July 13-20, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to all,
First, my apologies that I did not get the Footnotes out last week. The battery went out on the computer and it had to go to the shop, but it is back and now seems healthy.
The scriptures appointed for the coming Sunday are Genesis 18: 1-10; Psalm 15; Colossians 1: 15-23 (24-29); and Luke 10: 38-42. The first reading is of the three mysterious visitors welcomed by Abraham and Sarah, who prophesied to them that soon they would have their son, Isaac, named 'laughter' because Sarah laughed when she heard. This very scene is now used in iconography to present the HOLY TRINITY. The second reading is one of my all time favorites as it describes Jesus Christ as the icon of the invisible God and that everything comes under His authority. I recommend reading all the way to verse 29 because it tells us that that very same Christ lives inside of NOW us as our hope of glory. REMARKABLE READING! The gospel is the wonderful account, found only in Luke, of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus to their home. And Mary is exonerated for prioritizing LISTENING to Him.
Chapel schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (July 15), Fr. John presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (July 17), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (July 19), Fr. John presiding
*******FRATERNITY BUSINESS MEETING at 7:30 pm on G0ToMeeting
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"O men, how can you offend a God who declares that it is with you that He finds His delight!' St Teresa of Avila (Thank you, Sondra M. for sending that to us.).
"You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." And ..."I couldn't be happy without friends." St. Augustine
"I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love." St Kateri Tekakwitha, native American of the 1600's (I am fascinated by her name and her faith. Her Christian parents died when she was 4 by small pox and she herself had darkened vision because of small pox. The name 'Tekakwitha' is the name she was called which means 'one who walks groping her way.' She held on to her faith, despite that faith not being welcomed by some of her family.
That does it for me. Much 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