December 7-14, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Advent Greetings to all as we approach the midpoint of the season. This is the week of the Rose Candle for our rejoicing that the Coming of the Lord is Near.
Our upcoming scripture texts are Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 146; James 5: 7-10; and Matthew 11: 2-11. The Isaiah reading is that beautiful, poetic section of Isaiah that speaks of the blooming desert, the glory of Lebanon, strengthened bodies and hearts, and blind eyes opened: in other words, the glorious time of Messiah's Coming. James chapter 5 calls us to be patient and courageous as we await the Coming of the Lord. And the gospel is the section where John the Baptizer sends his disciples to inquire of Jesus if He is The One--the Messiah. (Spoiler alert, HE IS!!)
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Eucharist at noon on Thursday (December 11), Fr Jim presiding
Weekend Eucharist at 5 pm Saturday (December 13), Fr. Jim presiding
This past Friday (December 5), many of us participated in the wonderful Eucharist at our cathedral in Olathe, Kansas where our patriarch, Archbishop Chuck Jones (and other bishops) ordained our Franciscan brother, Fr. Chris Keough as coadjutor bishop for our Central Diocese of the International Communion of Charismatic Episcopal Churches. We pray for our brother as he steps into his new service of our CEC ecclesial communities and indeed the whole Holy Catholic Church. Congratulations, dear brother!! We will assist you always with our prayers and support.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"He became what we are, that He might make us what He is." St Athanasius
"I need the CHRIST that is in you, and you need the CHRIST that is in me." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure" St Pope John Paul II
I trust that the change of mindset and heart that Advent is to help us do is actually becoming reality for you. Blessed Advent!! With 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
