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 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.
2020 Retreat Theme: Fear Not: I Am With You Always
“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. 2020 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
There can be little doubt after reading the Gospels that Peter loved Jesus very much. His triple confession of his love for Jesus surely has to be among the most moving passages in the Scriptures. In this passage (John 21) Jesus asked Peter three times: “Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?” And three times Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” And three times Jesus then responded to Peter, “ Feed my lambs.” Peter was a very weak human being and had denied Jesus three times. But he did love Jesus greatly and because of this love Jesus placed this weak human being over his new community, soon to be called the Church.
Peter’s great love for Jesus was one thing; his faith in Jesus was another. If Peter’s level of faith had matched his level of love, he would, as they say, have been in business. But unfortunately, it did not. How often Jesus said to all the Apostles, including Peter, “O you of little faith,”? And this also includes all of us. It is not hard to love Jesus. He is a very loveable person. But it is hard, very hard, to really put our faith and trust in him. Isn’t that a bit strange? How can we love so much and have so little faith in the one we love? Read more…
Join us in our new series Pathways to Prayer
We hope you enjoy this series titled Pathways to Prayer. Unique and personal ways of connecting with the Creator through prayer will be explored, encouraging you to find your own personal unique prayer style.
If you find these presentations poignant and helpful, please consider showing your appreciation with a financial donation to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center to assist us in navigating this challenging time. Blessings on your day. Please click for Pathways to Prayer
Upcoming Retreats
September 11-12 In person or online – Hybrid Retreat – 24 hours of bliss in the midst of it all.
Experience a new live retreat in person or on line. Retreatants can choose to spend one night/day in person at the retreat center or participate via remote digital tools. Includes all four conferences of our theme for the year.
September 15-17 Women’s Midweek Retreat
Saturday, September 19 Retreat for the Grieving
September 24-27 Silent Retreat
New podcasts for listening
Father Steve McMichael and Brother Bob Roddy provide a short video introduction to Saint Clare of Assisi ahead of her feast day on August 11. A friend and companion of Saint Francis, Clare’s legacy lives on through the religious order she founded – the Poor Clares.
Ordinary Time in not so Ordinary Times – an eight-part series on living in the light of our spirituality during the unique era brought about by the Covid 19 virus
The mysteries of the Holy Spirit from Creation to the Present Day – with Fr. Jim Van Dorn and Fr. Jim Kent
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…
Newsletters
Our Fall Newsletter offers some spiritual advice from Br. Bob, updates on our COVID procedures, comments from our first post-COVID retreat, along with information on our Video Series, new door installation, FIA Dinner and more. Fall 2020 Newsletter
Enjoy our new professionally produced video illustrating what people experience here on multiday retreats and what keeps them returning year after year.
Free Spiritual Audio to Brighten Your Day
Join Fr. Jim Van Dorn and Fr. Jim Kent as they reflect on the Holy Spirit. Experience podcasts specially put together for this time of Social Distancing, the Easter season and more. Click to listen
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 the retreat experience. Judy’s Gems: Favorite Recipes from Judy’s Kitchen
