February 9-16, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to everyone
I hope you are well and making the best of winter weather. Here are the upcoming scriptures for your consideration: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20 and Luke 6: 19-26. The gospel is Luke's account of the Beatitudes which consist of blessings and woes--a bit different take. Compare and contrast it with the first part of Matthew 5, the ones we know well. The first reading is Jeremiah's call for us to center on God as our living water that nourishes us in times of drought, causing us to always be fruitful. The Corinthian reading continues in chapter 15, the whole chapter of which is such a powerful defense by St. Paul of the full bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (February 11), Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (February 13), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (February 15), Fr. John presiding
***FRATERNITY BUSINESS MEETING at 7:30 pm Saturday on Go To Meeting
Extra prayers please for Fr. Jim as he is still struggling with the flu.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Drive out darkness and spread light. Don't look at your weaknesses, realize instead that in Christ crucified you can do everything." St Catherine of Siena
"In Christ, for the first time, we see that there exists in God Himself the distinction between the Father who gives and Gift of the Son, who is given" Theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar
"Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. How meaningful are the words, 'IN CHRIST'" Watchman Nee
God bless you and keep you. 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
