Franciscan Life Process Center

Barn Sale
2025-09-05 09:00 - 2025-09-06 17:00 (America/New_York) | Franciscan Life Process Center – Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI, 49331
Come shop office and home furniture, kitchen supplies and decorations at our Barn Sale on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6.
Stop by our Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and shop items from our recent renovations. All proceeds will go toward ongoing renovations for accessibility and energy efficiency of our Lowell building.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, cleanup and managing sales. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Please reach out to Dawn Langenbach at dlangenbach@lifeprocesscenter.org to sign up.
Time slots for event set up (organizing and pricing sale items):

Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time slots for managing sales and assisting customers:

Friday, Sept. 5

8 a.m. to noon
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
2:30-5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6

8 a.m. to noon
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
2:30-5 p.m.

ReVitalize Open House - You are Invited
2025-09-18 16:00 - 19:00
The Franciscan Life Process Center invites the community to explore our renovated Lowell campus 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. All are invited, including past and future program participants, church and school groups, event planners and more. Join us for light refreshments and guided tours at 11650 Downes St. NE.
For more than 30 years, our Lowell campus has been a place of growth and restoration. We’ve been blessed to be able to offer numerous music therapy sessions, counseling appointments, art workshops and land programs, as well as room rentals, overnight accommodations and more. However, this well-loved community space had begun to show its age and was in need of a variety of improvements. With support from the community, we were able to ReVitalize the building.
As part of the renovation, guests will now enter through a welcoming, accessible entrance, designed with community in mind. The dining and kitchen areas have been completely reimagined to better host retreats and private events, while counseling and office spaces now reflect a calmer, enhanced therapeutic environment. Updated heating, cooling and lighting systems make the Center more sustainable and comfortable year-round.
This transformative effort, envisioned by the late Executive Director Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, was made possible by the generosity of donors. We are pleased to be nearing the completion of essential upgrades that will allow us to continue serving West Michigan with excellence and care for decades to come.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

ralph annunziata-'listen'-the 'autumnalEquinox'
2025-09-24 09:00 - 2025-09-26 16:00
September 24-26, 2025
Join us for a transformative 3-day contemplative painting & drawing retreat, to
explore color & line, natural & human form perspectives & relations through a fresh,
reflective EYE to theCreative process that engages LIGHT, color & form withIN &
withOUT
The cost of this workshop is $500.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-annunziata-listen-tickets-1325629376149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Beginner Adult Spanish Course
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
We’re pleased to announce our new adult Spanish course for beginners. The six-week program will run Sept. 24-Oct. 29 on Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at our Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St NE.
This course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of Spanish and focuses on developing conversational skills.
This program is open to up to 10 participants and costs $150 per person. A workbook will be provided at the first session.
To sign up and learn more, email skoteskey@lifeprocesscenter.org or call 616.897.7842 ext. 315.
Please note: This course is not eligible for college credits.
Course instructor
Experienced educator James Albert will lead the course. James is a retired teacher with years of experience teaching Spanish and special education classes in the Ingham, Ionia and Montcalm school districts.

Beth Charles-Abstract Acrylic Florals with Impact!
2025-09-25 09:00 - 2025-09-26 16:00
September 25 & 26, 2025
In this workshop, students will learn techniques in adding collage and writing to their abstract acrylic florals. Each student will create their own unique pieces, using their favorite flowers. The importance of understanding the difference between transparent and opaque acrylics will be demonstrated.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beth-charles-abstract-acrylic-florals-with-impact-tickets-1080412305289?aff=oddtdtcreator

Richard Jordan-Capturing the Character of Trees en Plein Air
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-03 16:00
October 2 & 3, 9 AM – 4 PM
https://www.artistrichardjordan.com/
In this two day workshop, Richard Jordan, Director of the Plein Air Painters of West Michigan, will share his approach to painting trees and give practical lessons on how you can give them visual truth while keeping their poetic quality. Richard will give painting demonstrations, on both days, plus providing plenty of one-on-one guidance.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richard-jordan-capturing-the-character-of-trees-en-plein-air-tickets-971142311797?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eric Michaels-Creating Textures in Watercolor
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-03 16:00
October 2 & 3, 9 AM – 4 PM
Besides visual interest, texture can create contrast, establish depth and dimension and impart a sense of realism. Although watercolor is a wet medium, there are a number of ways to simulate tree bark, rocks, grass, sand and other landscape elements.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eric-michaels-creating-textures-in-watercolor-tickets-951970899587?aff=oddtdtcreator

