http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/rss description http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/20 This holiday season, say thank you to your staff by offering them a staff retreat.  The Franciscan Renewal Center is the ideal location for such an event.  Holiday parties are fun, but they are very expensive, and can actually create more stress. Instead, take one day away the from office - come to the Franciscan Renewal Center. A retreat will renew and re-energize your employees.  It will give you an opportunity to say thank you, and recognize them for their efforts over the past year. Employees will be able enjoy the serenity on the Casa grounds, walk through the healing garden, labyrinth, and desert walks. Sit silently in the meditation chapels. The Franciscan Renewal Center also serves three buffet style meals daily in the dining room. A wise friar once said:  "In order to move forward and grow, you must often retreat." Mention this blog to receive 10% off your Staff Day in November or December 2011. We look forward to hosting your next event.   http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/19 We all lead very busy lives.  It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day trials and tasks, that we forget about ourselves and our relationship with God.  When was the last time you sat ALONE in complete SILENCE and experienced God's presence? If the thought of this makes you uncomfortable, then maybe you need a little guidance.  Please consider attending the Franciscan Renewal Center's Contemplative Prayer Day.  This will be held October 1st from 9a-4p.  Pat Julian and Kathleen Flanagan will guide you on how to live contemplatively; in a way that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God's presence. Pat and Kathleen are also facilitating The Spirituality of Aging, every Tuesday in the month of October.  This program helps answer such questions as; how does our faith guide us and inform our decisions about retirement, money, health, travel, new adventures? There is no better time than the present to work on your personal relationship with God. For more details on these programs, and to register online, visit www.thecasa.org. http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/18 The Franciscan Renewal Center.  What is that place?  What do they do there?  Would I be welcome?  Those are just a few questions the staff hear on a regular basis. Inspired by St. Francis, every part of the Franciscan Renewal Center from the beautiful grounds to the enlivening liturgies, from non-denominational counseling to simple, technology-free-bedrooms intentionally offers opportunities for personal renewal and transformation. All events, retreats and programs are designed to renew body and soul and meet the spiritual needs of a diverse community. If you're looking for something individual, counseling is offered.  We also offer directed private retreats, non-directed private retreats and spiritual direction. We rent our meeting rooms and lodging rooms to non-profit organizations for conferences, workshops and retreats.  The groups educate, and brainstorm with their staff - so they may all go back to their own communities and serve with a new sense of energy. We offer the latest technology, including free Wi-Fi.  The meals served in our dining room are delicious and fresh daily. The Franciscan Renewal Center's Vision Statement says it all: We are a center for the experience of spiritual growth which transforms and moves us beyond ourselves in the service of others.  As a Christ-centered community, we embrace the Catholic tradition in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and welcome all to share in: * Prayerful Celebration and Contemplation * Learning * Social Action * Healing * Hospitality Please browse our websites to learn more about our center:  www.thecasa.org, and www.casameetings.org.  I also invite you to visit personally.  Walk our grounds and truly experience who we are. You will feel welcome here. http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/17 Many groups plan week-long conferences at the Franciscan Renewal Center. This usually means the attendees have at least one afternoon or evening of free time.  So, what is there to do in the area?  First, let me tell you, you will need transportation to any off site event.  However, the to-do list of fun is never-ending.  Scottsdale is known for its endless array of restaurants. Everyone's taste buds will be satisfied.  Old Town Scottsdale, which is about 10 minutes from the Franciscan Renewal Center also offers art walks, coffee shops, jewelry stores, and fun souvenir shops all with a southwest flavor. If your group has a full day of free time, set up a tee time at one of the many golf courses in the area.  If you prefer site seeing, take a day trip up to the Red Rocks of Sedona, or go antiquing in Prescott.  Add a trip to the Grand Canyon at the end of your conference. The options are endless.  If you have any questions, the staff in the Meetings and Conferences office will be happy to assist with your planning. We look forward to hosting your next event! Visit www.casameetings.org for more information on the Franciscan Renewal Center. Sue Force Director of Meetings & Conferences http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/16 Is the Franciscan Renewal Center a conference center, or a retreat center?  It's important to understand that it's both.  Very frequently I have groups contact me that are interested in planning a conference with a "retreat" feel.  