May 24-31, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello and Blessed Pentecost to all!
I am writing this because in addition to Pentecost today, it is also Memorial Day weekend, a day dedicated to remembering all who have offered their very lives for our country. I intend to participate in different events tomorrow so I am sending a brief Friar's Footnotes now.
This weekend we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity and the readings are Exodus 34: 4-9; Psalm (from the praise part of Daniel 3); 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; and John 3: 16-18.
Please lift Fr Jim McNeely and his family in prayer. His mother, Nora, died and went home to Her Lord this past Friday. Her ashes will be interred in Indiana later this week. Fr Jim will preside as he is joined by several family members. Our hearts are with you, Fr. Jim.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday May 26 Eucharist, Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday May 28 Eucharist, Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday May 30 Eucharist, Fr. John presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Perfection consists in being what God wants you to be" St Therese of Lisieux {Thank you, Bob Russell}
"If you want to identify me, ask not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully , for the thing I want to live for. Between these answers you can determine the identity of any person. The better answer he (she) has, the more of a person he (she) is." Thomas Merton {I added the parenthesis).
Again, Blessed Memorial Day and Happy Pentecost and looking forward to considering the mystery of the Trinity. 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
