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
Today’s Gospel selection gives us Matthew’s version of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the only miracle that appears in all four Gospels. I have read many different themes coming from this miracle story: that it prefigures the Eucharist, that it gives us the image of the reign of God as a banquet, that it presents us with the idea of God’s providence and care for his people, and that it shows the compassion of God for the Israelites in the Old Testament in feeding them manna in the desert.
Recently I read another interpretation that really interested me: the miracle of the loaves and fishes signifies the building of community through the sharing of what we have with others. Read more…
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
Join us in our new series ‘Ordinary Time in a not so Ordinary Time’
Brother Bob Roddy introduces our eight-part series on living in the light of our spirituality during the unique era brought about by the Covid 19 virus.
Watch for short form videos posted on Tuesdays followed by longer videos on Thursdays. Franciscans and staff explore the up and down emotions encountered day to day interspersed with uplifting observations on events and feast days of the church calendar.
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 ‘Ordinary Time in a not so Ordinary Time’
Upcoming Retreats
September 15-17 Women’s Midweek Retreat
Saturday, September 19 Retreat for the Grieving
September 24-27 Silent Retreat
New podcasts for listening
Ordinary Time in not so Ordinary Times – Kathy Berken explores the concept of ‘waiting,’ a very important element of outlasting the era of the Covid 19 Virus.
Ordinary Time in not so Ordinary Times – Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center’s Director Br Bob Roddy explores the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Ordinary Time in not so Ordinary Times – Second Installment with Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center’s Priest Jim Kent.
Ordinary Time in not so Ordinary Times – First Installment with Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center presenter Debbie Koop (link to Shelter Me by Michael Joncas).
-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
