Transform the Land, Transform Yourself

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Franciscan Land Experiences (SOCO 23911) combines hands-on outdoor work experiences with community living and study in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Led by Sr. Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D., this one-credit S/U course and fall break immersive experience is limited to 12 students so as to cultivate a sense of intentional community. All food, travel, and accommodations are covered at no cost to the students. The classroom hours for this course take place during the immersive experience at the center.

The fall semester experience will take place October 19–24, 2025.

About the Franciscan Life Process Center

This course and experience takes place at the Franciscan Life Process Center, a retreat center located on 230 acres of rural land outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan (about 90 minutes from Notre Dame). The Center is a small working farm and outdoor education center with three miles of nature trails, a restored native prairie, animal barns, rain gardens, an orchard and vegetable gardens. Students stay in simple rooms in the retreat center building and have access to the kitchen, chapel, library, nature trails, outdoor stations of the cross and outdoor rosary walk.

About the Experience

During the week students work outside on environmental projects such as building a rain garden and assisting with native prairie restoration, as well as with the farm and animals. Students are also guided in learning how to cook meals with homegrown foods. Daily seminar-style meetings complement the outdoor work and focus on readings from Laudato Si’, as well as Catholic and non-Catholic writers who reflect on the nature of creation and the unique role of humans in caring for it in today’s world. Prayer/liturgical opportunities are available, but are not required. The course could be a valuable experience for those majoring in both technical and non-technical disciplines, as well as those interested in the work of justice.