Upcoming Events & Retreats
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: August
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage
Come and share the Franciscan Joy of Jubilee! On the fourth Sunday of each month until October 3rd, we will offer a Mass for Pilgrims at 10am and a Holy Hour in the San Damiano Chapel at 3pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during the afternoon time. This month, the theme is "Soul Care and Creation Care."
Please register if you would like to stay for brunch or dinner.
B.L.A.C.K. Women Retreat: “Leading Through Grief”
B.L.A.C.K. Women’s Leadership Retreat: “Leading Through Grief”
The B.L.A.C.K. Women’s Leadership Retreat is a three day, two-night retreat specifically curated for Black women leaders who are on their grief journey no matter your career, industry, life stage, or leadership role. The retreat is a curated space of Belonging, Loving, Accepting, Communing, & Knowing to support you, your purpose, and your work.
The retreat is shaped for leaders who are grieving various losses, not just those who have experienced the death of a loved one. We would love to welcome Black women from across the country to pause and reflect on their grief journey, as they share and get support for their leadership journey in a safe and affirming community. We want to support and celebrate wherever you are on your life and leadership journey.
Grief is not something we are meant to journey through alone. Will you join us?
Retreat Leaders
Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson: President and CEO of T3 Leadership Solutions
Natasha Smith: author and certified Grief Coach
Cost
$1500
Register by July 15, 2026.
Click below to visit the event website for details and registration.
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in the Natural World
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in the Natural World
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Turning Toward Trust — Letting Go & Trusting the Turn: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God
Turning Toward Trust — Letting Go & Trusting the Turn: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Fall Season)
For this fall pilgrimage, the theme is Letting Go & Trusting the Turn. As the leaves fall, learn to release with grace. This pilgrimage centers on surrender, trust, and the peace found in change.
This one-day pilgrimage invites you to pause and be fully present — to notice how even the simplest moments can become sacred. Through prayer, reflection, silence, and time in nature, you will be invited to listen deeply for God’s presence and guidance.
Please bring a 4” x 6” photo of yourself—either a current photo or one from another chapter of your life. During our morning reflection, we will use the photo as part of a simple contemplative art experience. For best results, choose a photo where you are the primary focus, taking up at least 50% of the image. All other materials will be provided.
Come away for a sacred day of pilgrimage. Slow down. Listen deeply. Trust the turn. God is already waiting for you on the path.
*This pilgrimage is designed for those longing to step away from the noise and busyness of daily life. Participants should expect periods of silence, personal reflection, prayer, nature immersion, journaling, and a transformative guided group labyrinth walk. This is not a workshop or conference, but a contemplative experience intended to create space for a deeper encounter between you and God.
This sacred gathering is part of Walking Through the Seasons of Life: A One-Day Pilgrimage Series — four seasonal walks designed to help you pause, listen, and walk with God through the changing seasons of your soul.
Retreat Leader
Sherrine Washington, Advanced Trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Cost
$50 (Value $100)
World Peace Day
World Peace Day 2026
Please join us for World Peace Day on September 21. This year, we are delighted to have Michelle Sherman speak and lead our event as we explore peace and non-violence in the Bible. In addition to hearing from Michelle, the day will include lunch, discussion, and an interfaith prayer service. We will raise our voices simultaneously with people from around the globe on this day to pray for Peace in our world.
Michelle Sherman is the Program Director for Pax Christi USA, the national catholic peace movement. She works with Pax Christi International's global Catholic Non-violence Initiative. She co-founded the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus (PCYAC) for peacemakers in their 20's & 30's, and Peace Pairs, a mutual co-accompaniment program among generations of peacemakers. Michelle serves on the boards of Bridgefolk and Pace e Bene. Michelle is a retreat presenter and spiritual director.
Cost
Suggested Donation: $25
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: Retreat in Everyday Life
St. Francis Springs Prayer Center will offer the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola as a nine-month Retreat in Everyday Life, beginning on September 26th 2026.
Under Fil Anderson's guidance, six participants will be invited to dedicate about an hour each day to prayer and to meet with Fil individually each week. Fil will provide support throughout the nine month experience. Additionally, four optional group sessions, available in person or online, will offer encouragement and build community.
The Spiritual Exercises are a collection of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices designed to deepen one’s relationship with God. Rooted in St. Ignatius Loyola’s personal prayer experiences in the 1520s, the Exercises invite participants to a profound encounter with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this transformative journey, individuals grow in love for Christ and discover a deeper sense of discipleship.
The Retreat in Everyday Life (known as the "19th Annotation"), is best suited for individuals who:
Have made at least one silent retreat
Maintain a habit of daily contemplative prayer
Are familiar with Sacred Scripture
Have experience in ongoing spiritual direction
Because this retreat requires a significant time commitment and openness to accompaniment, participation is by application only. No payment is collected until after an interview and acceptance.
Space is limited! Apply any time before August 15th, 2026. Applications will be accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.
Applications Open Until September 15th.
Retreat Cost
$1500
Retreat Schedule
1. Meet as a group on Saturday, September 26th, at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center
2. Meet one-on-one weekly, in person or via Zoom, with Fil
3. Final meeting in May 2027 at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center
About the Facilitator
Fil Anderson is a spiritual director, author, speaker, and retreat leader. He received his Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Training from the Jesuit Institute South Africa and is equipped to accompany others through the Full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in daily life or in a residential retreat setting. He and his wife have been married for fifty years and live in Greensboro, NC. They have three married adult children and four grandchildren, who bring them joy and inspiration.
