June 7-14, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
speak clearly of God's love and covenant with Israel as they were to be the vehicle of salvation for all the peoples of the world. Since the New Testament makes clear that any of His disciples are a part of the New Israel, we hear the words of Exodus calling us to be a Kingdom of priests, a holy nation. In the gospel, Jesus calls his first disciples and "apostles" them into the world, first to the Israel of that time in history and ultimately by the end of Matthew's Gospel to the whole world. The letter to Romans reminds us that Jesus as the Christ died for us to reconcile us to God, our Father.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (June 9), Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (June 11), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (June 13), Fr. Jim presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"I know that life is given us so that we may grow in love. And I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of the flower, the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence." Helen Keller, well known blind and deaf advocate for universal love.
"Our God dwells within us and the only way we can become one with our God is to become one with our authentic self." Maurice Blondel, French Christian philosopher of the 19th and 20th Centuries.
"Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses." C S Lewis
God bless your week as each of us seek to be Christ and his saving love to those we meet.
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
