Summer Offerings

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 IN-PERSON AND ZOOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

 A MARY DAY
COUNTING ON HER INTERCESSION 

     Tuesday, September 8 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

We begin our one-day programs this year with Mary, the mother of Jesus. As we celebrate the feast of her birth today, let us call on Mary, our mother, for all our needs. We all need a mother sometimes. Bring all your intentions. She will take us, with our intentions to her Son, and he in turn will take us to God. This is a very powerful prayer of intercession. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

     Wednesday, September 9 

     9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with Spiritual Direction. 

POPE LEO’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CHURCH
GETTING TO KNOW HIS HEART AND SOUL

     Wednesday, September 9 

     9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

We begin our Fall semester listening to a short summary of Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, (Magnificent Humanity). Often, we get to know a person’s heart best by reading his words. What is in Pope Leo’s heart as he writes to us, all of us? Do you have time to come and listen to his message? It is easier in a group. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25, includes materials.

A CONTEMPLATIVE GAZE

     Friday, September 11

     9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

A Contemplative Gaze is an eye on and into the world of nature, a world we often pass by without noticing. It is a world that beckons for our attention and time, a world that has the power and potential of teaching us valuable lessons, if we but listen and see. It is a world that can connect us to and deepen our innermost selves and our life with God. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25

DISCERNMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORLD!

     Friday, September 18 

     9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

I’m willing if you are! This retreat includes the full teaching of Ignatian Discernment of Spirits! If you find yourself sliding down “the greasy pole” of desolation or negative thinking, this day will help you immensely. The Ignatian teaching on discernment is life changing as we practice awareness, understanding and right action regarding the various spirits that present themselves to us day by day and moment by moment. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $35, includes lunch and materials. Zoom: $30

THE ARCHANGELS
MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL

     Tuesday, September 29 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

“Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures. . .” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 350). On this Feast of the Archangels, learn about their role throughout salvation history. As St. Thomas Aquinas notes, “The angels work together for the benefit of us all” (CCC, 350). Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $30, includes lunch. Zoom: $25

 IN-PERSON AND ZOOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

CONFIDENCE
ST. THÉRÈSE’S LITTLE WAY

    Thursday, October 1 

     9:30 AM –2:00 PM

I am especially close to St. Thérèse and her “Little Way” of confidence. Don’t we all need that at this time? I have entrusted many projects to her care. It works. Come with an intention or project for her. Spend the day with her on her feast day. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $30, lunch and materials included.

IN-PERSON ONLY
SKETCHING

     Friday, October 2 

     9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Picture This! You are an instrument of God, allowing beauty to be shown through your talents and gifts. Like a paint brush in the Master Artist’s hand, you have a unique and personal call to bring peace, joy and faith to others. Let the Spirit guide your imagination and/or your paint brush as you are drawn to the world outside or around you. Led by Bernadette Citarella. Donation: $35, Materials included. Please bring your lunch to eat outside!

IN-PERSON ONLY
CELEBRATE ST. FRANCIS

     Sunday, October 4

     11:00 AM –2:00 PM

We will have a wonderful celebration of St. Francis on his feast day! We begin with Mass at 11 AM, followed by lunch. We will view a brief film by Bishop Robert Barron on St. Francis. You will feel like you are in Assisi! Weather and time permitting, we will spend some time outdoors enjoying the beauty of creation as Francis insists. Led by S. Marcy and Katherine. We will provide lunch. Donation: Love Offering.

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

     Wednesday, October 7 

     9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with Spiritual Direction. 

EXAMEN
A SIMPLE LIFE-CHANGING PRAYER

     Friday, October 16

     9:30 AM –1:00 PM

Examen is a daily prayer practice designed to help you notice and enjoy God’s presence in your everyday life. As you grow in its daily practice you will begin to be aware of God's presence everywhere. If you would like to end every day with gratitude and hope, please come to this one-day presentation on Ignatian Examen. It’s no exaggeration to say that Examen changes everything. It might change things for you too! Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $35 includes lunch/book. Zoom: $20

STRUGGLES IN PRAYER
THEIR NATURE AND THEIR REMEDIES

     Wednesday, October 21 

     1:00 – 3:30 PM

Do you ever say things like “I just can’t pray, I don’t know how to pray, I don’t feel God’s love anymore”? These, like many others, are normal struggles in prayer. I would like to spend this afternoon helping you discover how you pray best and how to enjoy your prayer more. How is God inviting you to pray now, at this time in your life? Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $20

LETTING GO IN TIMES OF TRANSITION

     Thursday, October 22 

     9:30 AM –12:00 PM

Through Leo Buscaglia’s tale of The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages, we will visit our own times of transition. The wisdom of this simple story can help us connect to the challenge of letting go so we can experience the gifts of interior freedom and peace. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25

SANCTIFYING THE DAY WITH PRAYER
THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS

     Saturday, October 24 

     9:30 AM –12:00 Noon

The Liturgy of the Hours is an age-old practice of the Church rooted in monastic life. It is not just for monks and nuns; it’s for you, too. The laity is encouraged to pray the Hours to sanctify the day, worship God fittingly and navigate life through the lens of Scripture. Come and learn how to pray this prayer that focuses your life on God throughout the day. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25, materials included.