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: September
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage
Come and share the Franciscan Joy of Jubilee! On the fourth Sunday of each month until October 3rd, we will offer a Mass for Pilgrims at 10am and a Holy Hour in the San Damiano Chapel at 3pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during the afternoon time. This month, the theme is "Embracing Death as ultimate serenity."
Please register if you would like to stay for brunch or dinner.
Can You Drink the Cup?
“Can You Drink the Cup?” Retreat
You won't want to miss this insightful retreat with Peter Strafaci as he presents the spiritual challenge presented to us in Matthew 20:20-23. We will explore the question "Can You Drink The Cup?" and o
ur willingness to "drink" life's joys and sorrows as Jesus did in his life, death and resurrection.
Peter has created 100 chalices in prayerful preparation for this retreat. He will lead an exploration of the practical steps in journeying, accepting and understanding the drinking from your own chalice.
Join us for an afternoon of teaching and reflection. Lunch is included with this retreat.
Cost
$40
Retreat Leader
Peter Strafaci
Peter is a former Long Island Sr. High School art teacher and school district administrator who retired in 1998 and relocated to North Carolina. He has been teaching an adult pottery class for Art Alliance of Greensboro for the past 18 years. Influenced by the writings of Henri Nouwen, Peter incorporates his pottery craft into spiritual retreats and demonstrations. His 100 individually handcrafted clay chalices is part of a touring exhibit/talk that he started in 2013. Peter has a long history at St. Francis Springs from its earliest beginnings where he has coordinated and led retreats.
Transitus: 800th Anniversary of St. Francis’ Death
Transitus: Celebration of the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis’ Death
The global Franciscan family and the Franciscan Family of Greensboro invite you to celebrate the Transitus of St. Francis at SFSPC. This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis. Come celebrate with the Transitus service on Saturday, October 3rd from 4-6pm.
Schedule
4pm - Transitus service in the Chapel at St. Francis Springs
5pm - Procession to San Damiano (Glass Chapel) - weather permitting
5:30pm - Procession with the icon of St. Francis to the Columbarium - weather permitting
Come early to get a seat, and please register if you plan to stay for dinner. The cost of dinner is $25.
Indigenous People's Day
Indigenous People’s Day
Join us as we honor Indigenous People’s Day under the guidance of Ian Parks. We will begin the day with Mass at 10am, have brunch, and then participate in discussion and reflection from 11:30am-3pm. The theme will be The Original American.
Cost
$25
About Ian Parks
Ian Parks is a military veteran who has served five years in the United States Air Force. While fighting for his country, Ian jumped into the Information Technology field becoming a system administrator. Ian still makes time to work with teenagers within his community. Ian has worked with The Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters along with several other non-profit organizations involved with youth development. With 15+ years experience working with Teenagers in the community, Ian has not only started his own non-profit organization “After School Special”, but has also recently released his first book “Gap Year” to continue to serve teenagers who want to reach their full potential in life.
Christianity (De)constructs Racism
The Christianity Deconstructs Racism Retreat focusses on how the Christianity of Jesus is a powerful deconstructive force against America’s original sin of racism. As racism evolves, Christians continue to be challenged to either speak out or remain silent believing that nothing can be done to combat and overcome its evil reality. The anti-racism content presented in this retreat is grounded in equity-based models and covers systemic racism, historical racism, white privilege and other anti-racist understandings. The theological content is drawn from readings and interpretation of the Scriptures with close readings of the texts and Biblical stories that enabled African Americans to remain unapologetically Christian and unashamedly Black.
This retreat will be lead by Rev Dr. M. Keith Daniel. The Rev. Dr. M. Keith Daniel is a Christian Community Development practitioner and consultant to nonprofit organizations, churches and educational institutions. In 2017, he launched Madison Consulting, LLC.
He is the board chair for DurhamCares, Inc. and serves on the board of StepUp Durham and the School for Conversion in Durham, N.C. Before that, Daniel served as the executive director of operations and strategic partnerships for StepUp North Carolina and as executive director of DurhamCares. He also served as a minister at Duke University Chapel.
Daniel is ordained in the American Baptist Church and earned B.A., M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Duke University as well as a master's degree from North Carolina State University.
Silent Retreat
Silent Retreat
Do you find yourself needing to step away from the noise of the world—or longing for a place of deep rest?
A weekend invitation awaits: to step away with God into silence, just before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. Allow yourself to gently release your usual routines and enter into the gift of silence, contemplation, and reflection.
This retreat is designed for those who desire an abbreviated silent retreat experience, as well as for those who feel drawn to try silence for the first time in a shorter, more accessible way. Trained spiritual directors will be available to accompany you.
Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations after October 1st, are non-refundable. However, you will be able to transfer your reservation to another retreat date at St. Francis Springs or a future retreat sponsored by the Emmaus Center.
Dates of Retreat
Nov 6 - 9, 2026
Cost of the retreat
$400
Cancellation policy: You may receive a refund of your deposit if cancel 4 weeks prior to November 6th. This allows time for anyone on the waiting list to make arrangements.
