One thing you'll hear every time is that all are welcome. They truly mean it at the Franciscan renewal center. The priest and the staff members are very kind, inclusive. They offer different retreats, individual and family counseling. Highly recommend this place to grow your spiritual journey. read more

The Franciscan Renewal Center is nick-named the Casa by the people who come to worship in this place. The Casa community has come to believe that we are called to treat every as an honored guest. At first, many new comers are in awe of the beauty of the grounds, the delicious meals, the wonderful programs,retreats and the peacefulness that surrounds them. Many newcomers tell us they come back to this oasis in the desert because they feel the the wonder of being accepted just as they are and that they are a beloved child of God. It is a place where they can see themselves as a child of God, God who on the 6th day the Creation, announced "it is good". A beautiful place for a spirit-filled journey. read more

First off I am not religious and not a church going person. I was raised Catholic. My mother was very devote. I am not. I have gone to mass here before in my past life and also this year sadly for several funerals. The church is tremendously beautiful. It is really a gorgeous property, They actually are a huge retreat center. Places to stay overnight, garden and even a pool. They have mini break out rooms. Very nice people. I have heard from my friends the retreats they put on are amazing. The priest was very kind at my friend's funeral yesterday as well as the lovely woman in the front office whose name escapes me. Great view of the mountains in the back . read more

Beautiful grounds and very serene setting. We were recommended to check this place out by a priest friend and it was a beautiful spot. I would like to attend Sunday mass sometime to get the entire experience but just walking around and visiting their information center was serene! read more

This campus is one of the most serene places in Phoenix. Each retreat and lecture I've attended has been nothing short of spectacular. You have to come with an open heart and be receptive to each person you meet. I've lived in the area for 5 years, gone to at least 8 churches in metro Phoenix, and Our Lady of Angels has the best modern spiritual art I've seen. The Franciscan presence is amazing, their spirituality and incredible kindness is a Godsend. read more

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amazing place for a weekend getaway friendly staff beautiful landscape great gift shop great worship plenty of parking. The food is exceptionally good and the food staff is exceptionally friendly. Pedro is my favorite. read more

Welcoming and lovely environment, rich with activities, spiritual programs and opportunities for connecting with others and prayerful experiences. read more

As somewhat of a gnostic, this is truly a safe haven for anybody of all walks of life. I started coming here last year and everyone has been very friendly. It is free to roam around and encouraged to enjoy the labrynth, meditation room, and oftentimes events onsite. I reccomend coming to enjoy the stillness the area has to offer in the evening. Thank you to everyone who has made this establishment what it is today :) read more

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Wow ! Very good. Nice people, nice priests. Beautiful church and surrounding grounds. Huge parking lot. Must see....

The land the Labrynth is on .... This is a sacred place. Jesus can appear to us at any place but it happened here after I walked the Labrynth. His body was in human form but his face was bright white light with gold light shining around it, so this is definitely a very special place to me. read more

We have been going to the Franciscan Center for many years .....always very happy with the masses ...until today , Father's Day 2023 ! What a sad time to bring up lynching when children are celebrating their fathers and grandfathers....why not talk about the importance of a father /grandfather figure in a family ....? How do you explain lynching to very young impressionable little ones ? read more

I have worked with Kathi to coordinate a meeting. She has been so gracious and helpful. I would recommend the Franciscan Renewal Center for your event. read more

That crazy St. Francis ~ Dr Doolittle of the Catholic church. I'm pretty much a-religious, but seeing the Blessing of the Animals and Adoptathon event posted, and knowing that the Franciscans are the mellow cool hippies they are, I felt like this would be a great day, and it was. The grounds are beautiful, but I didn't set foot indoors. Francis wouldn't have been indoors, either though! He'd be out with all the dogs, cats, and even rats waiting to be adopted into loving homes. Lots of rescue orgs, breed-specific or not, were there with some wonderful and gorgeous animals. I'm glad to see so many actually went home with folks that day. The best part was the sign above the area where they did the pet blessings, that was not even put up specifically for this event, but is simply a regular fixture on the front of an outdoor gazebo, which says: "All God's Creatures Are Great." read more

Franciscan Renewal Center - Franciscan monk blessing Pyrenees, Jaek can barely wait his turn. - Community Centers Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