However, they need current technology, Wi-Fi, custom meeting room set ups, and good food. The Franciscan Renewal Center offers all of that.  And might I add that our Wi-Fi is FREE, as are custom room set ups.  We do not charge per table or chair. Guests understand the retreat feel just by walking our campus.  The grounds are beautiful, well kept, and very peaceful.  The lodging rooms are simple, yet very comfortable.  I also truly believe you will not find a more hospitable staff anywhere.  And the food?  Let me tell you - this is not your typical retreat food.  All of our meals are fresh, made from scratch, and absolutely delicious!! So when you're looking for a retreat location to plan your next conference - think of the Franciscan Renewal Center.  Arizona's premier retreat and conference center for non-profit organizations. Sue ForceDirector of Meetings & Conferenceswww.casameetings.org http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/15 Recently, I attended a trade show for meeting planners in Long Beach, CA.  This was new territory for the Franciscan Renewal Center.  In the past we have only attended local Chamber trade shows. This new venture was definitely worth while.  About 800 meeting planners visited the 150 or so booths set up at this show.  It was exciting to receive so much positive feedback from the meeting planners I met.  Many had the task of finding a meeting location that was unique.  They were told to think outside the box - find something different from a hotel. The Franciscan Renewal Center is that place.  If you're tired of the typical "bored" room style meetings, and want something unconventional, check us out.  We offer professional meeting rooms with the latest technology.  We even offer FREE Wi-Fi.  We do custom set ups at no additional charge.  Our food is fresh and delicious.  Chef Elias cooks everything from scratch. This is NOT your typical "retreat" food.   We also have 54 lodging rooms with private baths that sleep up to 100 guests. Meetings and conferences that are held here are more productive than those held in a hotel meeting room. Our wonderful hospitality and sense of peace offers inspiration to every brainstorming session. Your attendees will be renewed and refreshed after having their meeting, conference or workshop at the Franciscan Renewal Center. I look forward to hosting your next event. Please browse our website for more details:  www.casameetings.org. Sue Force Director of Meetings and Conferences   http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/14 Last summer our kitchen and facility staff worked very hard sprucing up the patio area off the dining room.  After hours of tiling, painting and landscaping, the patio area was transformed into a beautiful area to enjoy meals outdoors.  However, the furniture was not the most comfortable. Now, I am very happy to say that we purchased new patio furniture.  The patio seats 20 guests quite comfortably, and the area even has nice outdoor lighting for evening events. When you plan your next event at the Casa, consider the use of this patio for your group. You may reserve it for a private meal, reception or reserve it as a private outdoor breakout area to conduct a meeting. Contact Sue Force or Edel Carrick at 480-948-7460. Our atmosphere of peace and spirituality adds a special dimension to your gatherings. http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/13 As the weather cools down, many Hosted groups flock to the Franciscan Renewal Center.  We started our Fall season off with a bang. We welcomed the Coalition for Episcopal Latinos, who in turn invited the Episcopal Bishops Conference to dinner.  Our own Chef Elias and team cooked up a delicious dinner for 250 guests, which were seated outside in Palm Court.  The evening was perfect and everyone enjoyed the Mariachis. This coming weekend, we welcome a first time Hosted group: Fountain of Life Women's Conference. We look forward to another outdoor dinner for about 100 attendees. Also to kick off our Fall season, a new conference room opened.  St. Agnes is located at the Northeast end of our campus - near St. Barbara and Sr Luca.  This new room seats between 40-50 guests. If you have never seen our campus, please contact us today to schedule a tour.  We welcome non-profit organizations from around the world to schedule their meetings and conferences on our beautiful grounds.  Our professional staff will work closely with you to ensure your event is perfect. I look forward to hearing from you. Sue Force sue@thecasa.org http://www.casameetings.org/component/jb2/post/12 Sure, it's chilly in many parts of the country right now.  However, it's not too early to think about planning your summer conference. Many people balk at the idea of summertime in the Phoenix area.  It may be hot outside, but the conference rooms, lodging rooms and swimming pool are kept at very comfortable temperatures. You also can't beat the summer rates offered at the Franciscan Renewal Center. Receive 10% off your lodging costs, plus your main conference room is FREE!  We offer refreshments delivered to your meeting space at a very reasonable rate, the food is delicious and the hospitality is second to none. Don't be scared off by planning a conference in the desert.  Once you're here, the surrounding beauty will amaze you. Our grounds are peaceful and there are many shady areas to sit and enjoy the quiet. I look forward to helping you plan your next event! Sue Force Director of Meetings & Conferences sue@thecasa.org