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God through Interactive Gratitude
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in Interactive Gratitude
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
Take time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat—a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
You’ll be invited into a simple structure with room to breathe, including guided contemplative practices led by Joy Pine Thomas and Jen Kloss. There will also be time for silence and personal reflection, along with an optional 30-minute one-on-one session with a spiritual director—a quiet space for listening, prayer, and discernment.
This retreat will focus on a foundational practice of the Immanuel Approach developed by Dr. Karl Lehman and Dr. Jim Wilder: interactive gratitude. This practice invites us to notice moments of goodness, let gratitude awaken our hearts, and pause to listen for God’s personal response. It nurtures a deeper, two-way relationship with God, cultivating joy, peace, and a grounded awareness of His loving presence.
Whether you are weary, searching, celebrating, or simply longing for more of God, this day offers space to encounter Him, reconnect with your true self, and cultivate an embodied faith you can carry into everyday life.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Christmas at Springs Retreat
Christmas at the Springs
Please join us for our Christmas at the Springs retreat. We begin with a Taizé service at 4pm and continue into the week with Advent meditation and reflections.
Cost
$270
Advent Taizé
Advent Taizé
The Advent Taizé musical program is an annual event at St. Francis Springs. Please join us at 4 PM in the indoor chapel for 2 hours of musical and spiritual praise, followed by dinner at 6 PM.
Cost
$25
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as Immanuel
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as Immanuel
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
Carve out time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat—a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
Throughout the day, you’ll be invited into a simple structure with room to breathe, including guided contemplative practices led by Julie Honeycutt and Jen Kloss. There will be generous space for silence, personal reflection, and attentive listening. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with spiritual directors Barb Boatner and Georgia Healms, who will offer a quiet space for prayer, discernment, and deeper reflection.
This retreat will provide an introduction to the Immanuel Approach, developed by Karl Lehman and Jim Wilder—a gentle, experiential practice that helps us explore the events of our lives, especially our interior world of thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, with our good God, Immanuel (“God with us”). Rather than trying to fix, analyze, or explain our experiences, this simple process invites us to become aware of God’s compassionate presence in both the painful and the ordinary moments of our lives.
Whether you are weary, searching, celebrating, or simply longing for a deeper awareness of God’s presence, this day offers space to encounter God, reconnect with your true self, and cultivate an embodied faith that can be carried into everyday life.
For those who would like to stay overnight, an overnight bundle is available for $120 for a room instead of the weekend rate of $170. This includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and the DFTS offering. If you are coming with someone else and sharing a room, the overnight cost is $75 each.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
The Still Point — Rest & Reflection: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Winter Season)
The Still Point — Rest & Reflection: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Winter Season)
For this winter pilgrimage, the theme is Rest & Reflection. Take sacred pause before the year’s end. Rest in stillness, listen deeply, and allow God to restore what feels weary within.
Are you longing to shut down the outside world for just one sacred day? Have you thought about going on pilgrimage but felt it was too far away, too expensive, or too out of reach? Are you curious to see what God might be longing to whisper to you?
This one-day pilgrimage invites you to pause and be fully present — to notice how even the simplest moments can become sacred. You’ll learn how to:
Reimagine pilgrimage — it’s not something you travel to; it’s something you live. See the sacred in the simple, the divine in the daily, and walk as though the ground beneath you were already holy.
Step onto the labyrinth — and experience a guided walk that quiets the noise, awakens inner knowing, and opens the doorway to transformation.
Cultivate holy stillness — learning to pause long enough to listen, notice, and be fully present to what is unfolding within and around you.
This pilgrimage experience includes lunch and several spacious hours of quiet to wander the peaceful grounds. You’ll also have time for creative expression — exploring images for collage or quiet writing, so bring your favorite journal.
Join us and experience what it means to pause for one sacred day — a pilgrimage that restores your soul and deepens your connection with the Divine.
*This sacred gathering is part of Walking Through the Seasons of Life: A One-Day Pilgrimage Series — four seasonal walks designed to help you pause, listen, and walk with God through the changing seasons of your soul.
Retreat Leader
Sherrine Washington, Advanced Trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Cost
$50 (Value $100)
18th Annotation - Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
18th Annotation - Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
"The genius and beauty of the Exercises is that we learn to weave our own life narrative into the life story of Jesus Christ in such a way that both become more vivid and interconnected." – Kevin O'Brien, SJ
Are you looking to deepen your prayer life, gain clarity, and grow closer to God? Join us for a powerful 10-week journey of prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth open to both individuals and couples.
Guided by experienced spiritual directors Carrie Delaney and Jen Kloss, this program offers a meaningful introduction to Ignatian spirituality, helping you weave your own life narrative into the story of Jesus Christ.
Detail and Schedule
Weekly Rhythm: 30–45 minutes of daily prayer and journaling, plus weekly small group spiritual direction meetings via Google Meet (Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Opening Day Retreat (Online): Friday, January 1, 2027 (Note: Held virtually to kick off our journey together!)
Closing Day Retreat (In-Person): Monday, March 22, 2027 – Hosted at the beautiful St. Francis Springs Prayer Center.
What’s Included?
Opening retreat (online) and introduction to Ignatian Spirituality
Full group sessions (via Zoom) and all materials.
