Franciscan Retreats: Christmas Family Retreats

Christmas Family Retreat

No one knows how many Christmas Family Retreats we've had here, but the tradition must be going on forty years.

This year an extraordinarily large group of fifty people gathered their 32 children and 18 adults into our halls to welcome the Feast.
We were blest with wonderful, mild weather and nearly everyone spent some time out of doors playing kickball, passing the football or tossing the Frisbee.
It is such a joy to hear the children careering through the tunnel. It is quite a dull space that suddenly fills with mystery when the youngsters discover it.

This is a fun, relaxing time, with lots of laughter. It’s great to see old friends and meet new people.

All the families had a great time with each other.

Thank you Gemma and Father Ken for continuing to put yourself out there for this retreat. We are receiving a great gift.

The food was kid-friendly. Thank you.

I am so happy to start this tradition with my family.

Special Thanks to Gemma Lamb who came from Ironwood Michigan to emcee our Christmas Family Retreat!

Aromatic Ornament Recipe
2 ¾ cup flour
¾ cup salt
¼ cup cinnamon
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon allspice
¾ teaspoon alum
1 ¼ cup water
Mix first six items together well. Add water and knead five minutes. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 ½ hours or microwave for 5-8 minutes until dry to touch.