special anniversary issue… “celebrating 50 …...franciscan retreats and spirituality center...
TRANSCRIPT
Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
New Bedspreads – MODEL SUITEWe are very blessed to have had a benefactor donate new bedspreads for the retreat center rooms (pictured). The classic pattern creates an inviting yet soothing ambiance in the rooms that spills over to the retreat center in general.
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPRIOR LAKE, MNPERMIT NO. 31
16385 Saint Francis LanePrior Lake, Minnesota 55372-2220952.447.2182952.447.2170 Fax
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Facebook & YouTube www.facebook.com/franciscanretreatspriorlakewww.youtube.com/user/franciscanretreats
july 2016Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
50th AnniversaryKEEPSAKE EDITION 1966-2016
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE…
“Celebrating 50 Years” 1966-2016For 50 years in Prior Lake, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a spiritual oasis where retreatants recharge mentally and physically, explore their faith, learn from the saints and hear the Spirit’s voice.
We hope you enjoy this issue that shows where we’ve been, where we are now and where, God willing, we hope to be going.
Please join us for our
50th Anniversary CELEBRATIONJuly 17, 2016
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Homecoming Tent Event – Mass on the Grass – July 17th. Open outdoor Mass at 11:00 AM, events and activities immediately following. This is a summer open house featuring returning friars, directors, employees, retreatants, friends of the retreat center and those totally new to the retreat center. Chicken dinners, family activities, tours of the retreat center, live music, face painting, ‘bounce house’ door prizes, and more. Friar John Bamman will be teaching participants
of all ages how to make Catholic Paracord ‘survival bracelets.’ Artists will be creating landscape oil paintings live on retreat center grounds. The retreat center itself will be open for tours and viewing of historical displays, or just for relaxing while strolling the retreat center grounds. Franciscan Priest Fr. Richard Kaley, a Friar of the same province as the Friars of Prior Lake and pastor of St. Bonaventure parish in Bloomington, Minnesota, will be the principal celebrant. An engaging and thoughtful homilist, Fr. Richard, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota, has served as a pastor, provincial Vocation Director, Novice Director, and Vicar Provincial in his 40+ years as a Franciscan priest. Fr. Richard also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Retreat Center.
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith – A 50TH ANNIVERSARY REFLECTION – by Fr Jim Van Dorn
A retreat center is a place where one can set time apart to reflect and pray about where his or her life is going. And what are the means one needs to continue the faith journey? In more practical terms we need forgiveness, healing and purpose for our future. Over the past fifty years, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a haven of hope for many people seeking the wisdom necessary to make the right decisions as they experience life transitions in their journey of faith.In my four assignments dating back to the seventies, a common thread uniting all those persons past and present is that of a love for the Franciscans and their unique approach to the Gospel.It is said that the secret of a life well lived is not in counting the years but
making the years count. Experiencing a retreat once a year can lead to joyful conscious living, helping a person make the most of each day, week, month and year. May the years ahead be filled with Faith, Hope and Love for all who are a part of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.
Fr Jim Van Dorn
Labyrinth designs were etched into the floors of some of the great cathedrals in Europe in the Middle Ages. The most famous of these is the Chartres Labyrinth, which was completed in 1201, but there are others in Spain, Italy and Algeria. In 1994, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, installed a tapestry labyrinth indoors with an outdoor terrazzo labyrinth the following year. The number of labyrinths has exploded in the last ten years, causing labyrinth expert, Jeffrey Saward to note that more labyrinths have been constructed in the last several years than in any time in the past.
In the last twenty five years, there has been renewed interest in the labyrinth as a means to facilitate prayer and reflection. On her website, www.pathsofpeace.com, Lisa Moriarty posts the following: “A sign of God is that we are led to a place we did not intend to go.” Anonymous. “This is a perfect description of my labyrinthine journey, and one that is shared by many others. The labyrinth seems to find us, we are led to it and it leads us to places and people we would not otherwise discover.”
While there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, the best way to approach the labyrinth walk is with an open heart and an open spirit. One may enter the labyrinth with a particular intention in mind and pray for that intention as s/he walks it or one may pray a simple prayer repeatedly, e.g., The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Or perhaps a line from the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear. Perhaps no words are appropriate for your walk; give yourself the gift of walking in silence and of listening, seeing, and feeling wherever the Almighty calls to you in that moment.
The Labyrinth is located to the left of the Friars’ garage near the edge of the woods. There are two benches nearby to help you pinpoint its location.
