July 18-26, 2026
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello everyone. I hope you are sensing God's abundant blessings.
Here are the upcoming weekend scriptures for our consideration: 1 Kings 3: 5-12; Psalm 119 (selected verses); Romans 8: 28-30; and Matthew 13: 44-52. The first reading is Solomon's request of God for wisdom to rule. The Romans' reading tells us that we are predesigned to be conformed to the image (ikon) of Christ and therefore are made righteous by His redemptive action. The gospel continues with more Kingdom parables: the treasure hidden in a field, the search for fine pearls, and the dragnet that brings in all sorts of fish for sorting.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Eucharist Tuesday (July 21), Fr. John presiding
++++++++NOTE WELL: Fraternity Business Meeting on GoToMeeting at 7:30 pm+++++++
Noon Eucharist Thursday (July 23), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Eucharist Saturday (July 25), Fr. Jim presiding
++++Apologies to any who were looking for the YouTube broadcast of our Eucharist last weekend (July 18). Our technician (Micah) was unavailable and we would have had almost no one at the chapel++++
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"St Francis heard the voice of God, he heard the voice of the poor, he heard the voice of the infirm and he heard the voice of nature. He made them a way of life. My desire is that the seed that St. Francis planted may grow in the hearts of many." Pope Francis in his encycle, "Fratelli Tutti"
"Fountain of eternal light,
fetch me back into the flow of your abyss
from which I flowed forth--
there where I may recognize
you just as I am recognized,
and love you just as I am loved--
so that forever I may see you,
my God, as you really are
in your blessed vision, fruition, and possession. Amen" St Gertrude of Helfta, in her work called "In the school of love"
I hope you have a blessed week.
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
