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Are Non-Catholics welcome on a retreat?
While our retreats are formed and informed by the Roman Catholic tradition, we welcome all people who are seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. Whether you are churched or un-churched, you are welcome to join us on retreat.
We ask that non-Catholics follow the prescriptions of the Church regarding the reception of Holy Communion during Mass. (i.e., non-Roman Catholic Christians are asked not to receive Holy Communion, but may come forward for a blessing.)
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Is the retreat totally silent?
Franciscan Retreats provides retreatants with a safe and sacred environment in which to deepen their relationship with God. We offer a balance of opportunities for silence as well as sharing with others during our retreats. Some people find it helpful to share and discuss their spiritual journeys with others. Others find that they are led to quiet contemplation and solitary prayer. While we ask for respectful quiet among our retreatants, especially in the bedrooms, halls, and the chapel, we do not require complete silence throughout our retreats. See Retreat Schedules for the details of a typical day during our Weekend and Midweek retreats.
Twice each year we offer Quiet Weekends to those who prefer silence during their retreat. These retreats offer the opportunity to listen attentively to what God is saying in our lives.
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What about spiritual direction?
The friars and women on Our Staff are available for private spiritual direction during our retreats. Spiritual direction is an opportunity to share your spiritual journey with a discerning guide and compassionate listener. If you wish to talk to someone about how your retreat is affecting your relationship with God and others, spiritual direction provides a sacred time and space to do so.
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What is the schedule for upcoming retreats?
Please consult the Calendar page for our 2008 retreat schedule.
Click on the following web pages for explanations of the various types of retreats we offer at Franciscan Retreats. Women's Retreat, Men's Retreats, Married Couples, Quiet Weekends, Serenity Retreats, Friends of Francis, People with Disabilities, Family Retreat and Prayer Shawl Retreat.
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How do I sign up for a retreat?
You can register for a retreat by the following methods:
- Click on Register to complete your registration via our website.
- Call Franciscan Retreats at 952-447-2182 and provide us with your name, address, phone number, and the date of the retreat you would like to attend. If you call outside of our office hours and no one is available to take your call, press 10 and leave a message with one of our office staff.
- Contact Us for further information.
If there are openings on the retreat you would like to attend, we will send you an e-mail and/or a postcard confirming your place on that retreat. We will let you know immediately if the retreat you have requested is full so that you may choose another retreat date. Please check our Calendar for the dates and types of future retreats.
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How much does a retreat cost?
- Our guests are asked to give an average donation of $140.00 for our midweek and weekend retreats. The retreat actually costs far more than that. We ask so little because so many generously support Franciscan Retreats throughout the year. Please join us and give as you are able!
- Franciscan Retreats is not subsidized by any diocese or religious community. We rely on the donations of friends and benefactors
- We accept donations via MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit cards as well as cash and check donations.
- Franciscan Retreats gives 5% of the donations we receive for our retreats to Assisi House in Lusaka, Zambia.
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What are the rooms like?
We have 58 comfortable semi-private rooms arranged in 29 suites.
Each room has a full or queen sized bed, linen, a sink, towels, and a small closet.
Many of the rooms have writing desks for your convenience.
Each suite has a shower and a toilet.
The two rooms of each suite are separated by a folding wall. Married couples and family members usually open the wall to share the large space together. Individuals leave the wall in place.
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I need special assistance. Can you help?
We do everything we can to assist people with special needs.
We have an electric wheel-chair for our guests and several of the rooms have adjustable (hospital) beds.
Please notify us if you have special needs. Contact Us
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Opportunities for Giving
Click on the Make a Gift button on the right hand side of our web pages to make a secure donation via our website.
You may wish to join the Apostle's League, which supports Franciscan Retreats throughout the year by making a donation of $1.00 or more per week.
We have recently established an Endowment fund for the perpetual support of Franciscan Retreats.
Please remember Franciscan Retreats in your will.
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