Main Gallery

Dining at San Damiano

Canticle Garden

50th Anniversary

Holy Week Retreat 2012

Fundraiser 2012

Retreat Center & Campaign Leadership

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Trish O’Keeffe
Art and Sally Panella
Cora Pediglorio
Eileen Perez
Lauren Perotti
Rodger Powers (Chair)
Sally Powers
Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM
Bill Sheridan
Randy Starkweather
T. W. Starkweather
Bob Tiernan

Fr. Raymond J. Bucher, OFM
Chuck & Gloria Blay
Ron Cortez
Peter Davey
Carol Fernandez
Guy Greco
Kit Greerty
Tom Hansen
Fr. Evan Howard, OFM
Mary Howell
Marc Lising
Fr. Paulson Mundanmani

HONORARY CHAIRS

Very Rev. John S. Hardin – Provincial, Santa Barbara Province
Monsignor Dan Cardelli – Pastor Emeritus, St. Isidore (Danville)
Rev. Richard A. Mangini – Pastor, St. Bonaventure (Concord)
Fr. Robert J. McCann – Pastor. St. Raymond (Dublin)
Fr. Gerard K. Moran – Pastor, St. Isidore (Danville)
Fr. Padraig Greene – Parochial Administrator, Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Fr. Ray Zielezienski – Pastor, St. Joan of Arc (San Ramon)

MISSION AND FRANCISCANA

RETREAT AND PROGRAMS

LETTER OF INTENT

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER

TESTIMONIALS

CAMPAIGN ENDORSEMENTS

GUIDE TO GIVING BROCHURE

The San Damiano Legacy Society

To help ensure the sustainability of the retreat center and our unique environment for generations to come, we have initiated the San Damiano Legacy Society. The San Damiano Legacy Society consists of individuals who have made a Planned Gift to the retreat center – they have left San Damiano in their will or trust. Doing so enables you, our faithful supporters, to leave a lasting mark on the retreat center.

It is extremely simple to include the retreat center in your will or trust, and, a number of people have already done so (a partial list is below). If you have already designated San Damiano in your will or trust, if you would like to join those who have already done so, or, if you have any questions, please contact Fr. Ray Bucher, OFM, the Retreat Director, at 925-837-9141, ext. 309. As always, we thank you for your support!

Rodger Powers, Legacy Society Member and Fr. Ray

• Matthew Adams
• Barbara Jean Ageno
• Marianne Bond
• Gerald Fried
• Sheldon McNamee
• Kerry & Margie Murphy
• Sally & Rodger Powers
• Lois K. Schneider
• Bob & Lyn Tiernan
• Kristian D. Whitten

San Damiano has volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

• Office and Administration
• Bulk Mailing
• Gardening
• Housekeeping

Each January we have a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Fr. Ray gives a presentation, we award the volunteers of the past year with a gift and the staff serves a wonderful lunch. The volunteers are invited to spend time on the grounds or in the Chapel any time they come up. All potential volunteers – think about your areas of interest and call Colette at 925-837-9141, ext. 300.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

We will post job opportunities when they are available.

DIRECTIONS AND MAP

“Franciscana” refers to the Franciscan traditions and the ways in which we attempt to apply and integrate them into our mission at San Damiano Retreat.

SAN DAMIANO MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of San Damiano Retreat is to provide a peaceful environment of natural beauty where spiritual renewal and growth may be sought by people of all faiths and backgrounds In the Spirit of St Francis and St Clare, and guided by the Franciscan traditions of joy, hospitality, compassion, peace, and simplicity, we offer contemporary and challenging retreats and programs in response to the changing needs of God’s people.

