May 17-24, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to all!
Well, the reason for Lent, Holy Week and Easter was so that Pentecost--the availability of God's Holy Spirit would happen for us. Jesus came not only to SAVE us, but to EMPOWER and SANCTIFY US. That is what we will celebrate this weekend. Our scripture readings are Acts 2: 1-11 (the description of the coming of the Holy Spirit as described on that first Pentecost), Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 13; 1-13 (the descriptions of the gifts, ways of serving and Godly workings that come out into the faith community as the Holy Spirit is poured out on us) and John 20: 19-23 (the description of Resurrected Jesus BREATHING THE HOLY SPIRIT into the frightened disciples.
It is NOVENA TIME; the nine days of waiting and praying for MORE of God's Holy Spirit. Seek the Lord while He may be found. VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS!!!
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (May 19), Fr. John presiding
+++++++Franciscan Fraternity Business meeting on GoToMeeting at 7:30 pm++++++
Noon Thursday Eucharist (May 21), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (PENTECOST), Fr. Jim presiding
++++++We will celebrate with a Carry-In meal after the Eucharist+++++++
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Pentecost is not over. In fact, it is continually going on in every time and in every place, because the Holy Spirit desired to give himself to all" St Elena Guerra, founder of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit.
"Religious Life is only the Gospel translated into practice." St. Magdalene of Canossa
"The call of the Church today is to transcend the limits of the institutional structures and to open itself to the presence of the Spirit in the Church and in every Christian" Bede Griffiths osb, a monk who did much evangelizing in India, dialoguing with Hindus.
That is all that comes to me. Blessed Novena, seeking more of the Holy Spirit.
Love in Messiah Jesus!
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