11th Annual Franciscan Rhythms Trail Run
2025-10-04 09:00
The 11th annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting our music therapy program and land restoration efforts will take place Saturday, Oct. 4.
The all-ages and all-fitness-levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.
As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded by deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!
A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants.
Visit our RunSignUp page for more information and to register for the race, sign up to volunteer or donate.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Fill out our sponsorship packet and email it to skoteskey@lifeprocesscenter.org.
Please view the course map here.

Barbara Schilling-4 Weeks to Building Stronger Paintings
2025-10-06 13:00 - 17:00
October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 1PM – 5PM

In this workshop I will cover 4 important elements of improving and elevating your work. There will be in-depth review of color (value/temperature/opacity/neutrality), discussion on pros and cons of working from life versus from photographs and more.

The cost of this workshop is $275.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-schilling-4-weeks-to-building-stronger-paintings-tickets-970974911097?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stan Kurth-Acrylic and Collage on Canvas or Paper 3-day Workshop
2025-10-07 09:00 - 2025-10-09 16:00
October 7 – 9, 9 AM – 4 PM
Participants in this workshop will create acrylic and collage paintings on canvas, board, or paper starting with no preconceived notions or outcome. Process will dictate direction as students use a variety of acrylic and collage techniques to implement elements and principles of design.
The cost of this workshop is $525.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stan-kurth-acrylic-and-collage-on-canvas-or-paper-3-day-workshop-tickets-810156779737?aff=oddtdtcreator

M. Joy Lemon-Florals in Charcoal & Chalk-Part I
2025-10-30 09:00 - 2025-10-31 16:00
October 30 & 31, 9 AM – 4 PM
I will share my block-in drawing technique and transfer method. You’ll discover how to prepare materials, transfer compositions with precision, and sculpt shadow shapes accurately. Then together, we’ll dive into the transformative process of shading, from deep shadows to radiant highlights, infusing your botanical drawings with drama and luminosity.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m-joy-lemon-florals-in-charcoal-chalk-part-i-tickets-1001395319357?aff=oddtdtcreator

M. Joy Lemon-Florals in Charcoal & Chalk-Part II
2025-11-10 09:00 - 2025-11-11 16:00
November 10 & 11, 9 AM – 4 PM
This workshop is as continuation of the October 30 & 31st workshop. Explore the art of rendering dramatic florals in charcoal and chalk, capturing the graceful sweep and curl of petals, the captivating interplay of light and shadow, and the rich depth of a nuanced value range.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m-joy-lemon-florals-in-charcoal-chalk-part-ii-tickets-1353544842059?aff=oddtdtcreator

La Cucina di Suor Gabriella - Italian Cooking Classes
2025-11-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-25 19:00 - 21:00
La Cucina di Suor Gabriella – Sister’s Kitchen
Learn how to bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen by enrolling in La Cucina di Suor Gabriella, our Italian Cooking Classes. The classes will run 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays Nov. 11-25 at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE. Executive Director Sister Gabriella Pettirossi, FSE, born and raised in Assisi, Italy, will teach and share her secrets to making authentic Italian cuisine.
Participants can sign up for one, a few or all the classes. Each class can have up to eight participants and costs $75 per person. Sign up online or by calling 616.897.7842.
Class Schedule

Nov. 11 – CLASS IS FULL Primi Piatti: Fresh pasta dishes with homemade pasta.
Nov. 18 – CLASS IS FULL Piatti Forti: Traditional Italian meat entrées.
Nov. 25 – CLASS IS FULL Pasticceria: Classic Italian desserts.

