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 2021 – July 2022 Retreat Theme: Hope Rising: Revisioning Our Dream
Our August 2021 – July 2022 theme is Hope Rising: Revisioning Our Dream. This will be developed through the following conferences:
- Healing: Remembrance and Reconciliation
- Opening: Possibilities and Potentials
- Perceiving: Illumination and Insight
- Engaging: Encounter and Endurance
The retreat will explore healing in difficult times, opening ourselves to new possibilities, perceiving hope in our encounter with God and others, a hope that leads to a more vibrant and renewed faith. These will be presented in the context of Scripture, especially through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We look forward to having you with us! 2021-22 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
“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you. He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.” What a beautiful story is found in our Gospel for this Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Bartimaeus obviously was sick and tired of his blindness; he wanted desperately to do something about it. He must have heard of Jesus, of the wonderful works he was doing, sought him out, and when he found him he kept screaming for his attention until he got it. Read Fr. Howard’s Homilies for this week
Enjoy four bonus video talks by Franciscan priest Jim Van Dorn titled Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith.
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith #4
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith #3
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith #2
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith #1
Upcoming Retreats
October 22-24 Men’s Silent Retreat
November 5-7 Women’s Weekend Retreat FULL – call the office to be on waiting list
December 1 Advent Day of Prayer
December 3-5 Serenity Retreat
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
Newsletters
The turning over of the seasons are each marked with their own special and unique changes. As the heat, sunshine and green gives way to the colors of autumn and its cool, crisp days, the Franciscan Retreat Center is also undergoing a change of season. Our Fall Newsletter outlines what is new, as well as keeping with what is tried and true – such as an autumn treat from our chef Judy on the back page. Click to view our Fall 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
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
Pandemic era procedures
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…
