1. IS THE CENTER JUST FOR CATHOLICS?
No. The Franciscan Spirituality Center, sponsored by the Catholic community of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, is an interfaith center open to all people of all religious traditions and walks of life. In a 1997 survey of FSC users, 58% of the respondents indicated a religious affiliation other than Catholic. In focus group sessions held that same year participants considered the Franciscan Spirituality Center less "religious" and more “spiritual” and “ecumenical.” Lutheran Leadership, Church Women United, R.L.D.S Church, Priest Support Group, La Crosse Area Ministery Association, Hmong Church Group, Hope Christian Reform Church, Serra Club, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Blessed Sacrament Church Council are among the groups affiliated with some spiritual tradition which have used the Center facilities.

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SPIRITUALITY CENTER?
The purpose of the Center is to be a safe, sacred place where people can process their relationships with others, creation, and the transcendant or what many Christians name as God.
The Center is a safe place because all are welcomed with acceptance and love and without judgment. The Center staff will respect your own religious tradition or spiritual path. In short, the Franciscan Spirituality Center seeks to offer a model of spiritual care for the 21st century that provides a diversity of support fo those on their sacred journey seeking God, meaning, or fullness of life.

3. WHERE IS THE CENTER LOCATED?
So many people are delighted to find that the Franciscan Spirituality Center is located on 920 Market Street in the heart of La Crosse near Viterbo University and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare.

4. IS THE SPIRITUALITY CENTER A PART OF FRANCISCAN SKEMP HEALTHCARE?
No, the Franciscan Spirituality Center is a separate FSPA sponsored institution. The FSC has it's own mission, by-laws and an elected Board of Directors who serve without compensation.
If you would liked to know more about the FSPA's you can link to their site www.fspa.org

5. IS THE SPIRITUALITY CENTER RUN BY THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION?
Franciscan Spirituality Center is a not-for-profit ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The FSPA delegates to the elected FSC Board of Directors the authority to guide and direct the operations of this organization with the exception of a few reserved powers.

6. DOES THE CENTER OFFER RETREATS?
The Franciscan Spirituality Center offers a diversity of retreat options. Weekend retreats on a variety of topics are offered regularly at the Center

7. DOES THE CENTER HAVE A PLACE TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?
Yes, we offer modern retreat hermitages located in a secluded area on Villa St. Joseph property. Three individual hermitages are built on the edge of the woodland and provide the peace and quiet of a rural setting. Length of stay can range from one night to many months.

8. WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED?
FSC offers a diversity of programs in response to the spiritual needs of participants. They vary in length from half-hour meditation groups to one year and three year extended programs. A quarterly newsletter describes the programs. For ten years FSC has held a 2-day summer program which includes a nationally known speaker and approximately ten 90-minute sessions covering many popular spiritually oriented topics. Extended programs include the Journey Program, Soul of the Leadership Journey and the Spiritual Direction Preparation Program. Sample titles of some of our day, weekend and weeklong programs include:Everywhere a Blessing, Yoga, How Do I Love? and Writing Poetry of the Sacred.

9. ARE SCHOLARSHIPS OR FEE REDUCTION AVAILABLE?
The policy of FSC is that no one should stay away because of inability to pay. Participants who need scholarships are asked to pay what they can.

10. I DON'T LIVE IN LA CROSSE, ARE THERE PROGRAMS OR OPPORTUNTIES FOR ME?
Yes, every year we offer a variety of programs. 40% of the 6,000 people who receive our newsletter live outside the La Crosse area. Our extended programs such as Spiritual Direction Preparation Program and the Journey Program attract participants from around the Midwest. Weekend workshops and retreats are perfect for the out-of-town participant as well. Limited rooms are available for retreat and workshop participants at $30.00 a night.

11. WHAT TYPE OF CONFERENCE ROOMS DOES FSC HAVE? WHAT ARE THE FEES?
FSC offers five bright, attractive conference and meeting rooms for small to medium sized groups. The largest room is a lecture style space which can accommodate 72 people. Also available are two additional large rooms that allow for flexible seating arrangements. Depending on the arrangement, use of tables, etc., these rooms can provide space for 30-50 people. One medium sized room is available for groups of approximately 20 and one smaller room can serve the needs of groups of 5-10 people. A variety of audio-visual equipment is available at no extra fee. Snacks and meals can be provided. Visit the facilities page to find out more about rooms and fees.

12. DO THOSE USING FSC HAVE ACCESS TO MARY OF THE ANGELS CHAPEL?
Those using FSC for retreats or workshops may use Mary of the Angels Chapel for worship, prayer and reflection from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm daily.