Homemade Sweet Bread Sale - Nov 14-15
2025-11-14 09:00 - 2025-11-15 12:00
Indulge in cinnamon rolls, orange rolls and pecan pull-apart bread made by the sisters this weekend.
These first-come, first-served treats will be available for purchase at the Center in Lowell, 11650 Downes St. NE:

Friday, Nov. 14 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15 – 9 a.m.-noon

Each package of treats will cost $20. The cinnamon rolls and orange rolls will have around 8-10 rolls per package. Cash and credit cards accepted.
All purchases will benefit our counseling, music therapy, land experiences and other programs.

Breads from the Franciscan traditions: Christmas Edition-CLASS IS FULL
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00
The Christmas season is around the corner, and soon you’ll be planning your holiday meals. Add a special touch to your Christmas celebration by learning how to make Christmas cinnamon rolls and sweet orange pull apart bread, in honor of the feast of St. Nicholas.
The class is 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 6 at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE. The breadmaking class can have up to 10 participants and costs $100 per person. Sign up online or by calling 616.897.7842.
Instructor
Sister Mary Paul Moller will be teaching the class. She will bring her years of baking experience to help each participant master these festive treats.

Beginner adult art classes
2026-01-05 18:00 - 21:00
So you want to be an artist!
Start your artistic journey with our beginner art classes, made for adults who want to build a strong creative foundation. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or rediscovering a hobby, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create beautiful drawings and paintings in this series, which begins in January and ends in March.

Taught by Center Art Director Kathy Bechtel, students will progress through three sessions: drawing, color theory and painting. Each course offers hands-on instruction in an intimate 10-person class. All classes are held at the Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE in Lowell.
Sign up for the beginner adult art classes online.
Please view the supplies list here.

________
Session 1 – Drawing

Students select either Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Jan. 5-Feb. 2
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Jan. 8-Feb.5

This five-week course will start with lessons in drawing basic objects and shapes and exploring how light and shadows affect each shape from different perspectives. In the following weeks, students will apply these skills to create still lifes, landscapes and portraits. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $200 per person.

Please note: Session 1 is required as a prerequisite for Session 2.

________

Session 2 – Color theory

Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 9 and 16
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 12 and 19

In this two-week course, students will discover how colors interact and learn to create primary, secondary and tertiary colors using acrylic paint. Participants will learn how to mix and manipulate colors to build harmonious palettes and gain a stronger understanding of the color wheel. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $80 per person.

Please note:

Students must attend Session 1 in order to join Session 2.
If a student would like to skip Session 1 and progress to Session 2, please contact Art Director Kathy Bechtel at kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org.

________

Session 3 – Painting
Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 23-March 16
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 26-March 19
In this four-week course, students will bring together the skills learned in Sessions 1 and 2 to create a complete acrylic painting. Lessons will include composition, edges, mood and dramatic lighting, helping participants create depth and enhance their paintings. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of Session 3 is $160 per person.

Students who sign up for all three sessions will receive $40 off, making the whole 11-week series $400 per person.

Beginner Adult Spanish Course
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00
Join other adult learners this winter for a beginner-friendly Spanish course focused on developing conversational skills. The 12-week program runs Jan. 7-March 25 on Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.

This welcoming course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of Spanish and focuses on developing everyday conversation skills and building confidence. Students will build their vocabulary and learn how to conjugate verbs and develop sentence structure. Basic prayers like the Hail Mary and Our Father will also be taught.

This program costs $300 per person. A workbook will be provided at the first session. To sign up and learn more, email sdebyle@lifeprocesscenter.org or call 616.897.7842.

Please note: This course is not eligible for college credits.

Course instructor

Experienced educator James Albert is a retired teacher with decades of teaching experience in the Michigan Department of Education and more than 15 years teaching Spanish at St. Patrick School. He also instructs the English as a Second Language program through the Belding Area Schools Adult Education program. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and spent three summers studying at the University of Costa Rica.

Beginner adult art classes - Session 1 - Drawing - Thursdays
2026-01-08 09:00 - 12:00
Session 1 – Drawing

Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Jan. 8-Feb.5

This five-week course will start with lessons in drawing basic objects and shapes and exploring how light and shadows affect each shape from different perspectives. In the following weeks, students will apply these skills to create still lifes, landscapes and portraits. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $200 per person.

Please note: Session 1 is required as a prerequisite for Session 2.
