June 22-29, 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello everyone!
The first part of last week I was privileged to be a part of a wonderful work of ECUMENISM at a meeting in Chicago called the INITIATIVE. It brings Christians of all labels together to encourage each other to work for the UNITY of Christians, so the world will see our LOVE and so be drawn to know, love and serve Jesus as the Christ. Needless to say, I came back strengthened for the several ecumenical things I am involved in.
This coming weekend in the ICCEC we recall our FOUNDING and the ecumenical importance of our very church-selves as we are LITURGICAL-SACRAMENTAL, EVANGELICAL and PENTECOSTAL. As we in our chapel and Franciscan Fraternity have found out, that we are a discernment community. Some folks like us and stay, but many come to us and discern that they need to settle in other parts of the Body of Christ.
Our upcoming scriptures are 1 Kings 19: 15-16; 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5: 19-25; and Luke 9: 51-62. The first reading is the account of Elijah's guidance to anoint Elisha as his successor in the prophetic role for Israel. Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh (plenty of those going on these days!) with the fruit of the Spirit. (These are worth our study before we hear them on the weekend.) And finally, the gospel describes Jesus as setting His Face toward Jerusalem and then running into resistance as He and the disciples go through Samaria. Included in the text are several examples of folks who say they wish to be disciples, but don't really mean it.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (June 24), Fr. Jim presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (June 26), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (June 28), FOUNDATION DAY OF THE ICCEC, Fr. John presiding
PRAY THIS WEEK FOR THE BISHOPS WHO MEET IN COUNCIL IN SELMA, ALABAMA WITH THE PATRIARCH, BISHOP CHARLES JONES. God grant them wisdom and discernment as they deliberate under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
(These are two sayings of Pope Francis that deeply impacted me)
"Let us ask the Lord for the grace to weep over our indifference, to weep over the cruelty of our world, of our own hearts, and all those who in anonymity make social and economic decisions which open the door to tragic situations. Has anyone wept? Today, has anyone wept in our world?"
"The Gospel...the message of salvation, has two destinations that are connected: the first, to awaken faith, and this is evangelization; the second, to transform the world according to God's plan, and this is the Christian animation of society. But these are not two separate things, they form one mission: to carry the Gospel by the witness of our lives in order to transform the world." (This reminds me of the saying ascribed to St. Francis: "preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.")
Pray for the PEACE and JUSTICE of the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. Much love,
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
