“I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory, it falls Soft and warm, continuing Tapping on my roof and walls …” (Kathy’s Song by Paul Simon, 1965) When in the ’60s Paul Simon penned these lyrics for his British soulmate, Kathy Chitty, life was in turmoil. Upheaval was everywhere and themes of…
Dearest Prairiewoods Family, I am delighted to share about new research that I recently learned about at a Forest Bathing class that was held in January by Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller at Prairiewoods. She shared that just 5 minutes a day in Nature has health and wellness benefits! I was beyond excited to hear this and…
People across the world approach this profound change in daily living and long for expression. Some experience this time as a sacred invitation to discover a new sense of home—locally and globally—deeper and more expansive. This beautiful poem below by Jane Hooper, cited in Cynthia Bourgeault’s The Wisdom Way of Knowing, and Sara Thomsen’s beautiful…
As we at Prairiewoods focus on shifting our attention from the pandemic to #PanDeepening, we are looking at meditations, readings and activities that help us go deeper and get more centered within ourselves and in our God. In today’s PanDeepening, let’s slow down, quiet our minds and listen to the words of a gifted Celtic…
Like many of you, I have been struggling with my own fear and anxiety as this pandemic continues to unfold. As the director of Prairiewoods, I hope to make the best decisions to care for the people we serve and for the people who work here—aware that lives and livelihoods may hang in the balance.…
As we arise on the morning of Saint Patrick’s Day, we are blessed with a beautiful Celtic Christian protection prayer known as The Deer’s Cry or Saint Patrick’s Breastplate prayer. This prayer is often sung and is a tune we can hum to ourselves throughout the day and always, reminding us that Christ is with…
Just below my window a rangale of deer at dawn fold into their prayer mats of snow. I am like the yearling at the edge, restless, unable to center myself, wandering in and out of the creek, waiting for the rest of the world to wake up. An hour later, they are still sitting on…
As our lives and commitments shift over time, we find ourselves with time or interest to give to new and varied pursuits. If you find yourself with time to give back, we invite you to consider volunteering at Prairiewoods. We are always looking for dedicated people interested in giving back to their community! Here are…
Prairiewoods foundress Betty Daugherty, FSPA, passed away in December. The ripples of her loss will be felt for many years to come. For those who missed it, here is her full obituary … Sister Betty Daugherty, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice of…
Every story has a beginning, even though there may be no exact moment we can point to and say, “Here is when the first seed was planted. This is where the story began.” This is true of Prairiewoods’ story. The beginning of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center doesn’t rest in one specific moment in time; our…