January 11-18, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Good and Blessed Day (and year) to you!!
We in the Charismatic Episcopal Church emphasize Pro-Life (or as I call it borrowing from Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, A CONSISTENT LIFE ETHIC) on the weekend closest to January 22, when in 1973 abortion on demand was established in the United States. So we, especially in these contentious and mean-spirited days, join many Christians in highlighting a true and total pro life message in what we say and how we act. With our Lord, we wish to be consistent in our life-giving words and deeds. God help us.
Our upcoming scriptures are Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3; John 1: 29-34. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah says that God's Servant will be a light to all nations. The second reading begins Paul's first letter to the Corinthians saying he is sent ('apostled', literally) to tell of Messiah Jesus for their formation as church, that is a citizen assembly of this inbreaking Kingdom. The gospel is St. John's account of Jesus coming to John the Baptist for Baptism. I am convinced it is given to us now because we would never receive John the Evangelist's insights into that event because the liturgical lectionary is oriented to Matthew, Mark and then Luke in its 3 year cycle. So, hear it again looking for new insights into Jesus' ministry.
Our brother James Goodwin had to go to surgery this morning to amputate a toe that was very infected. I just got word this morning that he came through it fine. The doctor was very pleased. They are still doing laboratory tests. I trust that the prayer and anointing that we did is the reason for this good report. We praise the Lord.
Chapel Schedule
Tuesday noon--HOLY HOUR with exposure of the Blessed Sacrament (January 13)
Thursday noon Eucharist (January 15), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (January 17), Fr. John presiding
ALSO, SATURDAY FRATERNITY BUSINESS MEETING on GoToMeeting at 7:30 pm
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"We who have seen the light of Christ are obliged, by the greatness of the grace that has been given us, to make known the presence of the Savior to the ends of the earth. This we will do not only by preaching the glad tidings of HIs coming, but above all by revealing Him in our lives. Christ is born in us today, in order that He may appear to the whole world through us." Thomas Merton
"In the Incarnation the whole human race recovers the dignity of the image of God. By being partakers of Christ incarnate, we are partakers in the whole humanity which He bore." Dietrich Bonhoeffer (in Cost of Discipleship)
(These sayings I found in my Advent readings these last weeks and just had to share.)
God bless you and keep you! Love to all!
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
