Franciscan Retreats: Welcome

Welcome to Franciscan Retreats

Situated on 60 acres of land near the communities of Prior Lake and Savage, Minnesota, and about 40 minutes southwest of Minneapolis or Saint Paul, Franciscan Retreats is a spiritual oasis for people of all faiths who are seeking a deeper relationship with the Almighty. Our lovely grounds, beautiful chapel and comfortable accommodations, along with the care and concern of the friars and staff provide a quiet and reflective environment for personal prayer and reflection. Click on How To Get Here and consult a Road Map for directions to Franciscan Retreats.

For over forty years, the Conventual Franciscan Friars and staff of Franciscan Retreats have provided quality programs of spiritual renewal within a One-Day, Midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) and Weekend (Friday-Sunday) format. (See the schedule of retreats for a complete listing of retreats as well as our current theme.)

Midweek and Weekend Retreats usually contain the following elements: Retreat Conferences which are centered around the theme of the retreat (see 2008 Theme for details on our current theme: Francis of Assisi: Finding Peace in an Uncertain World), Prayer Services, opportunities to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of the Sick, as well as daily or Sunday Mass. Woven throughout our retreats are ample times for quiet and reflection, for walking, resting, reading or seeking out a member of Our Staff for Spiritual Direction.

(Please consult Retreat Schedules for a sample of our Weekend and Midweek Daily Schedules.)

Retreatants may also gather in the common areas of the retreat house to informally discuss or share their thoughts about a retreat conference, a homily or a prayer service. We try to strike a balance of group activities and personal time. The retreat experience is greatly enhanced by the superb culinary skills of our kitchen manager and head chef, Judy Miller, and her able staff. (See Our Staff for further details).

Our grounds afford many opportunities for enjoying the beauty of creation and all of God’s creatures. It is not uncommon to see several deer or wild turkeys on the grounds, as well as other wildlife. Please bring your walking/hiking shoes, and perhaps, a pair of binoculars.

For our Midweek or Weekend Programs, retreatants are housed in private rooms with a shared bathroom and shower. (Each room has its own sink.) Towels are provided as well. Retreatants need only bring comfortable, weather appropriate clothing, and personal items. Should a retreatant have food allergies, they should alert us prior to the retreat. (See FAQ for more detailed information about retreats).

We welcome you to this beautiful and sacred space, a space of prayer, of healing, of rest and renewal. We hope to see you soon! Should you have further questions, please call us at 952-447-2182, contact us via e-mail: secretary@franciscanretreats.net or via our website at Contact Us.

You may also Register for a retreat on our website.
Please click on Upcoming Retreats to check our 2008 retreat schedule.