Labyrinth Installation (continued)
Even though the new bedspreads stand well on their own, as often happens when one part of a room is updated, the new bedspreads gave rise to thoughts of other improvements to our rooms.
In light of that we have created one model suite, (rooms 2&4 in our St. Clare wing) with new bedspreads, updated drapes (without those challenging cords) and an updated sink with counter space for spreading out personal items. This suite will be open for viewing during our July 17th open house. The bedspreads are in use fully throughout the retreat center right now.
Are you a friend of the retreat center that would like to volunteer on July 17? Please call the office at 952-447-2182.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
“May the Lord give you peace.” St. Francis of AssisiVisit us on the web at www.FranciscanRetreats.netRegister for the July 17th Anniversary Event
by calling 952-447-2182 or just show up!
Gluten FreeBanana Bread
Judy Miller, ChefFranciscan Retreats
and Spirituality Center
Ingredients:
½ cup canola oil1 cup of sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1 ½ cups gluten free flour*1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt1 cup mashed banana½ cup chopped nuts½ cup sour cream
Directions:
Grease one large loaf panCream oil, sugar, eggs and vanillaAdd dry ingredients, bananas, nuts and sour creamMix wellBake 350° F one hour
*My favorite gluten free flour is ‘Cup 4 Cup’
50th Anniversary KEEPSAKE EDITION | 1966-2016Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
The Dream – Chaska Construction – 1960's 1970's – a time of upheaval 1980's –1990's 2000 - present
Long before the first shovel of Prior Lake dirt was lifted from the ground we stand on, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center was ‘born’ in the minds, hearts and souls of Franciscans of Assumption Seminary in Chaska, Minnesota.
A new spirit was sweeping the land. It was a time of revival. A time of change and heightened spirituality. Retreats for lay people (those not in a religious order) was a concept that was just ‘catching on.’ Small retreats in the old ‘Brother’s’ house at the Chaska Seminary in the early 1960’s were getting more and more attendees, enough so that the Friars of Chaska started dreaming about the possibility of creating a separate stand-alone retreat center to serve the awakening spiritual needs of the times.
After nearly a decade of dreaming, praying, planning and fundraising – at long last, construction of a dedicated retreat center for religious and lay people alike began in Prior Lake. Most of the land was open, requiring little clearing. Backhoes, comprised of pulleys and cables (before the era of hydraulics) made quick progress once the ground was broken.
World Events
During the ’70s, youth found a home at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center. Four hour masses, spontaneous two AM chapel sessions for meditation, sharing, spiritual awakening and prayer. Long hair, drugs flushed down toilets, parents disbelief that their teens were really going to some retreat center – ‘God type of thing’ for long Sunday evenings; but they were!
World Events
A rich aspect of Franciscan Retreat Center history includes the annual Franciscan International Award Dinner. This award, pre-dating the retreat center by seven years, honors annually an individual or organization living out the ideals of St. Francis in our modern world.
World Events
For 50 years countless men, women and youth have come through the doors of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center to deepen their relatoinship with their God and to grow in their understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. FRSC has been a second home to many. For some, their retreat experience was life-changing (some would even say life-saving), for others, there is the calm assurance that they will be nurtured and sometimes challenged in their faith journey.
Vatican IISpiritual Renewal
Civil Rights movements
AssassinationsDrugs, ‘free love’
Vietnam War
War protestsWoodstock
Moon Landing
VietnamPeace Protests
Spiritual awakening - youth
Richard NixonEarth day
Three Mile Island
Bell bottomsOil crises
Disco
Space ShuttleEcumenism
Tribunal on annulments
Chernobyl nuclear disasterEnd of cold war-Berlin Wall
Tiananmen Square
World Wide WebGulf War
Princess Di
Founding DirectorFr Urban Wagner
FM Conv
Retreat Center property was purchased from
Bill and Helen White
911Iraq War
Religious extremism
Internet/Google/FacebookSmart phones
Climate Change
ImmigrationClergy abusePope Francis
Marian Wing – added
in 1978
“Everything was awesome and well
kept. The food was great. Thank you for
providing a place of quiet to seek God.” “I have been coming here for 30 plus
years… it is my spiritual booster shot!” “The Chapel evokes peace and tranquility.
