Welcome to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center Catholic Retreats
Step aside from the challenges and uncertainties of this time for a weekend of spiritual connection and renewal with one of our Catholic Retreats at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake. Due to the Covid-19 Virus and the limitations on group gatherings we have had to make several adjustments to the way that our Catholic Retreats will be conducted. Please see our page: Attending Retreats in the Pandemic Era to review safety procedures we are taking and safety procedures we are asking retreatants to take during this time. Pandemic era retreatant testimonials
2021 Retreat Theme: Fear Not: I Am With You Always
So many retreatants did not get to hear the popular and poignant theme for 2020 (Fear Not: I Am With You Always) that we decided to continue the same theme as last year for the first part of 2021. For those that have heard this theme, we are switching the presenters for the talks and using fresh stories to keep the presentations unique.
“I sought the Lord and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 Trust, especially trust in God, underpins our Christian spirituality. We are encouraged to trust in God’s providence, in God’s presence in our daily lives, in God’s caring for us and those we love. Yet, that trust is constantly under assault by many dark forces around us, most notably, the force of fear. 2021 Retreat Theme
Enjoy our new professionally produced video illustrating what people experience here on multiday retreats and what keeps them returning year after year.
What is it like to go on a Retreat?
Just what is it like to go on Catholic Retreats? If you haven’t had the pleasure to come out and experience it for yourself, we invite you to read the following article, describing what you can expect when you come and join us for one of our retreats. What is it like to
go on a Retreat… Would you like to know more? Click here to read about Who goes on Retreats… KMSP Channel 9 ‘Why attend a Retreat’ interview; MA Roscoe
Father Howard’s Homilies for the Liturgical Week
This Second Sunday of Lent could be called Transfiguration Sunday as well as not. The Gospel story of the Transfiguration appears on this Sunday in all three Liturgical cycles. Today we have St. Mark’s version. Christian Theology uses the phrase “hypostatic union” to describe the presence of both the human and divine natures being joined to the one divine person in Jesus. This phrase was used by the Council of Chalcedon (451) which stated that the two natures (human and divine) are united in the one person (Greek: hypostasis = existence or person) of Christ. We see evidence of the presence of the two natures in the different happenings described in the Scriptures. For example, when Jesus is thirsty or hungry, this is evidence of the human nature. Christ’s eternal presence and equality with the Father is evidence of the divine nature. And sometimes there is evidence of a mixture of the two, e.g., healing by the power of the human touch. Read more…
New audio from Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center
Healing the Divide in a Divided Time
Healing the Divide in a Divided Time – retreat presenter Kathy Berken shares timely thoughts about civilly bridging chasms between individuals and groups with differing viewpoints.
If you enjoy our audio offerings and wish to support us financially please use the ‘donate’ button at the bottom of this page. Click to listen to Healing the Divide in a Divided Time
Upcoming Retreats
March 26-28 Women’s Palm Sunday Silent Retreat
April 1-3 Men’s Holy Week Retreat
April 9-11 Married Couples Retreat
April 13-15 Women’s Midweek Retreat
April 23-25 Women’s Weekend Retreat
Lenten Days of Prayer
Due to the continued concerns over Covid-19, we have decided to do all of the Lenten Days of Prayer virtually, not in person, via Zoom.
February 25, Kathy Berken, Abraham and Isaac: Does God Really Test Us? Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18 (The Sacrifice of Isaac) KB Lenten DOP handout
March 4, Cindy Geiger, The Paradox of the Cross, 1 Cor. 1:22-25 “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles…”
March 11, Debbie Koop, Rejoice! We are Saved by Grace, Ephesians 2:4-10 “…For
by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.”
March 18, Jayne Krim, The Glory of the New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31-34 “I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts;…”
Here is the Zoom link to join: Click to join our 2021 Virtual Lenten Days of Prayer Come one and all. Let these compelling talks add fresh insight to familiar Lenten stories. An offering is not required. If you do wish to support us through a donation, $20 suggested.
Free Spiritual Audio to Brighten Your Day
Enjoy Friars and Staff as they discourse on a variety of spiritual topics. Click to listen
Newsletters
Our Spring Newsletter contains information on Br. Bob’s (then) upcoming heart surgery, our virtual Lenten Days of Prayer, updates on the Franciscan International Award Dinner along with the Retreat Director Position, a tribute to John Mahoney, another tasty recipe from Judy and more. Click to view our Spring Newsletter
Judy’s Gems: Favorite Recipes from Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center
Franciscan Retreats provides nourishing food for the body as well as the soul. Our chef, Judy Miller, serves fresh, wholesome and delicious meals that are an integral part of our catholic retreats experience. Judy’s Gems: Favorite Recipes from Judy’s Kitchen
Special Covid-19 Spiritual Resources Page
During this time of uncertainty amid the Covid 19 virus outbreak we hope these offerings from the retreat center Friars and staff add to your well-being. Click here…
