May 3-10, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello and Christ's Love to all!
First, a word about the absence of FOOTNOTES. My family (except Chiara) had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Ireland on pilgrimage led by our good friend Fr. Michael Quinn. What a blessing. The island itself is beautiful, but more beautiful was to begin each day with Eucharist in wonderful ancient churches. It was an overwhelming experience. I will do my best to share it as I get my head and heart around what the experience means. I considered myself to be on retreat in a most holy land of faith and martyrs. Thanks to all who supported us in prayer and thought. (We do have pictures!!)
We are deep in the Easter season. Our upcoming weekend readings are Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3: 15-18; and John 14: 15-21. The first reading is about the conversion of Samaria, started with Philip and being confirmed by the Apostles in a visit. The account from 1 Peter calls us to always be ready to share our faith and hope with anyone we live or work with. The gospel has Jesus telling us that as we keep His commandments and demonstrate our love for Him, He will have the Father send us the Paraclete to be our guide and witness.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday (May 5), Holy Hour with exposition of the Holy Eucharist
7 PM FRATERNITY FELLOWSHIP on GoToMeeting. (be prepared for Sharon and me to tell of Ireland)
Noon on Thursday (May 7), Eucharist, with Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday (May 9), Eucharist with Fr. John presiding (We should be back to broadcasting on Franciscan Chapel YouTube channel)
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Breathe into me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. " St Augustine (This is a good prayer to prepare for the approach of Pentecost.)
"The saints are Christ. In their heroic deeds shines Christ's example reflected and multiplied through time and space....Whether in death or in work, in word or silence, theirs is the Spirit of Christ." Ade Bethune, Early member of the Catholic Worker movement with Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin
"The real and total and comprehensive task of a Christian... is to be a human being, a human being of course whose depths are divine... To this extent Christian life is the acceptance of human existence as such." Fr. Karl Rahner SJ, major theologian of the Vatican Council.
By God's grace, carry Christ to all you do, Be blessed and be a blessing.
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
