading is about the thirst of the people in the wilderness and God's provision for them. The Romans' reading tells of God's love 'poured' into our hearts through God's Holy Spirit. (Does this make you 'thirsty' for the Love of God to be poured into our world? Remember, we are to carry that 'living water' to each one we encounter. Let's ask for some of Christ's Living Water today.)
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday (March 3), Holy Hour with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
NOTE WELL, 7 PM Fraternity Fellowship on GoToMeeting (March 3)
Noon Thursday (March 5), Eucharist with Fr John presiding
5 pm Saturday (March 7), Eucharist, Fr. Jim presiding
On April 25, from 9 am till 2 pm, members from 60+ area churches fan out over the city to volunteer serving side by side. It is an ecumenical effort called FOR COLUMBIA and at least one of our fellowship has served every one of the 11 years that it has been done. I myself have participated most of those years. BUT, I am unable to do it this year because of a family trip planned for that time. This may be the year that we have to not participate. If anyone would be interested, check out ForColumbia.com. Sign up begins on March 15. Any questions, contact me. Both Shannon and I participated last year.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbor." (Saint) Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
"All worldly honors are nothing but the smoke and fire of burning straw. All that remains is the little good that we have done, if we have managed to make the most of the grace which our good Lord has given us at every instant in our lives." Fr. Willian Gagnon, declared 'Venerable'. He was a heroic member of the Brothers Hospitallers, who served most of his ministry in VietNam during the VietNam war.
That is all I have. Please pray against all the wars going on worldwide. Blessed are the PeaceMakers..... 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
