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
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
Find the Christ Child
This Advent search for the Infant Jesus on our website. He could be nestled on any of our pages, from Renting the Facility to Franciscan Prayers. When you find Him, click on the image to view a special Advent page, pertinent to each week of Advent. Each week, a new image of Baby Jesus will be hidden, with the former one staying in place. Look for a new image each Sunday in Advent.
Week 1 – Advent Day of Prayer Page
Men’s Retreat, December 10-12, 2021
Click this video by the Friars presenting at this year’s December Men’s Retreat. Retreat Director Fr Jim Kent, Brother Ian Bremar and Fr Jim VanDorn share what you will receive and experience by attending.
Upcoming Retreats
December 8 Advent Day of Prayer
December 10-12 Men’s Retreat
December 15 Advent Day of Prayer
January 14-16 Women’s Weekend Retreat
January 21-23 Women’s Weekend 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
It is hard to believe that it is time once again for our Annual Christmas Appeal. In this newsletter, Fr. Jim Kent reflects on the all of the wonderful updates of previous years and outlines the needs of the Retreat Center at this time. Inside, there are reflections on the Retreat Center’s year as a whole and the year ahead and on the upcoming ‘Holy Day’ Season. As always, Chef Judy shares a festive recipe. Click to view our Winter 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
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…
Father Howard’s Homilies for the Liturgical Week
When I was in the treatment center for my alcoholism many years ago, I was told by my counselor: As long as you wake up every morning and ask the Lord to walk with you this day, you need not worry about taking a drink of alcohol. That was a good suggestion. And it applies not only to alcoholism but to any other difficulties in our lives we might be trying to get rid of. Read Fr. Howard’s Homilies for this week
