Sisters of St. Francis Campus Programs and Events
for April-May 2025
Aluminum Can Recycling Supports Franciscan Earth Literacy Center
Celebrate Earth Day by recycling your aluminum cans! Drop off your bagged cans between Monday, April 14 – Tuesday, April 22. Bags of cans can be dropped off in the gravel parking lot in front of St. Francis Convent (200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin)
Community Garden Plots are available to rent at the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center on the St. Francis Campus in Tiffin.
Rent 20’x30’ plots ($140), 20’x15’ plots ($100) or mini plots 10’x15’ ($70). This includes use from May – October (weather permitting). Plot fees will be waived for those who qualify for financial assistance. Visit www.felctiffin.org for guidelines or to download an application. Call Sr. Shirley at 419.448.7485 for questions or email sshafranek@felctiffin.org.
Monday, April 21 (8:00am-3:00pm) Science Day for Kids Ages 6-10 at the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
Theme: Spring is in the air and new life is everywhere…Let’s explore! Spend the day out in the woods and on the farm to learn about the cycles of nature and how to spot wildlife.
Cost: $60 per child. Scholarships are available. Lights snacks provided. Drop-off time: 7:30-7:50am. To register: Call 419-448-7485 or email hwatson@felctiffin.org at least one week prior to each Science Day.
Saturday, April 26 (10:00am) Wildflower Walk in the Woods at Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
Join Robin Gorrell and Linda Rose for a walk through the beautiful St. Francis woods to identify and learn about Northern Ohio Wildflowers. You will receive a handout with pictures and information to help identify common wildflowers found growing locally. Spring is a wonderful time to explore our woods. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the trails.
There will be a short program at FELC beforehand. The walk in the woods is optional. Participants are welcome to drive to the woods.
Donations are welcome. RSVP’s are encouraged, but not required. 419-448-7485.
Saturday, April 26th (8am-12pm) Annual Plant Sale at Seeds of Hope Farm at 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
You’ll find a variety of chemical – free flowers, as well as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, herbs and more! With a large variety of flower and veggies at just $2.00/4-pack, we have everything you need to get your gardens off to a great start. There will be microgreens and hydroponic lettuce and greenhouse tomatoes, and fresh eggs for sale, too
Gift certificates are also available.
Join the Sisters of St. Francis on Wednesdays, from 9:00am-4:00pm in the Sisters of St. Francis Chapel, 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin to pray for our country. Use the lane closest to Melmore St., enter through the main doors and be directed to the chapel. There will be a resource table outside of the chapel. Feel free to use these prayers as you wish.
Sunday, April 27 (1pm-4pm) Community Wide Earth Day Celebration at Franciscans Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
FREE Fun for all ages! Lots of door prizes, raffles, hands-on activity stations and live chicken activities. The event will be held rain or shine! High Voltage Coffee Truck and Wild Bunch Wellness Bar will be on hand selling coffee and much more!
Participating organizations include: Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, Tiffin Parks and Recreation, Seneca County Park District, Tiffin Water Pollution Control Center, Seneca Conservation District, Glass Roots, OSS Solid Waste District, Cycling Without Age-Seneca County, Transformation Life Center, Columbian High School Bio Club, Sisters of St. Francis Mission Core Team, National Center for Water Quality Research at Heidelberg University, and OSU Ext Master Gardeners of Seneca County.
Join in the fun and celebrate Earth Day with a 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave. in Tiffin. Registration begins at 11:30am, race starts at 12:30pm. Please register by April 14. Park in the Elizabeth Schaefer Apartments parking lot at 190 St. Francis Avenue. Recycled content t-shirts are available for $20 (adult S/M/L/XL and 2XL or kids S/M/L/ XL). Paved path option for walkers and strollers. Main course includes trail through woods. Includes post race awards and Earth Day activities for all ages until 4pm. Register online at https://popsicle.app/parents/FELC/login For questions, call Hannah at 419-448-7485.
Sunday, May 11 (4pm) – Saturday, May 17 (1pm) Eucharist: Diamond in Our Midst Retreat at St. Francis Spirituality Center, 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
This retreat will invite participants to delve deeply into the mystery and gift of the Eucharist as we explore its various dimensions. Facets of the diamond will include the Body of Christ, the holiness of all creation, the Paschal Mystery, gratitude, the meaning of sacrifice, and more. Two conferences per day, enhanced with poetry, music and ritual. Optional daily shared reflections.
Retreat Leader: Sister Edna Michel, OSF. Cost: $600 includes retreat, meals and lodging or $390 for commuter option. For more information or to register, contact Jenifer by May 1st at 419-443-1485 or at peace@franciscansretreats.org.
2025 Summer Camps at Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
June 9-13 – Art in Nature (ages 8-12)
June 16-20 – Animal Pals (ages 5-10)
June 23-26 – NEW Explore Your World (ages 8-12)
July 7-11 – NEW Goggles and Gloves On! Serious Science (ages 5-7 & 8-12)
July 14-18 – NEW Wild Child (ages 5-10)
Thanks to the generous community support, FELC is able to offer each camp for $175 per self-paying camper (down from $200). A limited number of scholarships are available. Each camp runs from 8AM-NOON. There will be 30 campers maximum per week, with a waitlist option. Registration ends two days prior to each camp. Early bird special: save $25 if registered before May 1st. To register, visit https://popsicle.app/parents/FELC/login.
For questions or a scholarship application, contact Hannah Bumb at 419-448-7485 or email
