Advent Preparation Retreat: The Universe is Our Story
The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls will host an Advent Preparation Retreat: The Universe is Our Story on November 6-8, 2025, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls (also by Zoom).
This retreat is inspired by The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story, a trilogy by Jennifer Morgan which explains creation from the very beginning of the universe. Illustrator Dana Lynne Anderson’s colorful, beautiful art inspires scientific and spiritual meditation. Tricia McMahon, DMin and Sister Michelle L’Allier, OSF lead the daily sessions, calling forth unimagined possibilities of faith, hope and love.
Daily Sessions - In person or by Zoom
Session 1: 9-10:15 a.m.
Session 2: 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Themes
Day 1 - Thurs., Nov. 6: Presence
God immersed into Nature/Cosmos. Where and how do you see experience God-showing-in-nature? Who am I in this cosmic universe?
Day 2 - Fri., Nov. 7: Spirit Filled
Cosmos/Earth responds to God/Spirit. How do you know it is God/Spirit?
Day 3 - Sat., Nov. 8: Cosmic Christ
Incarnating the Cosmic person of Christ. What is ours to do?
There is no fee to participate but registration is required by October 31. Contact Kari Lamb: 320-632-0680; FLCEvents@fslf.org. For information about overnight accommodations, contact Shelly Bombard: 320-632-0613; sbombard@fslf.org. All are welcome.
Franciscan Sisters host tree care class and biochar demonstration
The Franciscan Sisters will host two free events on Wednesday, November 12, on their campus in Little Falls, 116 8th Ave. SE.
Learn the basics of tree care and trimming with arborist Zack Clark of Environmental Advantage. Then join experts from Great River Greening, a leading Minnesota-based land and water conservation organization, to learn how to use a biochar kiln. We’ll have two on site—the kilns convert brush piles into biochar as a cleaner burning alternative to open pile burning. Biochar reduces pollution and improves soil health and structure, enhances water retention, and boosts nutrient availability. See https://www.greatrivergreening.org/biochar for biochar information.
The tree care class begins at 10:30 a.m. in St. Francis Hall and continues with a tree trimming demonstration. Then at 11:30 we’ll move to the biochar kilns, on the south end of St. Francis campus, for a presentation and demonstration on biochar.
Great River Greening staff will be working the kilns and be available until 3:30 that afternoon.
Join us for one or both of these free events. Registration is requested.
Register for Biochar Demonstration
This course is full please contact FLCEvents@fslf.org to be added to a waiting list and learn about other offerings.
Engaging Franciscan Spirituality
transforming, uplifting, and equipping you for life's journey
Are you seeking a more embodied and meaningful life? Engaging Franciscan Spirituality is a program led by experienced teachers, rooted in a Franciscan way of being in the world. It is designed to deepen spirituality, build community and explore a path of following in the footprints of Francis and Clare and the many others who followed. Topics include contemplative prayer practices, peacemaking and social justice, the Franciscan view of Trinity and Incarnation, and more.
Sessions are held on the second Saturday of each month for 18 months, in-person at the Franciscan Welcoming House, 1600 S 11th Avenue in St. Cloud, MN.
First session is January 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon; all other sessions are 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $349; scholarships are available
For questions and registration, contact FLCEvents@fslf.org, 320.632.0680
