August 24-31, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello and Good Day to all.
Our city has been teeming with people these last days as our schools and colleges and universities are getting in gear again. This next weekend is Labor Day weekend. And the scriptures for our weekend Eucharist are Proverbs 25: 6-12; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13: 1-8 and Luke 14: 1, 7-14. Both the Proverbs reading and the gospel tell us to choose the lower place, the position of service rather than to seek the 'higher' place. We are to glory in serving the poor, the maimed, the blind and the lame and we will receive reward in the resurrection of the righteous.
As we continue in Hebrews, we get a recipe for how to live well: Love sincerely, welcome strangers, care for prisoners, honor marriage, never covet stuff, remember those in authority over us prayerfully. Then comes the famous line: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever".
Chapel Schedule:
Tuesday noon Eucharist (August 26), Fr. John presiding
Thursday noon Eucharist (August 28), Fr. Jim presiding
Saturday 5 pm Eucharist (August 30), Fr. John presiding
Keep Br. James Goodwin in prayer. He will soon be discharged and must keep off his healing foot for the foreseeable future. That will be a challenge. Also, pray for Josiah Prenger and Janaia Vega, who approach their covenant of marriage in early September.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"The guest comes, Christ comes." from the rule of St. Benedict
"Prayer is to our soul what rain is to the soil. Fertilize the soil ever so richly, it will remain barren unless fed by frequent rains." St John Vianney, patron of parish priests.
(This is a revisit of a favorite of mine.) "Lord, Keep your hand upon me, or else I will betray you." St. Philip Neri, reformer of the city of Rome during the Reformation.
That is all I have. Blessings as we approach the Labor Day holidays. Travelling mercies for all who will be moving about these next days.
Love to all,
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