Food and lodging for closing retreat taking place in person at St. Francis Springs
Optional: Overnight accommodations for the nights before and after the day retreats are available on a first-come, first-served basis at an additional rate.
Meet your Retreat Leaders
Carrie Delaney: Certified spiritual director, supervisor, hospital chaplain, and founder of Wings to Fly LLC.
Jen Kloss: Spiritual director, retreat leader, chaplain, and founder of Journeying Together.
Cost
$750
Includes the opening virtual retreat, the closing retreat, and weekly zoom meetings
Register for the whole experience!
A Day for the Soul
A Day for the Soul
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Registration coming soon!
Beloved Community Cohort
The Beloved Community 2 Year Cohort
February 2027 - December 2028
The concept of the "Beloved Community" is a vision for a global society based on economic and social justice, where poverty, hunger, and hate are replaced by unconditional love and inclusive harmony. While popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., its roots were formed by the early 20th century around nonviolent transformation, eradication of poverty and systematic equality.
Would you consider being part of a group of 16 individuals from different religious, multi-generational and multi-ethnic backgrounds from the Triangle that will learn the key traits of beloved community? Led by Pastor Dumas Harshaw, this “cohort” model will learn about:
The true nature of God’s intent for beloved community
How money, land structure and laws formed modern community life
Experience change through small groups, retreats, pilgrimages and bi-monthly meetings to form life-long bonds and a new beloved community.
The Rhythm of this Cohort consists of:
Two Meetings a month
The first meeting of the month includes the cohort of all 16 people learning together.
The second meeting will be in a group of 5-6 people in deeper discussion.
Two Retreats a year
Each year, we will have one retreat at St. Francis Springs, and go on one pilgrimage of pain/hope.
We are looking for participants who are open to contemplation, justice, peace, nonviolence, personal transformation and community life.
Please complete the application by October 1, 2026.
Cohort Cost
$1000
A generous grant will cover $1500 of your individual retreat expenses
Retreat Dates
February 19 - 21, 2027
Opening Retreat at St. Francis Springs
August 19 - 23, 2027
Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Montgomery, AL
May 10 - 12, 2028
Learn from local Greensboro leaders around the Beloved Community Center
December 1 - 3, 2028
Closing Retreat at St. Francis Springs
About the Facilitator
Dumas Harshaw is a Howard Thurman Scholar and served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh for over 25 years.
A Day for the Soul
A Day for the Soul
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Registration coming soon!
A Day for the Soul
A Day for the Soul
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Registration coming soon!
Grace Unfolding — Awakening & Renewal: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Spring Season)
Grace Unfolding — Awakening & Renewal: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Spring Season)
For this spring pilgrimage, the theme is Awakening & Renewal. Begin this tender season of beginnings. Awaken to what God is bringing forth and allow your soul to bloom again.
Are you longing to shut down the outside world for just one sacred day? Have you thought about going on pilgrimage but felt it was too far away, too expensive, or too out of reach? Are you curious to see what God might be longing to whisper to you?
This one-day pilgrimage invites you to pause and be fully present — to notice how even the simplest moments can become sacred. You’ll learn how to:
Reimagine pilgrimage — it’s not something you travel to; it’s something you live. See the sacred in the simple, the divine in the daily, and walk as though the ground beneath you were already holy.
Step onto the labyrinth — and experience a guided walk that quiets the noise, awakens inner knowing, and opens the doorway to transformation.
Cultivate holy stillness — learning to pause long enough to listen, notice, and be fully present to what is unfolding within and around you.
This pilgrimage experience includes lunch and several spacious hours of quiet to wander the peaceful grounds. You’ll also have time for creative expression — exploring images for collage or quiet writing, so bring your favorite journal.
Join us and experience what it means to pause for one sacred day — a pilgrimage that restores your soul and deepens your connection with the Divine.
*This sacred gathering is part of Walking Through the Seasons of Life: A One-Day Pilgrimage Series — four seasonal walks designed to help you pause, listen, and walk with God through the changing seasons of your soul.
Retreat Leader
Sherrine Washington, Advanced Trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Cost
$50 (Value $100)
A Day for the Soul
A Day for the Soul
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Registration coming soon!
Christianity (De)constructs Racism
The Christianity Deconstructs Racism Retreat focusses on how the Christianity of Jesus is a powerful deconstructive force against America’s original sin of racism. As racism evolves, Christians continue to be challenged to either speak out or remain silent believing that nothing can be done to combat and overcome its evil reality. The anti-racism content presented in this retreat is grounded in equity-based models and covers systemic racism, historical racism, white privilege and other anti-racist understandings. The theological content is drawn from readings and interpretation of the Scriptures with close readings of the texts and Biblical stories that enabled African Americans to remain unapologetically Christian and unashamedly Black.
This retreat will be lead by Rev Dr. M. Keith Daniel. The Rev. Dr. M. Keith Daniel is a Christian Community Development practitioner and consultant to nonprofit organizations, churches and educational institutions. In 2017, he launched Madison Consulting, LLC.
He is the board chair for DurhamCares, Inc. and serves on the board of StepUp Durham and the School for Conversion in Durham, N.C. Before that, Daniel served as the executive director of operations and strategic partnerships for StepUp North Carolina and as executive director of DurhamCares. He also served as a minister at Duke University Chapel.
