The Franciscan Center offers an environment of peace, simplicity and hospitality for all those seeking spiritual renewal. We welcome people from all faiths to come and find acceptance, peace and healing and to listen to God amidst the beauty of creation.

The Center is a private, non-profit retreat house staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY and dedicated laity who are assisted by loyal volunteers in carrying out their ministry. Throughout the year, various professional retreat directors assist the staff in offering group programs and private retreats. The Center also is available for groups wishing to host their retreat or meeting here.

RETREAT IN EVERYDAY LIFE

January 2012 - May 2012

This retreat offers the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with God’s loving presence in our busy lives, to claim more fully our own unique vocations as followers of Jesus, and to explore our living this out in our day-to-day activities. It involves a commitment to 45 minutes to an hour of prayer a day, an opening and closing retreat day, twice monthly evening gatherings, and twice monthly meetings with a spiritual director. The retreat will draw on themes from Ignatius of Loyola and Francis and Clare of Assisi.

With Sister Mary Arghittu, OSF, Rev. Bill Cooley, Maureen Connors, PhD and Carol Mitchell, PhD

January 14, 9 am-3 pm

January 24, 7-9 pm

February 7, 7-9 pm

February 21, 7-9 pm

March 13, 7-9 pm

March 27, 7-9 pm

April 10, 7-9 pm

April 24, 7-9 pm

May 5, 9 am-3 pm

Fee: $500 (Inquire about scholarships and/or flexible payment schedules.)

With Father Michael Crosby

Photo by loriBphotography.com

LUNCH WITH PAM IORIO: Developing Your Inner Leader

February 28, 2012, 12 noon – 1:30 pm

During this special program, former Mayor of Tampa Pam Iorio will share the essential elements of straightforward leadership and the qualities that define exceptional leaders: honesty and humility, a positive attitude, a measured and thoughtful approach, the ability to admit mistakes and accept responsibility, competing without excuses, resiliency, showing respect for others, and the careful use of power.

Register ASAP! Seating is limited!

Cost: $45 (Includes presentation, lunch, Q&A, and a personalized, signed copy of Straightforward: Ways to Live and Lead!)

Register online, call 813-229-2695 or email Info@FranciscanCenterTampa.org

About Pam Iorio

Pam Iorio, former two-term Mayor of Tampa, is a leadership speaker and author of Straightforward: Ways to Live and Lead. She is also the Leader in Residence at the John H. Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa where she guest lectures on leadership.

VALENTINE’S EVENING: To Know You is to Love You

February 14, 6 - 9 pm

With Reverends Jean and Bill Cooley

The greatest gift that couples can give each other is the gift of honest, intimate communication. We will (re)learn and practice speaking from our hearts, minds, and intentions and listening to each other with our whole selves.  Join us for prayer, a festive dinner, presentations and a chance to have a conversation that matters on Valentine’s Day in the serene atmosphere of the Franciscan Center.

Fee: $50 per couple

Join Us for Monthly Sabbath Days to Renew Your Spirit:
January 26, February 23, March 22, 2012

Join us once a month, generally the fourth Thursday of each month (third Thursdays in November and December), for a special Sabbath Day of rest and renewal.

You may choose to spend all or a portion of the day in quiet reflection or participate in one of several groups meeting throughout the day, including Gentle Yoga, Women’s Spirituality Circle, and the Writing Circle.

Sabbath Day is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional Mass at 1:30 p.m. (please call to confirm). These days are the Franciscan Center’s gift to you, so we offer them without charge. Donations are accepted.

Help the Franciscan Center When You Place An Order on Amazon

Ordering a book, DVD, laptop--or anything else--on Amazon.com? Please use this link through our Amazon bookstore to place your order.

You'll still get your great Amazon discount, and we'll get a small rebate! Please bookmark our link and pass it along to your family, friends and colleagues.

Thank you in advance for supporting the Franciscan Center!