Franciscan Renewal Center

The Franciscan Renewal Center has been a beacon of light for the Valley, Southwest and the Nation for 59 years.  In that time we have evolved from the early days in 1951 as the Franciscan Retreat House when Lincoln was just a dirt road used for cattle drives - on through the 60's and to the present when change is the reality for our Country and our Church.  Our ministry has changed with the signs of the times, but one consistent vision has never changed - we are a house of peace and good.  All are welcome.

This vision, with its roots in the experience of St. Francis, is something you have helped form.  It is to be an experience of refreshment, transformation and renewal through the grace of the Spirit, then shared and lived outside the boundaries of this place. You have made it a reality for the hundreds of thousands who have visited us over the past 59 years.  We see the reality of this vision in emails, evaluations, testimonials, and letters or in person.  The Franciscan Renewal Center has been a sacred refuge and holy ground for you and so many others who have come to envision Christ's promise of peace.

We have over 36 on-going ministries, 600 volunteers,  34 staff members and 5 friars.  Since we established the Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels over 1,600 people have registered as members.  Religious education home schooling, baptisms and other sacraments are becoming contemporary happenings at the Casa.  All the Casa ministries serve in the name of Christ.  So many of you - program participants, counselees and volunteers seek involvement and search for the humility to see yourselves as God sees you.  Over 5,000 people attended spiritual growth programs through Franciscan Way and other events.  More than 10,000 people used our facility from other churches and non-profit entities.  Over 6,000 came for counseling and support groups.  The 28 friars in the Southwest can have meetings here twice a year.  Our first Catholics Can Come Home series welcomed 25 people and I see some here today.  Our rooms and meeting spaces are used by poor parishes and missions in Arizona and from Mexico.  During our season of non-violence beginning in January we will open our house to over 20 interfaith groups.  Because of this work, people experience Catholicism and specifically Franciscan spirituality.    We share over 10% of our annual revenue with Andre House, Valley Interfaith Project, Guaymas, Franciscan missionaries throughout the world, Poor Clares, the Campaign for Human Development and other needy groups.  There are so many other examples of God's goodness coming through you that it would take a long time to note them all.

We  have managed resources with break-even financials for eleven consecutive years, besides completing over 2 million dollars in plant improvements.  It hasn't been easy to make this happen and there are many things that ought to be done to avoid larger expenses in the future.

It seems unbelieveable, but 11 years ago we did not have a website or an 800 number, we had a grand total of 6 computers, 3 or 4 printers and 2 occasionally working copy machines.  Buildings were in need of repair, long-term maintenance problems and challenges existed at every turn. Faithful stewardship and solid financial decisions have seen us through those times.  Today we have an efficient office environment, superior accounting systems and linkage of strategic vision with resources, giving us a campus that enhances the experiences of our guests.

The most important asset God has given us is you.  The dedication of all of you and the staff and volunteers is integral to the operation of the Casa and makes ministry happen.  At one time, the entire support team was made up of the friars and a few volunteers.  As the center grew and demand increased paid staff were hired.  Our latest survey of 7000 anonymous evaluations rates staff and volunteer quality at 99%.  So much of the ministry depends on the volunteers - it wouldn't get done without them.  They help keep our vision on focused on the right things.

Consider how important it is that the Casa continue to live out its vision of bringing a Franciscan way into society, especially at a time when many different messages are bombarding our lives - some, not so good.  The Franciscan vision and the Casa vision are simple, yet profound...the human person is the highest value in creation.  Creation exists because of Christ.  In seeing our value and all creation we are called to image Christ, the complete expression of God's love.  Your generosity fuels a great beacon of light, helping so many to see.  It is up to each individual to decide how brightly this beacon will shine.  Remember the Casa in your charitable giving as so many of you have referred to this place as your heaven on earth.  As images of Christ for others to see, please be generous with your love.  I promise to ensure that your generosity serves Christ through the efforts of the friars, staff, and volunteers promoting a vision of peace and good for all welcomed here.

Charles P. Brown