Daniel is ordained in the American Baptist Church and earned B.A., M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Duke University as well as a master's degree from North Carolina State University.
A Day for the Soul
A Day for the Soul
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Registration coming soon!
Advent Taizé
Advent Taizé
The Advent Taizé musical program is an annual event at St. Francis Springs. Please join us at 4 PM in the indoor chapel for 2 hours of musical and spiritual praise, followed by dinner at 6 PM.
Cost
$25
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in Grief
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in Grief
A day set apart — a quiet place for the soul to breathe. Where gentleness becomes prayer and love opens space for God to draw near.
Through a simple rhythm of reflection, silence, and rest, we listen without judgment and allow God’s tenderness to reach the places we often guard. Come encounter the God who calls you Beloved — who comforts what is hurting and awakens what longs to live again. Return to your body, your faith, and your life with renewed compassion, confidence, and peace.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Civil Rights Pilgrimage 2026
Civil Rights Pilgrimage
Inspired by the historic Freedom Rides of the Civil Rights movement, Dumas Harshaw will lead a Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama. This is a Freedom Ride retreat intended to be spiritually moving and reflective. Retreat leader Dr. Harshaw is a Howard Thurman scholar and retired pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he served for over 20 years. He has specialized his ministry to use the power of prayer and non-violent engagement to set our hopes on the “Beloved Community”, where everybody is somebody.
This 5-day, 4-night experience will take us from SFSPC to various iconic Civil Rights locations including the King Center in Atlanta, Dexter Ave. Baptist Church where Rosa Parks trained peaceful sit-ins, and then the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, before returning back to SFSPC for a time to debrief and reflect on the experience.
Cost: $650 Per Person (includes all food, Lodging*, Transportation, and event expenses.)
$550 Per Person if you sign up before January 31, 2026.
*Lodging will be double occupancy so you will have a roommate.
Retreat Leader
Dr. Dumas Harshaw
Cost
$650 per person
Christianity (De)constructs Racism
The Christianity Deconstructs Racism Retreat focusses on how the Christianity of Jesus is a powerful deconstructive force against America’s original sin of racism. As racism evolves, Christians continue to be challenged to either speak out or remain silent believing that nothing can be done to combat and overcome its evil reality. The anti-racism content presented in this retreat is grounded in equity-based models and covers systemic racism, historical racism, white privilege and other anti-racist understandings. The theological content is drawn from readings and interpretation of the Scriptures with close readings of the texts and Biblical stories that enabled African Americans to remain unapologetically Christian and unashamedly Black.
This retreat will be lead by Rev Dr. M. Keith Daniel. The Rev. Dr. M. Keith Daniel is a Christian Community Development practitioner and consultant to nonprofit organizations, churches and educational institutions. In 2017, he launched Madison Consulting, LLC.
He is the board chair for DurhamCares, Inc. and serves on the board of StepUp Durham and the School for Conversion in Durham, N.C. Before that, Daniel served as the executive director of operations and strategic partnerships for StepUp North Carolina and as executive director of DurhamCares. He also served as a minister at Duke University Chapel.
Daniel is ordained in the American Baptist Church and earned B.A., M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Duke University as well as a master's degree from North Carolina State University.
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: July
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage
Come and share the Franciscan Joy of Jubilee! On the fourth Sunday of each month until October 3rd, we will offer a Mass for Pilgrims at 10am and a Holy Hour in the San Damiano Chapel at 3pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during the afternoon time. This month, the theme is "Opening the Soul to the discovery of fraternity."
Please register if you would like to stay for brunch or dinner.
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God through the Timeless Art of Stitching
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God through the Timeless Art of Stitching
Stitching as a Contemplative Practice of Prayer and Reflection. All necessary materials are provided.
A day set apart.
A quiet place for the soul to breath.
Where silence becomes prayer,
and prayer becomes an encounter.
A gentle rhythm of guided contemplation, rest, and presence- led by our spiritual directors.
Come meet God in the stillness and return to your body,
Your faith, and your life with renewed clarity and peace.
Carve out time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat— a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Icon Retreat
Icon Retreat
Please join us for a five-day icon retreat with Fr. Damian Higgins. Fr. Damian is a gifted artist and teacher. He has been painting icons for his monastery and for churches and homes around the world for nearly 30 years. He began teaching the process at the request of those who felt drawn to the depth and beauty of the art form and wanted to understand more about its spirituality and theology.
During this retreat you will learn about the ancient art of icon making and Fr. Damian will guide the group as everyone creates their own icon. There is no prior experience necessary in order to attend this retreat. The cost of the retreat includes meals and lodging.
Retreat Leader
Fr. Damian Higgins
Cost
$1000
Blessings Weekend
Blessings Weekend
The Blessings Weekend is a private weekend event for the group we select. This year, the Blessings Weekend will be in honor of the Franciscan Family of Greensboro.
Learn more about Blessings Weekend and past recipients here.
SFSPC Silent Retreat: A Friendship Like No Other
SFSPC Silent Retreat
Step into silence and the experience of a friendship like no other.
