It was written that Francis of Assisi could be heard in prayer asking, “Who are you, Lord, and who am I?” Clare of Assisi would use the word “ineffable” (inexpressible, indefinable) when contemplating God’s love and goodness. In both cases, their Franciscan journeys are marked by Mystery. We search to "know," even while we cannot… Continue Reading Engaging the Mystery – A Retreat

Many of us are caregivers, whether for free or for a wage. We care for people nearby or those who are far away. Regardless of who you’re looking after, whether it’s children or elderly adults or if you work in healthcare, this retreat is for you. It is hard work, which makes caring for yourself… Continue Reading Replenish: A Retreat for Caregivers at Prairie woods (in person)

Author and speaker Sandra Hartlieb will guide you on your spiritual odyssey to find happiness- our perfect state of being! This entertaining and informative reflection is packed with drama, humor, and storytelling. Through simple, repeatable "keys," Sandra will help you unlock the kind of happiness that is not fleeting or superficial. Learn how to live… Continue Reading In Hot Pursuit: 7 Keys to Unlock True Happiness

Join the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for a prayer service in Kirkwood Park on Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 pm. During Laudato Si’ Week (May 19 -26) we celebrate Seeds of Hope as we commemorate the ninth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. We will gather at Walker Lake Parking… Continue Reading Seeds of Hope prayer service

Experience a day of renewal and relaxation. Take time out of your busy schedule to spend some quiet time on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis. Explore our library, grab a comfy chair, read, journal, or just gaze out the window. Experience Spiritual Direction with a Sister.  Spend time to center and renew… Continue Reading A Day of Quiet Renewal

Join Jungian Analyst and Clinical Psychologists, S. Olga Wittekind, PhD & Claire Sherman, PhD, as they discuss Jungian topics in our new Friday Jungian Series, “Caring for the Soul.” They have put together a wonderful collection of Jungian topics to explore, such as: wholeness & spirituality, archetypes, relationships, dream interpretation, fairy tales & myths, active… Continue Reading Conversations on All Things Jungian: Caring for the Soul

Perhaps you’ve participated for years in Prairiewoods’ Silent Directed Retreats. Or maybe you have seen these advertised and considered scheduling one for yourself, but aren’t sure what a Silent Directed Retreat is. If you’ve participated in a Silent Directed Retreat, we welcome you back. If you’ve never participated in a retreat like this, we invite… Continue Reading The Power of Silence: June Silent Directed Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

In 2024 the Franciscan Federation is engaging in A Year of Listening & Learning to offer members the opportunity to voice their aspirations and desires for the Federation. As the Transformation Process comes to completion, the National Board and Staff view the input of our members as vital to the ongoing growth and development of the Federation. In addition, hear… Continue Reading June Virtual Listening & Learning Session

Our retreat journey will lead us to set aside these days of quiet to let God find us. We will turn to the wonders of God’s incredible love and desire to be one with us. Part 1: Thursday, June 13 at 6:00pm – Sunday, June 16 at Noon This retreat will focus on how deeply… Continue Reading Who is this God for Whom I Long? How Deeply God Loves | A Retreat

“Dare we pick up the pieces of our heart as it is broken open time and again and reshape those bits into a greater capacity to hold more—more suffering, more love, more grief, and more joy. More of the rich hues and deeply textured fabric of a life lived fully,” writes Leah Rampy in Earth… Continue Reading Earth Blessings: Reweaving Connections to Kith & Kin Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

Perhaps you’ve participated for years in Prairiewoods’ Silent Directed Retreats. Or maybe you have seen these advertised and considered scheduling one for yourself, but aren’t sure what a Silent Directed Retreat is. If you’ve participated in a Silent Directed Retreat, we welcome you back. If you’ve never participated in a retreat like this, we invite… Continue Reading The Power of Silence: July Silent Directed Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

The Mystic Poets interlace our desire for human love with our thirst for the Divine. By having a wild love for the Radiant One, our passion for others is expressed and experienced in everything that is done and in all of life's encounters. We feel it in the way we worship and in the way… Continue Reading A Sacred Romance: Drawing Near to the Heart of God