Let me go through these various items to give you a better understanding of why they are on our wish list. The tables and chairs in the dining room are well over 20 years old, and they are showing significant signs of wear. The dining room is one of the key community spots at Franciscan Retreats, and we would like the atmosphere there to be as warm, inviting, and comfortable as possible. The new sun shades would allow retreatants to see the outside grounds in the dining room or library while most of the heat, glare and UV rays would be stopped.

A small, commercial grade ice machine in the hospitality room would eliminate the need for the kitchen or preaching staff to bring ice to the hospitality room. Retreatants would have a constant source of ice for their beverages or ice packs, no matter what time of day or night that ice was needed.

The fireplace in the Marian Lounge is currently unusable, but after our recent property inspection, we think that a gas insert could be installed in the fireplace to make it safely useablefor all. We recently painted the Marian Lounge to add a bit of much-needed color to the space, but we need light fixtures that could be dimmed to make for a more inviting atmosphere than our current florescent fixtures. (We plan to use dimmable CFL bulbs that would be energy-efficient.) Sturdy, comfortable, stacking chairs would complete the Marian Lounge’s makeover. The current chairs are not comfortable for long periods of seating.

A projector capable of displaying computer presentations (such as Power Point) would be helpful for some retreat groups. We would like to develop a presentation that could be presented to church and civic groups to explain our ministry and mission.

I know that our goal is ambitious, especially in the midst of these difficult financial times, but if Franciscan Retreats is to grow and prosper, it needs to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for our retreatants and guests. We hope to offset some of the costs associated with these projects through the help of our volunteers. 

Please consider making a donation to the Christmas Appeal in honor of a family member or loved one as their Christmas present for 2010. There are some advantages to this: 1) your loved one doesn’t have to deal with one more item on the shelf, or a gift certificate or card to lose; 2) your donation is tax-deductible; 3) your gift will not only be a source of joy to your loved one, but to the many people who come to Franciscan Retreats.

Thank You, 
Bob Roddy, OFM Conv., Director, Franciscan Retreats