EXAMINATION OF THE VATICAN II DECREE ON THE LAITY
THE UNFOLDING SPIRIT OF THE 2ND VATICAN COUNCIL

     Saturday, October 31 

     9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What is the role of the Laity in the “Church in the Modern World”? The Second Vatican Council issued guidance on the need for the active participation of the laity in sharing and spreading the Gospel to all the places outside of the Church buildings. In this one-day conference, participants will have the chance to pray about the calling of the laity in the modern world of 2026 and beyond; to examine the urgency of the call to action promulgated from Vatican II; and to earnestly discuss how this document is relevant in the 3rd Millennium. The Study Guide booklet, which includes the Decree on the Laity, will be emailed in advance to registered participants to enhance participation. Led by Fr. Jim Grogan. Donation: $45, Lunch and Liturgy for Sunday included. Zoom: $40

 IN-PERSON AND ZOOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

GOD ISN’T FINISHED WITH ME YET
DISCOVERING THE GRACE OF LATER LIFE

     Tuesday, November 3 

     9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

If topics like loss, identity, life after retirement, downsizing, meaning and usefulness interest you, come. If you find yourself asking, “Who am I now? What does God want me to do with my life? How can I pray? How can I still help others?” ...please come. Come be with others with the same questions and concerns. Let’s be together in the quest and find God in it. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $40, includes lunch and book, Zoom: $25

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

     Wednesday, November 4 

     9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with Spiritual Direction. 

LECTIO DIVINA: READING THE DIVINE

     Thursday, November 5 

     9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

The focus of Lectio Divina is not so much about the meaning of the text; it is how God is speaking to you through the text. Through the four movements of Lectio (read, think, pray, be) you are drawn into intimacy with God as you listen to how God is inviting you to a deeper relationship with Godself. Join us as we open our minds and hearts to God. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $35, includes lunch, Zoom: $30

INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER

     Friday, November 13 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

All the saints and mystics encourage us to simply sit before the Lord in quiet adoration. We so long to do so! Our culture and our times make it more necessary than ever! How do I keep my mind still? How do I stay present? This morning retreat is an introduction or a review for all who would like to respond to God’s invitation to centering prayer, to simply be in God’s presence and receive God’s love. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $30, includes lunch and materials.

IN-PERSON ONLY
A CENTERING PRAYER DAY

     Saturday, November 14 

     9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

This retreat day is for those who desire a day of silence and Centering Prayer. There will be Centering Prayer times together, as well as time for your own private prayer. No sharing. All silence. It is as simple as that! Please bring your own lunch. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: Love Offering

GOD, THE GIFT WHO KEEPS ON GIVING

     Friday, November 20 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

As we approach Thanksgiving, gratitude looms large on our minds and in our hearts. Listening to Shel Silverstein’s classic book, The Giving Tree, we will share about giving, gratitude and the greatness of God’s generosity. This can help re-center your life on gratefulness, not just on Thanksgiving, but during each day. Join us so you can make gratitude a daily practice. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25, includes lunch, Zoom: $20

ADVENT RETREAT DAY

     Monday, November 30 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

We will travel through Advent this year with Richard Rohr’s Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent. What a perfect companion for this busy and stressful season! Again, we begin this holy season together doing what we can to make it more peaceful and prayerful. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: $35, includes lunch and the book. Zoom: $20 

 IN-PERSON AND ZOOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY

     Wednesday, December 2 

     9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Please bring your lunch. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with Spiritual Direction. 

ADVENT: LEARNING TO WALK IN THE LIGHT

     Friday, December 4 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Prayer can be almost forgotten in the hustle and bustle of December. Come, be still for a little while! Pray with the music and wonder of winter solstice, Hanukkah and Advent: December days of hope and light. Led by S. Eileen White, GNSH. Donation: $35, includes lunch. Zoom: $20

EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF JESUS

     Wednesday, December 9 

     9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

It’s the middle of Advent when we are all called to REJOICE! Step away for a retreat centered on Experiencing the Joy of Jesus. Though He entered into the depths of our humanity, embraced poverty, and endured suffering, ridicule and death, Christ remained rooted in joy. Together, we will reflect on His joy and pray to share in His steadfast, unshakable peace. Through prayer, reflection, and connection, we will rediscover the deep joy that flows from the Heart of Jesus. Come open your heart to hope, peace, and the joyful promise of Emmanuel. Led by JoLynn Krempecki. Donation: $25, includes lunch. Zoom: $20 

THE “O” ANTIPHONS

     Monday, December 14 

     9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

The “O” Antiphons highlight the prophecy of Isaiah and the seven titles of the Messiah. This preparation of the Octave before Christmas (December 17-23) is rich in meaning and can prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ in a special way. Led by Katherine Andrews. Donation: $25

THE END OF THE YEAR RETREAT

     Thursday, December 31 

     9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Since God gives us life and time and is Lord over all, it seems appropriate to end the year in prayer. Francis House offers time, space and quiet for naming the graces of 2026 and expressing gratitude to God. The day will focus on our goals, hopes and desires for 2027. We reverently say farewell to 2026 and cordially welcome 2027 as a gift from God. Please bring your lunch. Led by S. Marcy. Donation: Love Offering