This 5-day Silent Retreat is respite from the noise of the world. You are invited to come and experience the embrace and friendship of God. This week is designed for those who feel drawn to silence. Each day will begin with an optional 50 minute group session. The rest of the day provides space to be released from the demands and routines in the day to day and experience silence, contemplation and the friendship that God desires for you. Trained spiritual directors are available to accompany you daily.
Retreat Leader
Fr. Bob Menard, OFM
Kim Garrison, Spiritual Director
Bob Pearson, Spiritual Director
Cost
$675
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: June
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage
Come and share the Franciscan Joy of Jubilee! On the fourth Sunday of each month until October 3rd, we will offer a Mass for Pilgrims at 10am and a Holy Hour in the San Damiano Chapel at 3pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during the afternoon time. This month, the theme is "Opening the Heart to an Embrace of Poverty."
Please register if you would like to stay for brunch or dinner.
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as Father
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as Father
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
Carve out time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat— a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
This gathering offers:
A simple structure with room to breathe
Guided contemplative practice led by a spiritual director
Space to encounter God and live into an embodied faith
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Juneteenth
Juneteenth Celebration
This year, we are celebrating Juneteenth together as we walk through the Black Stations of the Cross. We will meet from 4-6pm before having dinner together. We hope you join us for this special celebration!
Retreat Guides
Felton Foushee was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. A proud graduate of James B. Dudley High School. He holds a B.A. in Media Studies from UNC Greensboro, an M.A. in history from North Carolina Central University, and is presently in candidacy for Ph.D. in history at UNCG.
Felton serves as the Racial Equity Engagement Officer for the RELC (Racial Equity Learning Community) of Rockingham County. He is also the Site Manager at the Museum of the Cape Fear. Felton believes the only clear way forward is to look back and grow from better understanding our collective history.
“Black Americans, those who descend from the institution of slavery, must be viewed as a unique group. Their American experience cannot be stepped into and absorbed, nor should it be made into a hollowed out symbolic thing. The Black American experience has brought this country closer to what it claimed to be at its inception, and yet Black Americans have not been repaired in the process.”
Steve Swayne is the Director of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Throughout life, he has traversed the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. He is passionate about racial justice and contemplative prayer.
Cost
$10 for dinner
St. Francis’ “Rule for Hermitages” Retreat
St. Francis’ “Rule for Hermitages” Retreat
You are invited to join a group of Gospel practitioners as we lean into the Franciscan experience of Hermitage. During these few days we will explore Franciscan notions of solitude, prayer, place and discernment. While these elements are common with many Christian denominations and various religious traditions, Franciscan women and men have pursued them with a unique charism of joy, resilience, and spontaneity.
This retreat is open to anyone who is interested, and will be especially beneficial for those who work in retreat-settings or facilitate retreats for others.
Retreat Leader
Fr. Bob Menard, O.F.M.
Cost
$500
Assisi Spiritual Immersion Trip II
Assisi Spiritual Immersion Trip II
Join us on the 800th anniversary of Francis' death as we explore Francis and Clare's heartfelt desire to honor the presence of God in creation and in simple forms of human encounter, especially with the marginalized. Experience the peace of Assisi in places of significance to them as we gain new insight into how to be faithful to the gospel's call to solidarity, wisdom and goodness.
This week-long pilgrimage includes contextual information and periods of reflection in Assisi at both Francis' and Clare's birth homes, the former leper colony outside the city walls, beautiful San Damiano and a day trip to La Verna.
Retreat Leader
Gillian Ahlgren
Cost
$1500
Franciscan Personal Finance Cohort
A Franciscan Approach to Household Finance: Opening Retreat
This is the opening retreat for a Franciscan Personal Finance Cohort in partnership with Francesco Collaborative. Between June and December 2026, we will journey as an intergenerational group of people who want to follow Jesus in their relationship with their money and their stuff. We will ask questions like:
What is enough?
How can we proclaim the dignity of the human person and the reality of the common good through the way we spend, save, invest, and give?
How can we foster a renewed Christian imagination around household finances and cultivating honest spaces of dialogue, discernment, reflection, and practice?
This cohort is an invitation to live these questions together - in all their layers of complexity. The witness of St. Francis ushers us into a contemplative and communal approach to our financial lives - we want to accompany one another in living out this witness today.The cohort will gather three times in person, and the space will include formation, mutual accompaniment and concrete application, with themes such as:
Our money stories and scripts
Wisdom from the saints + Catholic Social Teaching + the Franciscan charism
Exploring the question of ‘what is enough’
An economics worthy of the human person and our common home - focusing on consumption and investment
Case studies and invitations to concretize our learnings, crafting a financial rule of life
We hope this is a springboard to nurture local communities of practice and reflection. We encourage you to share this opportunity with a couple of friends, people from your parish, or small group or neighborhood to help catalyze ongoing conversion.
Cohort Commitments
Attend three In-person gatherings at St. Francis
1-2 hours/ month of reading and engaging with material
Retreat Schedule
Opening Retreat: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Mid-point Weekend Retreat: September 18-20, 2026
Closing Retreat: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Retreat Leaders
Fr. Bob Menard, OFM
Greg Little
Assisi Spiritual Immersion Trip
Assisi Spiritual Immersion Trip I
Join us on the 800th anniversary of Francis' death as we explore Francis and Clare's heartfelt desire to honor the presence of God in creation and in simple forms of human encounter, especially with the marginalized. Experience the peace of Assisi in places of significance to them as we gain new insight into how to be faithful to the gospel's call to solidarity, wisdom and goodness.