DIRECTORS. PAST AND PRESENT

Many directors have guided San Damiano through the myriad challenges and opportunities that have arisen:

David Temple, OFM
(1961-1976)

Michael Weishaar, OFM
(1976-1982)

Howard Hall, OFM
(1982-1989)

Paul Warren, OFM
(1989-1995)

Tom Grant
(1995-1996)

Ray Bucher, OFM
(1996-present)

NEWS: ELECTORS CHOOSE NEW GENERAL MINISTER

Following a day that was dedicated to prayer and discussion about the future of the Order, the brother electors gathered in Rome elected Vicar General Michael A. Perry, OFM, as the General Minister of the Order and 120th Successor of St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Michael becomes the third American to serve as Vicar of St. Francis. Former General Minister John Vaughn, OFM, of the St. Barbara Province held that post for two terms from 1979-1991; and Valentine Schaff, OFM, of the St. John the Baptist Province was General Minister who served 1945-46. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1954, Br. Michael entered the Novitiate of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1977. He served his Province in Theological Formation, Post-Novitiate Formation, International JPIC work and for 10 years he worked in the Missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He served also with the Catholic Relief Services and in the US Conference of Catholic Bishops before being elected Provincial Minister of his Province in 2008 and then a year later, Vicar General of the Order.

ST. BARBARA PROVINCE BOARD FORMATION COMMITTEE RETREAT

Mel Jurisich, OFM, Joe Atteridge, and Barry Stenger conducted a retreat at San Damiano May 31-June1. All of the St. Barbara institutions that have boards of directors and advisory boards had representatives present. Fr. Ray and Lisa Briones represented San Damiano. Fr. Dominic Monti, OFM of the Holy Name Province was the keynote speaker. The retreat provided an opportunity to have dialogue between the members of each institutes’ board and the trustees. It helped in continuing to advance a greater understanding of our various roles on these boards. Many good ideas and suggestions resulted from the meetings.

SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX

Enshrined in the sanctuary area of the San Damiano Chapel is a reproduction of the crucifix that made the church of San Damiano outside the walls of Assisi famous. It was while in prayer before a 12th Century crucifix in the dilapidated church of San Damiano that Francis heard a voice. The Christ of the crucifix spoke to Francis, “Francis, go repair my church which is falling into ruins.” Literally Francis began to gather stones and started building the edifice only to realize that the larger community of the whole church was meant, not merely a material building. more»

San Damiano’s team of directors have all received extensive training and formation in the art of spiritual direction, and bring years of experience to this ancient ministry. Our team consists of men and women, who are married, single or are members of a religious community. They have a deep commitment to ongoing spiritual formation and growth, both personally and with those they companion.

WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

• Notice and savor your own experiences of God
• Integrate spirituality into your daily life
• Find understanding, encouragement and affirmation
• Share challenges, losses, or disappointments
• Celebrate joys and accomplishments
• Grow in relationship with God, self, others, and creation
• Deepen your freedom to live a more authentic life

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SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TEAM

From left top: Dale Trunk, Kathy Miranda, Beth St. John, Clare Ronzani, Nancy Jokerst. Bottom from left: Sr. Marg Lynch, SNJM, Rena Grant, Bidi Millet & Nancy Burchett. Not pictured: David Williams

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TEAM COORDINATOR

Clare Ronzani is on sight on Thursdays and some Fridays. Her email address is clareronzani@sandamiano.org and phone is 925-837-9141, ext. 311. She checks her email and phone messages daily.

ABOUT SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TEAM

PRIVATE RETREAT WITH SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

San Damiano is a place of natural beauty, located on 50 acres, at the end of Highland Drive. We are 30 miles from the Oakland International Airport, 40 miles from the San Jose International Airport, and 47 miles from the San Francisco International Airport. DIRECTIONS AND MAP

GUEST INFORMATION

For further information download
Frequently asked Questions

You can also contact us at:
info@sandamiano.org

VISITOR REFLECTION

“ … We love doing our retreats at your special place and many of us look forward to returning each year. It’s a wonderful place to renew our spirits and spend some time in silence and fellowship.”

SCHEDULE A SITE VISIT

We love to show our center to anyone who wishes a tour of the facility for group retreats, meetings, workshops, and business meetings. Call or email Lisa to set up a tour 925-837-9141 ext. 303.