I have attended Mass at the Franciscan Renewal Center, or "The Casa" as we like to call it, since moving to Arizona in 2002. The church is not a part of the Phoenix Diocese but is a Catholic conventual church owned an operated the the Franciscans of Santa Barbara. The Kachina Lodge resort until purchased by the Friars in 1951, Casa grounds are absolutely breathtaking and offer traditional Catholic respite, like a beautiful cylindrical chapel where the sacred Eucharist is kept and visitors can pray quietly, as well as a labyrinth, healing garden, guest rooms and swimming pool. In fact, the retreat center is available to non-Catholic -- non-Christian even -- groups for events. They really mean it when they say "all are welcome." My favorite time of year is Holy Week (the holidays leading up to and including Easter) when the church community come together for a touching communal washing of the feet, adoration of the Eucharist, a theatrical retelling of the Stations of the Cross, a compelling Good Friday and the best Easter Vigil you could ever experience. Father Bill, a regular visiting priest, often gets the crowd to do the wave on Eater Sunday and Renee, one of the guest singers gets people dancing in their seats! Not your traditional Catholic church experience in large part due to the music ministry. This is the place to go to experience God as Love and I am so grateful to have it as a haven for recharging each week! (I should share that Sunday Mass is at 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.) read more

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This is a very special place, where you see the same people for decades, both in the staff and in the Church. The natural setting is spectacular, and the facilities are what you would expect of a retreat center in the Franciscan tradition - very clean, and beautiful in their Franciscan simplicity and hospitality. "All are welcome in this place" is sung at the Church, and everyone here lives by those words. If you have been away from the Church, or are an on-again, off again person, you are welcome. If you are not a Catholic, you are welcome - nobody will ask you if you are. Many visitors are snowbirds, many are travelers, so some faces are seasonal and you'll blend right in. It's a place where you come as you are, physically and spiritually, and are welcome. There are ministries for counseling, where licensed lay counselors generously donate their time, to help with mental health in general. There are ministries for LGBT, relationship issues, and many others. The grounds are expansive and if you arrive early (or stay late), treat yourself to a nice long walk. You will find a garden, two chapels, a labyrinth, a ramada, a pool, a teepee, an old church and a new church, and probably more beautiful and interesting things that I've not yet encountered. Come and enjoy :-) read more

Very welcoming. Good pastors. Beautiful grounds. Excellent programs. Good if you are a "lapsed Catholic" - the worship music here is terrific (none of the "Jesus rock" that seems to be the hallmark of newer Bible churches). read more

Aug 2016 Since new to this area, I really want to love this church! Currently, there is heavy duty construction going on and so Sunday mass was held in a small hall. However, it's something to look forward to! The 11am mass was lively and slightly different than most Catholic services I have experienced. It wasn't bad, just different. The people were very engaged with singing which is a plus. The only thing that I found very unappealing was the body of Christ. It was a square brown moist bread (gluten free?) that didn't melt in your mouth like the normal white wafer ...and it did not taste well for me. I was very sad to force myself in chewing and swallowing the Sacrament:( Maybe this review may warrant a consideration in changing back to the dry wafer. God Bless! read more

Franciscan Renewal Center - Beautiful AZ - Community Centers Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

The Franciscan Renewal Center, formerly known as "The Casa" was the most special place where those who went there were truely "non demonitional" and had one purpose to get together to honor their God. Then it changed drastically to becoming a run of the mill "Catholic" church as soon as it came under the auspices of our Bishop. Now, it is no longer SPECIAL and it is just sad that they couldn't leave it as the really successful and holy place it once was.... read more

Casa de Paz y Bien is the perfect spot for a spiritual retreat Humble, clean and Holy. What more can you ask for. The rooms are extraordinarily clean! The grounds are lush in the Paradise Valley and after exhaling I shall be at peace away from the world. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!!! read more

Franciscan Renewal Center - The San Damiano Cross - Community Centers Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

I was invited to an event here for channeling/meditation. I agree with all the other post - the grounds emit a peaceful atmosphere and great energy abounds. But all that good feeling came crashing down when a woman from the church, huffed into the area and very rudely let it be known that we were not welcome there. The funny thing - I was the only one there! I was waiting for the group of people who had just arrived. Geez, talk about being made to feel lke I somehow personally offended this person! The person coordinating the event told me she and others met on the grounds all the time and never had a problem. Who knows what this woman's problem was that day. All I know is I will never step foot in that place again. read more

One of my favorite places in the valley. The Franciscan Renewal Center is just lovely. Some of my favorite things are: - Our Lady of the Angels Church. It's beautiful small intimate setting and is unlike any other Catholic Church I've been to. It's circular building, stunning artwork and beautiful decor makes you feel comfortable and at ease. - The grounds. Their property is expansive and just gorgeous. I love the desert background mixed with green grass & large trees. There are just so many areas to discover as you walk around. There's a huge Virgin Mary that makes you stop in your tracks. This area allows for meditation & prayer. The meditative walk Of the Stations of the Cross & the labyrinth create more space for quite contemplation, meditation & prayer. - The Chapel. A reprieve from the summer heat if you've made your way there by foot & explored the rest of the grounds. This space is stunning. Praying the rosary there led by a prayer group or on your own is a must. A space for serenity, peace and an overwhelming sense if spirit makes this a must stop while visiting. - Blessing of the Animals. A great event to adopt a pet, but most importantly an event to take your fury, feathered, scaled friends to receive individual blessings. I'm still discovering more about TFRC and I'm sure my experiences will be lovely. I'll be sure to update as I learn more. read more

