Serenity Retreats
-
-
Our Serenity Retreat is for men and women who are in any form of recovery - such as alcohol or chemical addictions, and those in AA, NA, Alanon, and any other recovery group. This weekend provides an opportunity for people who follow the 12-step program to gather together to focus on their spiritual lives, and share their struggles and joys in a safe and respectful context.
Although we are a Catholic Retreat center, we welcome spiritual seekers from all faith walks. Catholic in nature, we offer Christian Retreats that can be enjoyed by all.
The late Gerald May said, “To be human is to be addicted…and to be addicted is to be in need of God’s grace.”
-
-
-
“Many of the old understandings to which I had been addicted were stripped away, leaving a desert like spaciousness where my customary props and securities no longer existed. Grace was able to flow into this emptiness, and something new was able to grow. Fresh understandings took root, and the insights that emerged were clearer, simpler, and more beautiful.” -
Gerald May, Addiction And Grace.
-
-
-
2026 Presenter and Spiritual Director, Amy Campbell, will invite retreatants to explore God's presence in their recovery journey through prayer, reflection, and compassionate listening.“I have received so much from each spiritual director in my life. Through trauma, grief, and loss, I have been held lovingly by those who accompanied me. Life has also held joys and mountain top experiences that were enhanced by direction. I am grateful to be able to take my place now as a listener to the holiness, wonder, awe, and delight of others’ journeys. The ‘God threads’ of my own life tapestry keep me coming back to prayer, spiritual direction and now to holy listening with these same intentions.”
-
-
2026 Speaker Bio:
Amy completed training in spiritual direction through Christos.
Her spiritual formation has been shaped by decades of participation in Ignatian Spirituality, Al-Anon, Centering Prayer, and T’ai Chi Chih. She is also grateful for the early influence of Young Life, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the study of Native American spirituality.
Amy and her husband, Bill, raised four children and have three granddaughters. Amy loves to be in nature, travel, and downhill ski with her family. -
Why Attend a Serenity Retreat?Life in recovery requires more than staying sober. It also invites us to deepen our spiritual lives, find supportive community, and make space to listen for God's presence.
During this weekend, you will likely experience:- Renewed hope in recovery
- Time away from daily responsibilities
- A deeper sense of God's presence through prayer and spiritual reflection
- Honest fellowship with others who understand
- Personal renewal and rest
- Opportunities for spiritual direction
- Greater peace and clarity
- Spiritual tools to support long term recovery
-
First Time Attending?Many guests come on their own and arrive not knowing anyone. Our Serenity Retreat is designed to be welcoming, respectful, and pressure-free at all stages of recovery. You are invited to participate at your own comfort level.
Whether this is your first retreat or your tenth, you will find time and space for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and rest in a supportive community. -
-
What Makes This Retreat Different?Unlike a weekly meeting, a retreat creates space for deeper spiritual reflection and renewal through:
- Dedicated spiritual focus
- Uninterrupted time away
- Beautiful retreat environment
- Fellowship with others in recovery
- Franciscan hospitality
- Deeper reflection than daily life usually allows
-
What Participants Took Home From Last Year's Retreat:
"A new perspective as well as a continued belief that all will be well if I place my trust in God."
"Peace and joy."
"New prayers taken from “The prayers of St. Francis” pamphlet in my room."
"New insights into masks, appreciation of knowing “the road to sanity” and naming the elephant in my life." -
Testimonials"Amy led our group of BeFrienders on a thoughtful, prayerful, and inspiring weekend retreat. She gave us wonderful guidance for personal reflection and also group sharing. Amy was flexible to the needs of our group and tailored the retreat to what worked best for us—this was not a canned presentation but felt like she knew us and was personally invested in our spiritual journey. We all came away refreshed and “fuller” for our ministry ahead."
CindyI have known Amy for several years and have had the privilege of experiencing her gifts in different capacities.
Amy is a deeply engaging speaker whose honesty and faith immediately draw people in. Whether she is speaking or listening, she is conscientious, welcoming, and fully present with those around her. The first time I heard Amy share a personal story, I was struck by her courage, authenticity, and trust in the people before her. She held the room with such sincerity that we were completely mesmerized, and I found myself disappointed when her talk came to an end. Amy speaks from a place of strong faith and a deep belief that God meets us, often most powerfully, in our weakest moments.
Amy’s message is meaningful because it is rooted in real life. Like all of us, she has faced pain and challenges, yet she continues to grow in her relationship with God and to seek peace and serenity for herself, her family, and the people she serves. Her ability to speak with vulnerability, compassion, and conviction makes her someone others can trust, learn from, and be inspired by.
Betsy W
-
-
-
The Conventual Friars of Our Lady of Consolation Province are your hosts at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.The peace and natural beauty of our facility nestled in sixty acres of woods, prairie grass and a pond beckons you from the cares of daily life to a place of quiet reflection.
Our Retreat House and Spirituality Center offers:
Private bedroom
Meals Cooked Onsite
Beautiful Chapel
Comforable and Well-Stocked Library
Spiritual Direction Available
Confession Available
Peaceful wooded grounds and prairie with lakeside views
Although we are a Catholic Retreat center, we welcome spiritual seekers from all faith walks. Catholic in nature, we offer Christian Retreats that can be enjoyed by all.
Some tips on How to Make a Retreat.
Our Frequently Asked Questions page provides further information on our retreats, our facilities, and the typical offering we request for attending our retreats.
Click on How To Get Here and consult a road map for directions to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center.
Should you have further questions, please call us at 952-447-2182, contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or at Contact Us.
-
