November 9-16, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Love and Blessings to us all!
Our upcoming weekend scriptures as we approach the end of our liturgical year (cycle C) that has focused on Luke's Gospel will be Malachi 3: 16-4;2; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13 and Luke 20: 2-21:4. The first reading promises that the 'Sun of Righteousness' will rise with healing in its rays. Great promissory scripture! The second reading tells us to withdraw from disorderly people and work to not be a burden to others, and so be an example of right living. Finally, the gospel tells of the poor widow who gave her 'all' into the temple treasury. Jesus said that she gave more than all the well-to-do who were giving from their abundance.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (November 11), Fr. Jim presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (November 13), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (November 15), Fr. John presiding
+++++++FRATERNITY BUSINESS MEETING at 7:30 pm on November 15 on GoToMeeting+++++++
Pray with and celebrate with me. The day I am writing this (November 10) is my 52nd anniversary of ordination. Also, be praying with Fr. Jim as he 'retreats' for a few days later in the week at the Conception Benedictine Monastery in northwest Missouri.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Truth makes its way in spite of the darkness, passing from hand to hand" St. Cardinal John Henry Newman
"Imagine that Jesus has called the Church to be a people in mission, the mission of subverting the dominant distortion of social reality....Imagine the Church, consider your call, to live a life worthy of your calling to God's purposes and not according to the distorted ambitions of our society." Walter Brueggeman, recently deceased theologian of the Old Testament.
"It is one and the same Son of God who exists in both natures, taking what is ours to Himself without losing what is His own" St. Leo the Great
That does it for me. EnjoyFr. 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
