Franciscan Renewal Center

09/11/2026

Join us for a Potluck, Popcorn, and Peace Movie Matinee!

The Peace Ministry welcomes you to celebrate International Peace Day on Saturday, September 19 by attending our Potluck, Popcorn and Peace Movie, “We Feed People.” This popular daytime event opens its doors at Noon and concludes at 3:30 pm. The event includes a potluck-shared meal, the movie, and lively table-top and full group discussion. You are invited to bring a potluck food item.

“We Feed People” is a 2022 American documentary film directed by Ron Howard that chronicles how chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) rebuild nations in the wake of disaster, providing food to those affected. This 90-minute film spotlights WCK’s evolution over a 12-year period, from being a scrappy group of volunteers to becoming one of the most highly-regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector. This is an important story that operates on the premise that a simple bowl of food is a universal language. In emergency zones, ensuring people do not starve is an essential precursor to initiating diplomatic or reconstruction efforts. Food is a foundational tool to stabilize communities, restore human dignity in conflict and crisis zones, and cultivate hope.

"We Feed People" was released by National Geographic Documentary Films. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.

"In every disaster zone where we cook for the many, we find that a plate of food is never just a meal on a dish. It is a plate of hope: a message from the community that someone, somewhere cares." – José Andrés

To register, visit https://frc.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26SCN79287

09/09/2026

All Casa volunteers must renew their Safe Environment Training online each year.

Before your renewal is due to expire, you’ll receive an email from CMG (Catholic Mutual Group.)

The process is simple — just visit www.thecasa.org/volunteer and click on the Safe Environment Training button.

If you run into any trouble or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jenifer Tull-Gauger, Director of Volunteer Talent, at [email protected]. She is always happy to help!

09/09/2026

Therapy, Support, and Counseling Ministry (TSCM)

thecasa.org/tscm

TSCM offers donation-based professional behavioral health therapy to help individuals, couples, and families cope with life’s challenges — such as relationship issues, stress, depression/anxiety, and personal growth.

For more information, contact Ryan Sheade, LCSW, Director of Therapy, Support and Counseling Ministry, at [email protected]

09/07/2026

As we close the first year of our five-year strategic plan, I am grateful for the steady progress we are making at the Franciscan Renewal Center, affectionately known as the Casa. The plan gives practical direction to our mission through clear objectives and purposeful action, all firmly rooted in our Catholic faith and Franciscan tradition.

Our four objectives center on inspiring committed belonging and intentional faith, deepening understanding of our mission, securing the resources needed to sustain it, and enhancing our campus as a restorative place for mind, body, and spirit. Together, they guide the work we are doing today while supporting the Casa's longer-term Vision 2050.

One way this work is unfolding is through renewed emphasis on a ministry of presence. At its heart, this means becoming better "noticers" of people — recognizing who may be new, who may feel alone, or who may need a welcoming word and a sense of connection. It may sound simple, but it expresses something essential about who we are. A strategic plan matters most when it brings something meaningful into people's lives.

I hope you will come to our first Strategic Plan Community Update on October 1. Everything we do is through the collective efforts of the friars, staff, board, and our dedicated community members. Your generous care and support for the Casa is a blessing.

— Charles Brown, Executive Director

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from the Franciscan Renewal Center!

As a reminder, we are closed today and will not have daily Mass.

09/06/2026

https://www.youtube.com/live/sH-JQz545MA?si=-KgYSWA8HriYeEyY

Please consider making your donations to the Casa online https://qr...

09/05/2026

“If compassion is the language of God, so often human language is that of indifference," said Pope Francis in one of his reflections.

Pope Francis would often invite the faithful to open their hearts to compassion.
Compassion allows us to see reality. Pope Francis said that compassion “is like the lens of the heart." Compassion allows us to take in and truly come to grips with that which is actually going on around us: real events, real people.

Jesus is often moved by compassion in the Gospel narratives. Pope Francis went on to say that “compassion, we have come to say, is the weakness of God, but it is also His strength.”

Compassion is not to be confused simply as a feeling of pity; true compassion takes hold when we get involved in the problems of others.

Drawing from the Gospels, we can say that the multiplication of loaves occurred because Jesus was compassionate toward the huge, hungry crowds that had gathered to listen to Him, while the disciples simply wanted to send the people home to get their own food.

Jesus spoke the language of compassion, which motivated His involvement in this miracle of the multiplication of loaves, while His disciples, who wanted a quick fix, spoke the language of indifference.

You and I also have that choice in our lives. We can choose to get involved with others and the problematic events that may go on around us, or simply say, “It’s none of my business.” Or, “I’d rather not get involved.” Both reflect the language of indifference. Or we can learn to speak and act with compassion, the language of God.

Peace and Good,
Deacon Hervé Lemire, OFM Affiliate

09/04/2026

RENEWAL | September 6, 2026

RENEWAL:https://8be9065a-086e-451b-ac9d-aec7bb76a53f.filesusr.com/ugd/a9757f_e5e6679eb3014846bb21f8e51ee425c0.pdf

Worship Aid: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mQFe5TYOCKmnExFdfwzbjlt5MYhsGCxI/view

09/04/2026

Sign up for A Brush with God, December 3 – 6!

In Advent, we often set our attention on the coming of the Baby Jesus in the manger. But Advent also invites us to remember Christ as the Lord of History, who will return to bring everything to completion. He is both Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

In December, we will paint an image of Jesus as Lord of History, using an icon by Ruberval Monteiro, OSB as our prototype. His icons are both traditional and contemporary, often incorporating patterns and textures into his work. Join us for a weekend of prayerful painting and community under the guidance of Peter Pearson, who has been a presenter at the Casa for over 30 years.

We work Thursday evening after dinner, Friday evening after dinner, all day Saturday (9 am - 4 pm), and half-day Sunday (1 - 4 pm). There will be additional times available to work on a second icon for those who are interested. This is completely optional.

To register, visit https://frc.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26AER77094

09/04/2026

Join us for an in-person monthly gathering of women on the second Saturday of each month. Be inspired to delve more deeply into an intentional faith. The gatherings will feature a guest speaker who will discuss an aspect of feminine spirituality, women in the Bible, female saints, a personal witness from a life in ministry, or another topic that is relevant to the group.

The Women’s Ministry offers women a space to grow their relationship with God through reflective discussion gatherings, social events, activities, and programs. Women’s Ministry is a part of Casa Faith Formation and is open to all women 18 & up.

To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/262384845935066