Welcome to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center Catholic Retreats
Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center is a spiritual oasis for anyone looking to explore their relationship with the Almighty. We hold weekend or midweek retreats attended by individuals or friends featuring a fruitful blend of scheduled time to open time allowing retreatants to recharge mentally, spiritually and physically.
Four conference talks inspired by a relevant annual theme lead retreatants on an experience of discovery, rejuvenation and spiritual growth. Generous open periods between conference talks allows for reflection, prayer, spirited hikes on 60 acres of forest and prairie, or simply resting in your private room. Retreats also include guided prayer sessions, one on one spiritual direction, plus the opportunity for unhurried confession, holy hour and anointing. All meals cooked lovingly on site.
Franciscan Retreats are Catholic based and open to all spiritual seekers at any stage of their faith journey.
August 2022 – July 2023 Retreat Theme: Belonging; Connections of the Heart
1. Belonging: Seen, Heard, Valued
2. God: Source of All Belonging
3. Who is Family?
4. Universal Connection
The retreat will explore belonging to God, belonging to family and friends, and belonging to all people and creation. We look forward to having you with us! Franciscan Retreat Center 2022-2023 Retreat Theme
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
The Gospel for this Third Sunday of Ordinary Time is divided into two parts: the nearness of God’s reign and Jesus’ calling the first disciples. In this homily we are going to focus on the second section, Jesus calling the Twelve, and we do so because this applies to us also. One of the first words I recall learning in Latin 1 was the word “discipulus” which is translated to mean a pupil or student in English. A disciple is one who is learning how to do this or that. The disciple of Jesus is learning how to be his follower, what this involves, what they are to do and so forth. Being a disciple is a learning experience and one that never ends. Click to read Fr. Howard’s homilies for the 3rd week of ordinary time
Upcoming Retreats
Bring a first-timer (someone who has never retreated here or not
in the past seven years) and reduce your suggested offering by $35
Our current theme:
Belonging: Connections of the Heart
February 10-12 Married Couples Retreat
February 24-26 Women’s Weekend Retreat
March 31-April 2 Women’s Palm Sunday Silent Retreat
April 6-8 Men’s Holy Week Retreat
Employment opportunity: Business Manager
2023 Lenten Day of Prayer: March 1, 8, 15 and 22
Old Testament Stories and Characters
March 1: Lesser Known Women in the Scriptures March 8: Joel’s Vision of the Future
March 15: David and Goliath March 22: Family Feud: Esau, Jacob, Rebecca
Click to view our Lenten Days of Prayer
Free Spiritual Audio to Brighten Your Day
Enjoy Friars and Staff as they discourse on a variety of spiritual topics. Click to listen to Spiritual Audio from the Franciscan Retreat Center
Newsletters
With Thanksgiving on the very near horizon, our Winter Newsletter opens with Fr. Kent’s thoughts on thankfulness. He offers his humble gratitude for the generosity of so many who helped the Rekindle the Flame campaign to be a success. With this in mind, our new boiler and water softener are highlighted in this issue. Upcoming Catholic Retreats for the rest of this year are highlighted, with next year’s retreat dates outlined. On the back, Chef Tim has a delicious recipe that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Click to view our Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center Winter 2022/2023 Newsletter
Why attend a retreat?
Enjoy our 2 ½ minute video illustrating what people experience on multiday retreats and why they keep returning. Click to watch Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center video