July 12-18, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Good day to all!
The scriptures of the upcoming weekend for our consideration and study are Wisdom 12: 13-19; Psalm 86; Romans 8: 26-27 and Matthew 13: 24-43 The first reading presents God in His might and goodness as the underpinning of God's mercy and righteousness. The Romans reading, though brief, highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in reading our hearts and interceding for us. And the gospel continues (from last weekend) presenting parables that tease us with the implications of the Kingdom of God and its effect on us as we choose to be a part of it.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (July 14), Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (July16), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (July 18), Fr. Jim presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." Elie Wiesel, well known, articulate survivor of the Holocaust.
"We both believe, and disbelieve a hundred times an hour, which keeps believing nimble." Emily Dickenson
"Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire." Teilhard de Chardin SJ
(I do realize all of the above are not declared 'saints', but their insights speak to us of the holiness and wonder of God working in us, the Body of Christ, in our world.)
I hope that you are growing in hope as we touch the world with this faith of ours in the Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ.
Much love,
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