Just being present in that spiritual space
pulls me into a joyful state.”“Each year this retreat is my ‘tool chest’
for another year - thank you!”“The time here has been healing. Truly
my spirit gives thanks to our God for
this time.”“A perfect mix prayer service, liturgies,
music, conferences and free time.”
Labyrinth Installation DRAWS 30 VOLUNTEERS
July 17th Open HouseOutdoor Mass at 11 a.m., chicken dinners (free will offering) and activities immediately following.
Thirty volunteers helped us mark our 50th anniversary by braving a chilly Saturday morning to install Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center’s permanent Labyrinth on May 14, 2016. Internationally known Labyrinth authority, Lisa Moriarty and her husband, Dennis directed volunteers in the process of measuring, excavating and paver-setting. Despite the cold weather, the volunteers, many of whom had never been to the Retreat Center, worked diligently and enthusiastically to complete the labyrinth by late afternoon.
The labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for you to reflect, look within, pray, negotiate new behavior, and explore your relationship with the Divine as you walk the complicated, demanding path called life.
~Lauren Artress
(continued on back side)
Retreat Center Directors
GEO CACHING
OUTDOORMASS
FREE ICE CREAM
FACE PAINTING
BOUNCE HOUSE
ARTISTS
DOOR PRIZES CHICKENDINNERS
HIKING
1966 2016
1960’s 1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s
Fr Urban WagnerFounder & Director
Fr James (Fenton) Cantwell
Fr Ken BartschBr Jeffrey Hines
Br Ambrose EischensFr Peter Damian Br Bob RoddyRETURNING FRIARS
LIVE MUSIC Some people confuse a labyrinth with a maze. As Moriarty points out, a maze is designed to confuse, to force the person using the maze to problem-solve, whereas a labyrinth has a single path that leads to the center, though the journey to the center is circuitous and not direct. The path of the labyrinth mirrors the changing path of our own inner journey; we often find the Almighty not by the most direct route but by an ever-changing path.
Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
New Bedspreads – MODEL SUITEWe are very blessed to have had a benefactor donate new bedspreads for the retreat center rooms (pictured). The classic pattern creates an inviting yet soothing ambiance in the rooms that spills over to the retreat center in general.
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPRIOR LAKE, MNPERMIT NO. 31
16385 Saint Francis LanePrior Lake, Minnesota 55372-2220952.447.2182952.447.2170 Fax
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Facebook & YouTube www.facebook.com/franciscanretreatspriorlakewww.youtube.com/user/franciscanretreats
july 2016Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
50th AnniversaryKEEPSAKE EDITION 1966-2016
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE…
“Celebrating 50 Years” 1966-2016For 50 years in Prior Lake, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a spiritual oasis where retreatants recharge mentally and physically, explore their faith, learn from the saints and hear the Spirit’s voice.
We hope you enjoy this issue that shows where we’ve been, where we are now and where, God willing, we hope to be going.
Please join us for our
50th Anniversary CELEBRATIONJuly 17, 2016
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Homecoming Tent Event – Mass on the Grass – July 17th. Open outdoor Mass at 11:00 AM, events and activities immediately following. This is a summer open house featuring returning friars, directors, employees, retreatants, friends of the retreat center and those totally new to the retreat center. Chicken dinners, family activities, tours of the retreat center, live music, face painting, ‘bounce house’ door prizes, and more. Friar John Bamman will be teaching participants
of all ages how to make Catholic Paracord ‘survival bracelets.’ Artists will be creating landscape oil paintings live on retreat center grounds. The retreat center itself will be open for tours and viewing of historical displays, or just for relaxing while strolling the retreat center grounds. Franciscan Priest Fr. Richard Kaley, a Friar of the same province as the Friars of Prior Lake and pastor of St. Bonaventure parish in Bloomington, Minnesota, will be the principal celebrant. An engaging and thoughtful homilist, Fr. Richard, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota, has served as a pastor, provincial Vocation Director, Novice Director, and Vicar Provincial in his 40+ years as a Franciscan priest. Fr. Richard also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Retreat Center.
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith – A 50TH ANNIVERSARY REFLECTION – by Fr Jim Van Dorn
A retreat center is a place where one can set time apart to reflect and pray about where his or her life is going. And what are the means one needs to continue the faith journey? In more practical terms we need forgiveness, healing and purpose for our future. Over the past fifty years, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a haven of hope for many people seeking the wisdom necessary to make the right decisions as they experience life transitions in their journey of faith.In my four assignments dating back to the seventies, a common thread uniting all those persons past and present is that of a love for the Franciscans and their unique approach to the Gospel.It is said that the secret of a life well lived is not in counting the years but
making the years count. Experiencing a retreat once a year can lead to joyful conscious living, helping a person make the most of each day, week, month and year. May the years ahead be filled with Faith, Hope and Love for all who are a part of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.
