Mission Statement: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a sacred space where people of all faiths and cultures are invited to explore and nurture their relationships with the Source of all Being, Earth, Self and Others, with an increasing awareness of the story of the Universe. Prairiewoods is sponsored by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a Catholic community. Click here to see our complete mission and vision statements.

Through this mission, Prairiewoods focuses on the intersection of ecology, spirituality and holistic health to help you enhance your relationships with your God, the world around you, yourself and your fellow humans.

The Universe Story has been inspirational in the foundation and development of Prairiewoods. The story tells us so much about the Divine, about ourselves and our role on Earth, and about the sacredness of all Creation. This is a story emerging in theological and scientific circles, telling us that the Original Fireball contained all that exists today. This is the source of all, coming from the heart of Divine Mystery.

As theologian Elizabeth Johnson tells this story, “About 15 billion years ago a single numinous speck exploded in an outpouring of matter and energy, shaping a universe that is still expanding.”

This burst of matter and energy brought forth over 100 billion galaxies, our planetary system, Earth and all the creatures on it. In this universe, everything is connected to everything else. We have all evolved from common ancestors and are kin.

We believe that the Creator Spirit remains present within this universe, guiding the ongoing evolutionary process from within. This leads us to accept the importance of human beings, realizing that we are part of the mystery of the universe, but not the lords of creation. Our role is to be partners with God in protecting and honoring the sacredness of our home.

Prairiewoods is dedicated to the effort to bring our Christian Story and the scientific Universe Story into one narrative that gives greater meaning and purpose to life. We hope to make the integration of care of Earth an integral part of the human spiritual journey. 

To learn more about Prairiewoods and all you can do here, download a printable brochure here.

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center welcomes and affirms people of every race, age, gender identity and expression, marital standing, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and sexual orientation or expression. ALL people are beloved and inherently worthy. You belong here.