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.

Dear Visitors: The Columbus Drive Bridge is closed for repairs from February 21 to June 18, 2012. Click here for updated directions to the center.

PRAY AS YOU ARE, NOT AS YOU CAN'T

June 8, 5 pm – June 10, 12 pm

Sister Nivia Arias, FMA

Having trouble with prayer? Are you trying to pray the “right” way? Spend a weekend discovering the many ways to pray and come closer to God. The weekend will include practicing prayer styles,Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, reflective time and rest. 

Fee: $160 Single room; $125 Shared room; $100 Commuter

$50 non-refundable deposit required

EXPLORING THE SACRED FEMININE ACROSS CULTURES: Prayers, Rituals and Customs

June 11, 7-9 pm

Maureen Connors, PhD, Carol Mitchell, PhD

World cultures and religions are rich with images of the Sacred Feminine. Together we will explore the different qualities of the feminine face of God that emerge. There will be an opportunity to experience a taste of the prayers, rituals, and customs to be found in world traditions.

Fee: $20

CONSCIOUS CONTACT MINI-RETREAT: Receiving and Giving: Essentials of a Spiritual Life

June 13, 5–8 pm

Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF

For some people, giving is easy while they find it hard to receive. For others, giving is the challenge. To grow spiritually we need to receive and give over and over again.This program, which focuses on Step 11 of AA and the other 12 Step Programs, will examine receiving and giving with emphasis on improving our conscious contact with God.

$25.00 (includes dinner)

DIRECTED RETREAT

June 15, 5 pm – June 22, 1 pm

This one-on-one retreat experience enables the retreatant to spend time in silence and prayerful reflection with the spirit.  Each person is guided by a director and together they share the life experiences and insights that are a present part of the retreatant’s faith journey.  Eucharist is celebrated daily. 

Fee: $495.00 Single room; $350.00 Commuter

$50 non-refundable deposit required. Space is limited; early registration is advised.

LIVING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE

July 6, 5 pm - July 8, 12 pm

Terry Hershey

Every person has the freedom, and the permission, to discover and embrace what has always been there: an authentic self, vital and human. A place of sanctuary, grace, passion, creativity, trust, laughter, wonder and delight.

Renewing your passion
Finding your voice
Practicing self-nurture
Creating balance
Embracing life-giving choices

This is a retreat for people who love life. And for people who wish to love life but are temporarily stymied. At times we are captives to busyness, disappointment, exhaustion, anger, apathy, an excess of caution, or even a good reputation, and we carry around an unused life – as if life is a savings bond to be withdrawn only when mandatory. Join us on this journey to passion and purpose.

Fee: $200.00 Single room; $175.00 Shared room

Register with a $50.00 deposit. Balance due 10 days prior to retreat.

For more information on Terry Hershey, please visit: www.terryhershey.com

ENHANCING OUR LIVES IN THE SACRED MOMENT: All We Have Is All We Need

July 13, 5 pm - July 15, 12 pm

Karen Casey

Through presentations coupled with small group discussions, participants will learn how to appreciate and develop more loving and fruitful relationships with self and others.

Fee: $170 Single room; $135 Shared room

$50 non-refundable deposit required

Join Us for Monthly Praying With Mandalas: A Way To Expand Your Spiritual Practices
May 15, June 19, 2012

This monthly prayer time invites you to open your mind and heart to the possibilities of the mandala for your growth in prayer. If you have created some mandalas, bring them along. Materials will be provided if you do not have your own.

Fee: Donation

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!