OUR MISSION 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 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.

  THEME FOR 2008

"AWAKEN TO THE SACRED"
"Take off your shoes...this is holy ground" (Ex. 3:5) Escape from the busyness of your life to be surprised by God as you stop, look, and listen. Come, awaken to the sacred within you and surrounding you. Experience the sacred in silence, nature and others. Take off your shoes ... let go of the obstacles ... discover with new eyes and new ears the sacred in the midst of your life.

  DIRECTOR

      FR. RAYMOND BUCHER, OFM is the director of San Damiano Retreat Center. He has conducted various retreats, workshops, and classes here and at other Franciscan Retreat Centers in areas of marriage, maturity, contemporary spirituality, prayer, philosophy, religious studies and Francis. Speaking three languages--Spanish, Italian and some French--Ray worked as the Director of the the Franciscan International Headquarters in Rome, Italy from 1982-1985.

      Prior to coming to San Damiano, Ray was Director of the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona from 1985-1991 and vice-president of the Franciscans of the Province of St. Barbara from 1988-1994. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University in New York City. He has taught at the University of Santa Clara, Loyola University in New Orleans and the FST (Franciscan School of Theology). He is a NEH (National Endowment For The Humanities) Fellow and is published in the Encyclopedia of Religion, Macmillan.

  ADMINISTRATOR

      Before coming to San Damiano Retreat Center, LAURIE LANDIS was the Executive Director at Mt. Alverno Retreat Center in Redwood City. There, she supervised many departments: administration, maintenance, grounds, food service and housekeeping. Here at San Damiano, she serves in much the same capacity.

      Born in Germany, Laurie grew up in an Air Force family living most of her childhood on the East Coast. At the age of twenty, she moved to California to attend college. Later, she received her Masters in Business Administration concentrating on Human Resources from San Francisco State University. She now resides in Oakland.

      Laurie loves music, animals, and gardening. She’s very passionate about nature and feels closest to God in her yard or in a forest. For Laurie, she sees her position at San Damiano as another opportunity in God’s wonderful plan for her.

  RETREAT MASTER

      FR. RUSTY SHAUGHNESSY, OFM brings his immense experience facilitating retreats to San Damiano from The Casa in Scottsdale, Arizona. He continues to facilitate retreats, workshops and parish missions internationally. Fr. Rusty attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore where he earned his MA in Theology. A gifted speaker and reflection leader, Fr. Rusty's interests include Men's Spirituality, work with Young Adults and Contemplative retreats. Please take time to review the Retreats page of our website. You will find Fr. Rusty's name frequently as retreat leader. We are thrilled and blessed to have Fr. Rusty with us and encourage you to attend one of his retreats.

  COMMUNITY/STAFF

      THE COMMUNITY has at its heart six Franciscan Friars, one resident hermit and three Covenant Volunteers who live on site and share their lives and talents. We have a great STAFF of men and women, of varying ages and gifts, who share fully in this ministry and community. As you visit San Damiano you will find the Friars, volunteers and staff, hospitable and welcoming.

  VOLUNTEERS

P.O. Box 767 Danville, CA 94526-0767 • Phone 925-837-9141 • Fax 925-837-0522