St Francis Retreat and Conference Center

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100th Anniversary of the Marian Apparition at Fatima

For the 100th Anniversary of the first Marian apparition at Fatima, Pope Francis has granted opportunities to gain a plenary indulgence by "visiting with devotion a statue of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly exposed for public veneration in any church . . . or proper place . . ." on the 13th day of each of the next 6 months.

Join us in praying the Rosary:

Tuesday June 13 at 6:00 pm
Thursday July 13 at 6:00 pm
Sunday August 13 at noon
Wednesday September 13 at 6:00 pm
Friday October 13 at 6:00 pm

FaithFest packages are available for schools and parishes who are looking for donations to auction or raffle. Packages include a Family Pack Ticket, Parking Pass, t-shirts, and a drawstring bag. Please call 517-669-8321 for more information.

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St. Francis Gift & Book

Whether you are on retreat or live nearby, you can shop during our convenient hours of Monday-Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Our store offers books for all ages about topics like Christian living, spirituality, inspiration and prayer.

Select from our wide range of local items, cards, religious jewelry, art, instrumental music, and sacramental needs.

Sr. Katherine at St. Francis

June 2, 2017 Book Review:
The cost of discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Cost of Discipleship, written by Lutheran Theologian and Pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is still as relevant as when it was penned in 1937. Bonhoeffer’s faith impelled him to leave the safety of America and return to Germany during WWII to join the resistance against the horrors of Nazism. Bonhoeffer was imprisoned and later executed when a plot to assassinate Hitler, in which he was involved, was discovered and thwarted.
What is the cost of discipleship to Jesus Christ? Bonhoeffer addresses this question in this brilliant text. He contends that cheap grace is not grace at all. Grace is freely given, but it is not cheap. Jesus calls and one’s response must be total surrender of self. Discipleship costs the disciple everything. “Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods.” (Pg. 45) This “selling all” is an act of obedience to the One who has called.
Bonhoeffer presents a compelling argument for the necessity of costly discipleship for those who are compelled out of love and obedience to a true discipleship. I highly recommend this classic text for the serious seeker and the seasoned disciple. One is sure to be challenged and blessed.

Click here to see all of Sr. Katherine's Book Reviews