Great palace for the spiritual renewal. We were here for the annual dog rescue and adoption gala. I heard they bless the animals here; so quiet and the grounds are beautiful, tranquil and peaceful. Plenty of parking and space, plenty of dogs and cats available for adoption! read more

This has got to be one of the best churches I've been to. During my travels I definitely get a little nervous about visiting another church for mass. I cannot stand judgmental churches and was looking for a place near our hotel that would not be. This place was far from judgmental. While the congregation may appear to be older and more conservative, they were incredibly lively, welcoming, and friendly. Before the mass starts, they welcome visitors and everyone greets each other beforehand. The music is amazing and they even had one lector who was a radio announcer (made for an excellent reading). While there, they had a presiding priest who gave a great and funny homily. All in all a wonderful and welcoming congregation. If I'm ever in the area again and needing to go to mass. I'll definitely put this place at the top of my list. read more

I attended their annual St. Francis of Assisi / Pet Blessing event at the parking lot last October of 2013 on a Saturday morning with my Persian cat, Melody, who turned 13 and got her special Blessing when she became a 'teenager'. I did not review this event sooner as I did not have my Yelp Profile set up yet. I am happy to go ahead and review this spectacular event today, on a Sunday, since it's annual, and Melody turned 15 this month and is doing very well... The Fathers (or Friars) and the nuns were very patient and qualified for their jobs as they dealt with very long lines (2) that lasted for hours in the warm daylight. They set the event up the end of October instead of the traditional beginning of the month since it would have been cooler, but the sun made it too warm. They had a round baby pool out for the dogs to cool off in. So, they did a great effort in keeping the atmosphere cooled down and also accompanied the various on-site animal-related vendors / adoption booths successfully. Staff and attendees were very calm and at peace during the entire event despite the heat out. I did not check out the vendors because it had gotten to warm for me to carry Melody around in a pet duffel bag, and we needed to leave to cool off at home. Melody was very patient as well, and she even enjoyed being there and was very kind & grateful as she received her Blessing, so that's what counts, right (wink)? Father & nun truly liked her. The grounds on the nestled property were the classic Arizona / Paradise Valley backdrop beauty and very spacious (and expanding recently). I grew up Catholic but never attended Mass or other services at the Casa. If I lived nearer, I'd be happy to attend and more often, as well, especially on Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve. And, to view the insides of the Casa. Maybe someday I will make an exception and make a couple trips. They also held other events i.e. Jackson Galaxy from Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell" did a meet-&-greet to promote his Cat Mojo / 'cat whisperer' book last spring of 2012. My 2 past friends attended a retreat there in the early 1990s. Of course, you do not need to be Catholic to participate @ the more liberated Franciscan. Yet, I feel very close to God when I was there. Thank-you for the great service during the Pet Blessing, and I look forward to attending again someday (as well as your other services). Come help support this church and rejoice! (BTW, any animal is welcomed to attend and not just dogs. There were also parakeets and an iguana! XO) read more

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Just had the most FABULOUS stay here while attending Dr. Carl Hammerschlag's retreat. The grounds are spectacular; my newly remodeled room No. 50 was luxurious; the pool is pristine; the food was amazing!!! I was just shocked! I've stayed in other similar places and was uncomfortable physically always. This is utterly sumptuous, and the "Healing Garden" is so aptly named! read more

I have been to The Casa several times and was not disappointed when I attended a meeting a few weeks ago. They are doing construction for a new worship center. The grounds invite peace and calm and are well maintained. They had a special exhibit on the Saint John's bible, which is very cool and artistic. The chapel is a nice space and I look forward to what the new worship center will look like. The rooms in the round building are a bit dated but well maintained and clean. I greatly appreciate The Casa's commitment to recycling and reducing waste. The meeting planner was friendly and helpful from the process of booking the meeting to the final settlement of the bill. They handled the special meal needs of some of the attendees perfectly. The Franciscan Renewal Center is a convenient respite and I hope to be back soon. read more

I started going to the Casa in 1969 before they even had AC. This special place has drawn more Catholics back to their religion than anything I can imagine. There is a great reverence and welcoming spirit here you can feel by the presence of the Franciscians and the sheer ambiance of the chapel. Thousands of non- sectarian participants flock to the Casa monthly for retreats,counseling and unique learning experiences. You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the serenity of this joyous place imparts. For the many who found their own parishes too stuffy and disconnected and happened on the joy found in masses here find it difficult to move from this special retreat. Years of Parochial education steered me away... the Casa brought me back. read more

