May 4 - 10, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Hello and Easter Blessings to all.
The wonderful scriptures for our consideration this next weekend are Acts 13: 26-39; Psalm 23; Revelation 7: 9-14 (15-17); John 10: 22-30. The first reading is from a section of Paul and Barnabas' preaching in synagogues on their first preaching mission. It highlights the redemptive role of Christ as David's greater son who had been prophesied. The second reading from the Book of Revelation is a beautiful description of all of God's Redeemed peoples, nations and tongues praising God who brought about their salvation. In the reading they are described as the ones who faithfully survived their struggles on earth (and if you read the verses 15-17, the LAMB is described as their SHEPHERD). Finally, the gospel is where Jesus is at the temple and is asked if He is the Christ, and He responds that His sheep are those who hear His voice and follow faithfully as He gives them Eternal Life.
Chapel Schedule
Tuesday Noon Eucharist (May 6), Fr. Jim presiding
****First Tuesday Fraternity Fellowship at 7:00 on GoToMeeting****
Thursday Noon Eucharist (May 8), Fr. John presiding
Saturday 5 pm Eucharist (May 10), Fr. Jim presiding
Happy Birthday May 5 to Kyle Sullivan
Happy Birthday May 8 to Br. Jim Jantz
And while we are at it, Happy Cinco de Mayo !!!
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"It is heaven all the way to heaven because Jesus said 'I am the Way' " St. Catherine of Siena
"Our apologies, good friends, for the fracture of good order, the burning of paper (i.e. draft files with homemade Napalm) instead of children. ... We could not, so help us God, do otherwise. For we are sick at heart, our hearts give us no rest for thinking of the Land of Burning Children." Fr. Daniel Berrigan SJ Pacemaker during the VietNam conflict (This saying best expresses my feelings for and protests of the intense suffering in Gaza and other troubled parts of our world these days.)
"A rough and unshapen log has no idea that it can be made into a statue that will be considered a masterpiece, but the carver sees what can be done with it. So many...do not understand that God can mold them into saints, until they put themselves into the hands of that almighty Artisan." St Ignatius of Loyola
Have a blessed week as you serve your Risen Lord! Pray for peace with mercy and justice for our world. Love,
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