This week-long pilgrimage includes contextual information and periods of reflection in Assisi at both Francis' and Clare's birth homes, the former leper colony outside the city walls, beautiful San Damiano and a day trip to La Verna.
Retreat Leader
Gillian Ahlgren
Cost
$1500
Abundance in Bloom — Growth & Gratitude: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God
Abundance in Bloom — Growth & Gratitude: A One-Day Pilgrimage with God (Summer Season)
Celebrate the fullness of life’s blessings. This pilgrimage invites joy, gratitude, and reflection on what has grown strong within you.
Are you longing to shut down the outside world for just one sacred day? Have you thought about going on pilgrimage but felt it was too far away, too expensive, or too out of reach? Are you curious to see what God might be longing to whisper to you?
This one-day pilgrimage invites you to pause and be fully present — to notice how even the simplest moments can become sacred. You’ll learn how to:
Reimagine pilgrimage — it’s not something you travel to; it’s something you live. See the sacred in the simple, the divine in the daily, and walk as though the ground beneath you were already holy.
Step onto the labyrinth — and experience a guided walk that quiets the noise, awakens inner knowing, and opens the doorway to transformation.
Cultivate holy stillness — learning to pause long enough to listen, notice, and be fully present to what is unfolding within and around you.
This pilgrimage experience includes lunch and several spacious hours of quiet to wander the peaceful grounds. You’ll also have time for creative expression — exploring images for collage or quiet writing, so bring your favorite journal.
Join us and experience what it means to pause for one sacred day — a pilgrimage that restores your soul and deepens your connection with the Divine.
*This sacred gathering is part of Walking Through the Seasons of Life: A One-Day Pilgrimage Series — four seasonal walks designed to help you pause, listen, and walk with God through the changing seasons of your soul.
Retreat Leader
Sherrine Washington, Advanced Trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Cost
$50 (Value $100)
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage: May
Franciscan Jubilee Pilgrimage
Come and share the Franciscan Joy of Jubilee! On the fourth Sunday of each month until October 3rd, we will offer a Mass for Pilgrims at 10am and a Holy Hour in the San Damiano Chapel at 3pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during the afternoon time. This month, the theme is "Opening the Word and rebuilding the Church."
Please register if you would like to stay for brunch or dinner.
The Three Wise Women Retreat
The Three Wise Women Retreat
Come experience a journey through the lives of St. Clare, Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila. Learn from these past powerhouse women as they teach us the beauty of God.
Retreat Leader
Dr. Gillian Ahlgren
Cost
$500 if staying overnight (includes meals & lodging)
$150 if only joining during the day (includes meals only)
If Today You Hear God's Voice: A Day of Stillness at the Springs
If Today You Hear God's Voice: A Day of Stillness at the Springs
We live in a noisy world that constantly clamors for our attention. In the midst of these interruptions, we are still offered the sacred invitation to pause and be still. When we persevere in silence, we open ourselves more fully to the possibility of hearing God's whisper. Thomas Merton reminds us: “It is not possible to undertake this journey inward without close intimacy with the Lord and a great deal of listening, which requires inner peace and silence.”
Join us for an afternoon of teaching, prayer, and reflection. Lunch is included with this retreat.
Cost
$35
Retreat Leader
Peter Strafaci
Peter is a former Long Island Sr. High School art teacher and school district administrator who retired in 1998 and relocated to North Carolina. He has been teaching an adult pottery class for Art Alliance of Greensboro for the past 18 years. Influenced by the writings of Henri Nouwen, Peter incorporates his pottery craft into spiritual retreats and demonstrations. His 100 individually handcrafted clay chalices is part of a touring exhibit/talk that he started in 2013. Peter has a long history at St. Francis Springs from its earliest beginnings where he has coordinated and led retreats.
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as the Inner Voice of Love
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God as the Inner Voice of Love
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
Carve out time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat— a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
This gathering offers:
A simple structure with room to breathe
Guided contemplative practice led by a spiritual director
Space to encounter God and live into an embodied faith
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Walking Prayer: World Labyrinth Day Retreat
Walking Prayer: World Labyrinth Day Retreat
Explore an essential dimension of Franciscan Prayer.
Every year, on the first Saturday in May, thousands of people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and a celebration of the labyrinth experience. Participants around the world “Walk as one at 1” — walking a labyrinth at 1:00 p.m. local time to help create a rolling wave of peace passing from one time zone to the next.
We invite you to join us on this World Labyrinth Day for a one-day retreat, exploring the significance of the labyrinth as a guided walk that quiets the noise, awakens inner knowing, and opens the doorway to transformation. As a Franciscan practice, walking the labyrinth awakens one to the kinship with nature, with God, and with the human family.
This day retreat experience includes lunch, discussion, and walking the labyrinth.
Retreat Leaders
Sherrine Washington, Advanced Trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Fr. Bob Menard, OFM
Cost
Free. Suggested Donation $25
Earth Day & 21st Anniversary Mass
Earth Day: Exploring the Canticle of the Creatures and the Land of St. Francis Springs
Join us for a celebration of 21 years of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, Earth Day, and the faithfulness of God. This year, Larry Petrovick will lead our Earth Day presentations.