Fr Jim Van Dorn
Labyrinth designs were etched into the floors of some of the great cathedrals in Europe in the Middle Ages. The most famous of these is the Chartres Labyrinth, which was completed in 1201, but there are others in Spain, Italy and Algeria. In 1994, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, installed a tapestry labyrinth indoors with an outdoor terrazzo labyrinth the following year. The number of labyrinths has exploded in the last ten years, causing labyrinth expert, Jeffrey Saward to note that more labyrinths have been constructed in the last several years than in any time in the past.
In the last twenty five years, there has been renewed interest in the labyrinth as a means to facilitate prayer and reflection. On her website, www.pathsofpeace.com, Lisa Moriarty posts the following: “A sign of God is that we are led to a place we did not intend to go.” Anonymous. “This is a perfect description of my labyrinthine journey, and one that is shared by many others. The labyrinth seems to find us, we are led to it and it leads us to places and people we would not otherwise discover.”
While there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, the best way to approach the labyrinth walk is with an open heart and an open spirit. One may enter the labyrinth with a particular intention in mind and pray for that intention as s/he walks it or one may pray a simple prayer repeatedly, e.g., The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Or perhaps a line from the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear. Perhaps no words are appropriate for your walk; give yourself the gift of walking in silence and of listening, seeing, and feeling wherever the Almighty calls to you in that moment.
The Labyrinth is located to the left of the Friars’ garage near the edge of the woods. There are two benches nearby to help you pinpoint its location.
Labyrinth Installation (continued)
Even though the new bedspreads stand well on their own, as often happens when one part of a room is updated, the new bedspreads gave rise to thoughts of other improvements to our rooms.
In light of that we have created one model suite, (rooms 2&4 in our St. Clare wing) with new bedspreads, updated drapes (without those challenging cords) and an updated sink with counter space for spreading out personal items. This suite will be open for viewing during our July 17th open house. The bedspreads are in use fully throughout the retreat center right now.
Are you a friend of the retreat center that would like to volunteer on July 17? Please call the office at 952-447-2182.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
“May the Lord give you peace.” St. Francis of AssisiVisit us on the web at www.FranciscanRetreats.netRegister for the July 17th Anniversary Event
by calling 952-447-2182 or just show up!
Gluten FreeBanana Bread
Judy Miller, ChefFranciscan Retreats
and Spirituality Center
Ingredients:
½ cup canola oil1 cup of sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1 ½ cups gluten free flour*1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt1 cup mashed banana½ cup chopped nuts½ cup sour cream
Directions:
Grease one large loaf panCream oil, sugar, eggs and vanillaAdd dry ingredients, bananas, nuts and sour creamMix wellBake 350° F one hour
*My favorite gluten free flour is ‘Cup 4 Cup’
Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
New Bedspreads – MODEL SUITEWe are very blessed to have had a benefactor donate new bedspreads for the retreat center rooms (pictured). The classic pattern creates an inviting yet soothing ambiance in the rooms that spills over to the retreat center in general.
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPRIOR LAKE, MNPERMIT NO. 31
16385 Saint Francis LanePrior Lake, Minnesota 55372-2220952.447.2182952.447.2170 Fax
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Facebook & YouTube www.facebook.com/franciscanretreatspriorlakewww.youtube.com/user/franciscanretreats
july 2016Franciscan RETREATS AND S P I R I T U A L I T Y CENTER
50th AnniversaryKEEPSAKE EDITION 1966-2016
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE…
“Celebrating 50 Years” 1966-2016For 50 years in Prior Lake, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a spiritual oasis where retreatants recharge mentally and physically, explore their faith, learn from the saints and hear the Spirit’s voice.
We hope you enjoy this issue that shows where we’ve been, where we are now and where, God willing, we hope to be going.
