Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of reserving space for a retreat?
Simply contact our Event Coordinator to start the process. Once details such as dates, times, meeting space requirements, and meals are confirmed, we will send a contract and deposit request of 20% of the total estimated cost of the retreat. This deposit is due 1 month from the day the contract is created. We ask for a final guest count 1 week prior to your arrival. An accurate count allows us to control the cost of your event by ensuring proper staffing and food purchases. A final invoice will be sent following the retreat based on that number, or the actual count if the actual number is higher.
Do we need a minimum number of guests to hold a retreat?
To keep resources available for larger groups, we ask for a minimum of 20 guests to reserve Bethany House for weekend retreats. Smaller groups may rent Bethany House as space permits. Please inquire with our Events Coordinator as to availability and options. Our Retreat House can accommodate groups from 1 to 50. When a small group has scheduled an event in the Retreat House, we may schedule other groups at the same time.
How do meals work?
Meals are served buffet style in one of our two dining rooms. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m. weekends. Lunch is served at 12:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. Friday. To ensure adequate staffing, we ask all groups to adhere to these meal times when planning their agenda. Due to capacity limits in our dining rooms, groups of 70 or more may be asked to split into two groups with staggered meal times or to use 2 dining rooms to accommodate their groups as space permits.
Can groups provide their own meals?
Groups are welcome to bring in their own meals. A Dining Room Use Fee will be required in these cases, which includes use of the dining room, beverage machines, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave oven. Groups can either choose to clean up after each meal or work with our Events Coordinator for St. Francis Retreat Center to provide these services. Unfortunately, due to licensing and insurance reasons, commercial kitchens are not available for guest use.
What is included in a meeting room rental?
All tables and chairs will be set up by our staff to your specification prior to your arrival. Other extras that are included at no additional cost in a meeting space are: A projector, screen, podium, whiteboards, easels, microphones and sound system, TV, DVD Player, etc. For outdoors, portable fire pits are available at no cost. Please let us know what you will need ahead of your arrival.
Does the retreat Center provide towels and linens?
Yes, the Retreat Center provides bedding and towels in each room.
Can we bring in our own snacks and beverages? Is there a fridge which they can be stored?
Yes, we allow groups to bring in their own snacks and beverages for their meeting space. There is a public fridge and freezer in the dining room in which cold items can be stored. The Retreat Center can also provide snacks to your meeting space – ask your Event Coordinator for details.
Are there normal daily times for Mass and Confession at the Retreat Center?
The Retreat Center does not have set times for daily Mass or Confessions. Groups that arrange for their own priest to celebrate Mass or hear confessions are welcome to use one of our Chapels. We have everything needed for Mass and Adoration in our Sacristies. We refer all others to The Catholic Community of St. Jude for Mass and confessions, which is less than one mile away.