St. Francis had a deep relationship, a kinship with Creation—with both the living and nonliving creatures of the natural world. During this retreat, we will have opportunity to explore the Canticle, the Land of St. Francis Springs, and other invitations that speak to us. We’ll be invited to listen to one another, to be in silence, and to encounter nature outdoors or indoors. We’ll reflect on images or stories and have the opportunity to journal and share thoughts in small groups and in a large group setting. The Canticle of the Creatures and the Land of St. Francis Springs are alive with the wisdom of St. Francis and the Bible. Come be a part of this one-of-a-kind exploration.
Schedule
10am - Mass to celebrate 21st anniversary of SFSPC
11:30-12:30 - Morning session
12:30-1:30 - Lunch
1:30-3pm - Afternoon Session
About our facilitator, Larry Petrovick:
The heart of Larry’s spiritual journey is integrating his experience as a conservationist with his appreciation of St. Francis of Assisi. He is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC, has served in Creation Care Ministries and as a farm coach, and has been a long-time volunteer at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. During his 40-year career as a conservationist, Larry worked to conserve the natural world in various roles in wildlife, forestry, agriculture, and conservation agencies in government. As a Courage and Renewal Facilitator, and through his Inspiring Courage Consulting LLC, he consults with nonprofits, faith communities, and businesses, to help them understand and apply lessons from the natural world that can mutually benefit the human-earth relationship. He has led spiritual formation retreats for over 30 years.
Cost
Suggested Donation: $25
Easter Mass
Easter Mass 2026
Please join us for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Mass begins at 10am and will be followed by a celebratory brunch.
18th Annotation: Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius - Closing Retreat
18th Annotation: Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (Closing Retreat)
The 18th Annotation is a gentle, accessible introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. This is the closing retreat of the 10-week journey. Registration in the opening retreat in January includes this retreat.
Retreat Leader
Jen Kloss
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in the Quiet
A Day for the Soul: Experiencing God in the Quiet
Come as you are. Leave refreshed.
Carve out time to replenish your soul. Join us for an unhurried day retreat— a spacious rhythm of rest, prayer, and renewal.
This gathering offers:
A simple structure with room to breathe
Guided contemplative practice led by a spiritual director
Space to encounter God and live into an embodied faith
Cost
$50, includes lunch
Seder Supper
Seder Supper
Fr. Bob Menard, OFM, invites you to join us on the first day of Passover for the Seder Supper celebration led by the Koltun-Fromm family. We will begin at 5pm with the ritual meal, eat dinner at 6pm, and continue with questions and dialogue around the Seder celebration.
Cost
Free - suggested donation of $25
Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training
Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training
The goal of Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training is to prepare people to introduce others to the labyrinth in an articulate, professional and effective way.The training addresses meditative walking in a variety of settings, with a variety of different populations. It is focused primarily on the Eleven Circuit Medieval Labyrinth but is inclusive of all forms.
Walking the labyrinth is being embraced as a spiritual practice throughout the Western world mostly because of Veriditas trained facilitators. The Veriditas Facilitator Training -- which began in 1997 -- remains the most rigorous and comprehensive training offered.
How to know if Facilitator Training is right for you?
Want to deepen your own labyrinth practice?
Want the tools and guidance that will enable you to bring the labyrinth to your community?
Want to connect with a supportive community of Labyrinth Facilitators around the world?
Find yourself heading up a labyrinth program at your church, school, hospital, college etc. and need broad training and/or specific answers?
Considering offering labyrinth walking as part of your healing, counseling, yoga or coaching business and are curious about the business considerations involved?
Love the labyrinth and want to offer workshops of your own? Consider completing Facilitator Training on the path to becoming Certified, Advance Trained and Accredited. Our Veriditas Accredited Presenters are now offering some of our qualifying workshops.
Retreat Leaders
Nathan Wiles
Betty (Elizabeth) Lopez Towey
Finding Presence: Exploring the Labyrinth Through Nature
Finding Presence: Exploring the Labyrinth Through Nature
This in-person event is a Veriditas Approved Qualifying Workshop for attending a Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training.
Join us for an enriching experience of presence using the mindfulness practices of labyrinth meditation and nature therapy amidst the stunning landscape at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. This one day workshop extends a warm invitation to all to slow down and unplug in order to re-connect. Learn about the labyrinth while also exploring the impact of being in right relationship with nature through the principle of reciprocity through the practice of giving back to nature in gratitude for what it provides.
This experience is open to all, whether you are brand new to the labyrinth or have walked many times. Come as you are. The path is waiting.
Registration Workshop fee $75.
Retreat Leaders
Christine Wiles
Anticipating Holy Week Retreat
Anticipating Holy Week Retreat
Reflecting on the Paschal Mystery through it's rituals and symbols
Join this three-day retreat in preparation for the Holy Triduum (the three days leading up to Easter Sunday). There will be group discussion, time for reflection, and contemplation.
Retreat Leader
Fr. Bob Menard, O.F.M.
Cost
$270
Volunteer Appreciation Day
Volunteer Appreciation Day
We’re so thankful for the volunteers who serve at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Join us for a day to celebrate you, with a meal and joyful time together.