Please join us for our
50th Anniversary CELEBRATIONJuly 17, 2016
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Homecoming Tent Event – Mass on the Grass – July 17th. Open outdoor Mass at 11:00 AM, events and activities immediately following. This is a summer open house featuring returning friars, directors, employees, retreatants, friends of the retreat center and those totally new to the retreat center. Chicken dinners, family activities, tours of the retreat center, live music, face painting, ‘bounce house’ door prizes, and more. Friar John Bamman will be teaching participants
of all ages how to make Catholic Paracord ‘survival bracelets.’ Artists will be creating landscape oil paintings live on retreat center grounds. The retreat center itself will be open for tours and viewing of historical displays, or just for relaxing while strolling the retreat center grounds. Franciscan Priest Fr. Richard Kaley, a Friar of the same province as the Friars of Prior Lake and pastor of St. Bonaventure parish in Bloomington, Minnesota, will be the principal celebrant. An engaging and thoughtful homilist, Fr. Richard, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota, has served as a pastor, provincial Vocation Director, Novice Director, and Vicar Provincial in his 40+ years as a Franciscan priest. Fr. Richard also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Retreat Center.
Life Transitions and our Journey of Faith – A 50TH ANNIVERSARY REFLECTION – by Fr Jim Van Dorn
A retreat center is a place where one can set time apart to reflect and pray about where his or her life is going. And what are the means one needs to continue the faith journey? In more practical terms we need forgiveness, healing and purpose for our future. Over the past fifty years, Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center has been a haven of hope for many people seeking the wisdom necessary to make the right decisions as they experience life transitions in their journey of faith.In my four assignments dating back to the seventies, a common thread uniting all those persons past and present is that of a love for the Franciscans and their unique approach to the Gospel.It is said that the secret of a life well lived is not in counting the years but
making the years count. Experiencing a retreat once a year can lead to joyful conscious living, helping a person make the most of each day, week, month and year. May the years ahead be filled with Faith, Hope and Love for all who are a part of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.
Fr Jim Van Dorn
Labyrinth designs were etched into the floors of some of the great cathedrals in Europe in the Middle Ages. The most famous of these is the Chartres Labyrinth, which was completed in 1201, but there are others in Spain, Italy and Algeria. In 1994, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, installed a tapestry labyrinth indoors with an outdoor terrazzo labyrinth the following year. The number of labyrinths has exploded in the last ten years, causing labyrinth expert, Jeffrey Saward to note that more labyrinths have been constructed in the last several years than in any time in the past.
In the last twenty five years, there has been renewed interest in the labyrinth as a means to facilitate prayer and reflection. On her website, www.pathsofpeace.com, Lisa Moriarty posts the following: “A sign of God is that we are led to a place we did not intend to go.” Anonymous. “This is a perfect description of my labyrinthine journey, and one that is shared by many others. The labyrinth seems to find us, we are led to it and it leads us to places and people we would not otherwise discover.”
While there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, the best way to approach the labyrinth walk is with an open heart and an open spirit. One may enter the labyrinth with a particular intention in mind and pray for that intention as s/he walks it or one may pray a simple prayer repeatedly, e.g., The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Or perhaps a line from the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear. Perhaps no words are appropriate for your walk; give yourself the gift of walking in silence and of listening, seeing, and feeling wherever the Almighty calls to you in that moment.
The Labyrinth is located to the left of the Friars’ garage near the edge of the woods. There are two benches nearby to help you pinpoint its location.
Labyrinth Installation (continued)
Even though the new bedspreads stand well on their own, as often happens when one part of a room is updated, the new bedspreads gave rise to thoughts of other improvements to our rooms.
In light of that we have created one model suite, (rooms 2&4 in our St. Clare wing) with new bedspreads, updated drapes (without those challenging cords) and an updated sink with counter space for spreading out personal items. This suite will be open for viewing during our July 17th open house. The bedspreads are in use fully throughout the retreat center right now.
Are you a friend of the retreat center that would like to volunteer on July 17? Please call the office at 952-447-2182.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
“May the Lord give you peace.” St. Francis of AssisiVisit us on the web at www.FranciscanRetreats.netRegister for the July 17th Anniversary Event
by calling 952-447-2182 or just show up!
Gluten FreeBanana Bread
Judy Miller, ChefFranciscan Retreats
and Spirituality Center
Ingredients:
½ cup canola oil1 cup of sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1 ½ cups gluten free flour*1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt1 cup mashed banana½ cup chopped nuts½ cup sour cream
Directions:
Grease one large loaf panCream oil, sugar, eggs and vanillaAdd dry ingredients, bananas, nuts and sour creamMix wellBake 350° F one hour
*My favorite gluten free flour is ‘Cup 4 Cup’