• 01 - 02 May 2026
  • La Crosse, WI, USA

Abundantly Available Grace: Living With Wonder and Awe

Join us for an in person weekend retreat. Through individual written reflection and group interaction, you will have opportunities and time to recognize the grace that is always abundantly available, that wonder and awe are pathways to your inner teacher.

Personal renewal allows us to live with self-acceptance, gratitude, compassion and the acceptance of grace. The possibilities are in every moment, with each thought, in every action. Through individual written reflection and group interaction, you will have opportunities and time to recognize the grace that is always abundantly available. Our time together will include silence, guided discussion and experiences with poetry, wisdom tradition essays and art. Claim time for your own personal renewal while strengthening a sense of community with those present.

There will be opportunities to experience the practices of the Courage & Renewal approach to:

  • Revitalize your commitment to the core values that give meaning to your life and work.
  • Learn reflective practices to become more self-aware and intentional.
  • Discover a process for discernment to reach clarity around deeper questions of identity and integrity.
  • Expand your capacity to build trustworthy and authentic relationships.
  • Improve your ability to listen openly and be present.
  • Continue to find truth and healing in your own life and in your relationships.

You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.”
~Kahlil Gibran

Each day of renewal will include creating a quiet, focused, and enlivened space where personal, inner wisdom can be heard. There will be a mix of time spent in large group, small group, and individual reflection along with poetry, teaching stories, wisdom traditions, nature, and activities for exploration.  

We will use these experiences and other rich metaphors to symbolize, discover and explore life questions.  Together, we will experience creating spaces in our lives to tend and nurture our desire to live fully with courage and resilience. 

Our time together is aligned with the mission of the Center for Courage & Renewal to “… nurture deep integrity and relational trust, building the foundation for a more loving, equitable, and healthy world.”

The Courage & Renewal® approach is based on the work of Parker J. Palmer, Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal, a world-renowned writer, speaker and activist. 

Please explore the principles, practices and resources from the Center for Courage & Renewal: https://couragerenewal.org/courage-renewal-approach/ 

Amy Christianson will join Mary Louise Peters in creating a welcoming safe space. Amy has recently completed the Courage & Renewal Practicum Program. She has a long professional career in education within early childhood, PreK-12 and higher education settings. Amy’s background includes educational leadership, organizational change and working with diverse populations.

Friday
Retreat: 7:00 – 9:00 pm (snacks and beverages provided)
Saturday
Breakfast is provided in the cafeteria for overnight guests staying at FSC
Retreat: 9:00 am – 5 pm (morning and afternoon snacks provided; lunch is provided for all who have registered for the retreat).

If you are staying onsite for the weekend, please plan to arrive with ample time to check-in for lodging. Check-in opens at 3:00 pm (Central Time-US)

For Commuters and those who staying Overnight:
Please arrive in the retreat room a few minutes early for our on-time beginning each day.

https://www.fscenter.org/

The Franciscan Spirituality Center is a sacred place of peace and hospitality for those seeking spiritual renewal, personal and professional growth, healing, transformation and deeper self-awareness. We offer retreats and programs, spiritual direction for groups and individuals, mindfulness workshops, qigong and yoga classes, opportunities for artistic expression and an innovative three-year training program to help people become compassionate, nonjudgmental listeners. People of all faith background and traditions (or none) are welcome.

Costs: Investment
Overnight: $190, includes private bedroom, breakfast and lunch on Saturday
Commuter: $110, includes lunch on Saturday

Scholarships: https://www.fscenter.org/content/contact-us/scholarships

In the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, we honor and respect everyone in their search for spiritual healing, growth and renewal. We will not turn anyone away because of inability to pay. There are no forms to fill out, and your request will be held in confidence.

Join us for a small taste of what it’s like to join a Circle of Trust(R).

https://fsc.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26SWD10617

Your investment is one hour of your time. Donations are accepted.

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