Franciscan Renewal Center
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona
Peace. Renewal. Good.
All are Welcome
Since 1951, the Franciscan Renewal Center — affectionately known as the “Casa de Paz y Bien” or simply “the Casa” — has existed in Paradise Valley, Ariz., to offer spiritual growth, healing and transformation that moves lives into the service of others.
The Casa was founded by and is today an active religious community of the Order of Friars Minor — part of the worldwide Franciscan family, following in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Casa is a wholly owned entity of the Franciscan Friars Province of Saint Barbara, based in Oakland, Calif., that works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.
Activities at the Casa include daily and Sunday Mass, spiritual retreats, wellness retreats, gathering space for non-profit groups, licensed behavioral health counseling, spiritual direction, as well as more than 50 volunteer ministries that give aid to the poor or vulnerable, empower individuals to improve their circumstances, and build community fellowship.
Spiritual Growth, Healing and Transformation,
and Service to Others in the Spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
Discover New Insights and New Choices
Our mission is to present programs that inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike to be focused on God as the center of all creation. Our message, like the message of St. Francis, is rooted in the Scriptures to help us all take better care of body, mind, spirit, one another and this world.
Many programs intentionally provoke more questions than give easy answers. Learn about:
- The historical and spiritual legacy of St. Francis or the Franciscan Order
- Human personality
- New ways of communicating
- Contemplative prayer
- The art of “slowing down”
Retreats
Retreats are programs that takes place over multiple days with the option of lodging as well as space for commuters. They encourage people to explore spiritual and intellectual growth. Most spiritual retreats focus on Franciscan spirituality, contemplation, personal well-being, grief and loss, and much more.
Every spiritual retreat includes options for single or double occupancy rooms with private bath; pool, spa, putting green; on-site dining; numerous outdoor amenities, including a desert walk and healing garden, and a variety of places to pause and reflect in a peaceful environment. Check-in is typically late Friday afternoon with check-out mid-day Sunday for most retreats. Fees generally include meals unless otherwise specified.
Private Wellness Retreat
A private retreat provides an opportunity to get away from hectic daily life to seek solitude for rest, renewal and prayer. Choosing to include a spiritual direction session with your private time can enrich the experience. Give yourself sacred time in a place of serenity to allow everyday stresses to drift away.
What is available for you?
- Daily Eucharist
- Private room with bath
- Delicious meals
- Two chapels
- Healing garden
- 26 acres of desert walking paths
- Pool and whirlpool
Spiritual direction (encouraged to be arranged at least 2 weeks before your stay)
There is no set schedule. It is up to you to use this time for prayer, rest or whatever is needed to rest and renew.
Directed Retreat
A directed retreat includes a spiritual director. Spiritual direction is available upon request during your private retreat to provide you with a path to follow while you are here. Our spiritual directors include lay men and women, priests and religious with experience and training in different styles of direction.