Very disappointed. I was at an event recently at FRC and, although it was an interdenominational event at which other religions were present and involved, a bishop who spoke could not refrain from praying to stop abortion and to honor life 'from conception onward'. So much for honoring other's religions. Tip: learn how to give a prayer that is inclusive - don't talk about how much 'we all love Jesus' when Jewish people are participating! And one other thing: maybe until women have equality in your religion, you shouldn't talk about how you love equality for all. read more

Usually great inspiring mass. Tonight Fr Bried crossed the line of separation of church and state. Preaching about writing our congressman to prevent the current health cate bill being passed "to help the poor" at the neglect of millions who can no longer afford healthcare because of skyrocketing premiums. Did he ask the congregation to pray for our congressman or President to have wisdom in guiding a revision of the bill to extend care for all those in need? No. A priest quoting MSNBC but forgetting to quote actual scripture --"love thy neighbor as thyself" doesn't prioritize any group over any other group in the quest to care for the 'sick, deaf, blind and lame'. Scripture reminds us that we will always have the poor with us, despite what bill is passed. I have never heard a priest claim to be apolitical then quote the cost of the wall and propose those dollars be used to fund the poor. Three of the biggest healthcare systems are Catholic, why not propose that those Catholic health systems provide free care in order to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? Where was this priest when Obama was turning the other cheek on Syria or placing millions of hard working Americans at healthcare jeopardy while extending social services for others? This priest needs to join Rachel Maddow and re-read scripture because he certainly has lost his way. read more

I've been visiting The Franciscan Renewal Center (The Casa) for over 4 years and continue to do so. If that doesn't speak for itself, let me be clear, the Casa is a very special place. Rare and precious is a place one can visit to feel removed from their troubles when needed. The Casa is just that kind of place.. a safe haven to rebuild one's strength through the love of God. I love everything about the "Casa", I only wish I could add more stars. read more

I have to laugh at myself as I write a review on the Franciscan Renewal Center right after I did my Talking Stick review! Yep, this is were I go to pray for my sins the night before. The FRC has always been welcoming to us sinners and thankfully I am able to enter without bursting into flames. Fr. Peter is a very engaging and thoughtful man who is easily approachable. Just one of the many brothers who oversee the center. Now if you have dogs who are sinners too (they say dogs are just like their owners) FRC has a blessing of the animals every October. The Friars will bless your pet and is a wonderful place to bring your dog or animal for the afternoon. This is a great event which will never be missed!!! Thanks God and for all my blessings!! read more

I cherish the 51 years I have been a part of this congregation of fabulous people. I began my journey at age 7 and I have always felt aligned with the loving spirit of the people here. read more

When I first came to the area, I loved this church. It was alive and spiritual. Now it feels very condescending and hypocritical. It IS much too political and ignores the needs of the attending flock. Sermons too often cross the line between church and state and consequently I fear the potential consequences. I now attend a different church even though this is much closer. read more

Some Catholic churches feel judgmental from the second you walk in the door, while others have no sense of community. Neither of these things is true about the Franciscan Renewal Center. My husband and I chose to join and get married at the Franciscan Renewal Center, because they made us feel welcomed. Sunday mass never felt like an obligation. Plus, the grounds are beautiful. If you are looking for a new church or just a peaceful place to think about life, the Franciscan Renewal Center is a great place to visit. read more

Wow, I went here last Christmas. I now realize why people no longer believe in going to Church. The homily or sermon consisted of the preacher saying "to do good, man" and "don't do evil". How enlightening... read more

Internet is abysmal and spotty. The food is good, for this kind of place. Rooms are borderline decrepit, the staff offered to move me and were quite nice. It get that it is a retreat center, but it's borderline at best. The worst motel 6 is better kept up than this. read more

I'm not even Catholic any more but I really loved the atmosphere here. The labyrinth is very centering and a great resource in the valley. We did attend Sat afternoon mass. It was welcoming, if different from the mass I grew up with. The healing garden is just that. I highly recommend if you're in need of a spiritual getaway and bit of tradition with a peaceful vibe. read more

If you are looking for a place to write a book or deal with special interest groups on some sound issues without distractions or have a christian outing; this is the place. There is no TV, radio or land line. This is like the name says, a renewal center. The rooms are newly renovated. The pool, hot tub, grounds, prayer chapel and prayer paths are refreshing. Nothing fancy, just peace and quiet while communing with nature. You hear the sound of birds with Camelback mountain as a picturesque backdrop as a delightful breeze gently flows through. Couples love the seclusion at this quiet get away. This is not for everybody but wonderful for those looking for something different. read more

This place has become integral to my faith walk. Its wonderful for contemplation and rest. Highly recommend.

This is such a special place. The Stations and Labyrinth in the back are especially wonderful for personal retreat.