St. Francis Center for Renewal, located on the grounds of Monocacy Manor, is nestled within 108 acres of rolling hills and is bound by Monocacy Creek. It has been the home of the School Sisters of St. Francis since 1947 and a retreat center for over 60 years. The natural beauty of the grounds includes wide open spaces for walking. The gentle flow of the creek provides an atmosphere of contemplation and relaxation.
The Renewal Center is located in a spacious 3 story building. A fully air-conditioned, modern facility, it is wheel chair accessible. It accomodates day groups of 75-100. (Overnight guests: 37 rooms, 2 sngl beds in each) We encourage you to consider using our beautiful facility to host your next staff retreat, congregational meeting, workshop or faculty in-service.
Our center has four main conference rooms, state of the art multi-media room, several break off rooms, a small chapel that seats 30, and the Convent Chapel that seats 110. Professional chefs provide excellent meal and snack options. In addition to the warmth shown you by our retreat center staff, we know you will find the flexibility of our facility a great asset to your agenda.
The tradition of our Center is to nurture personal growth through care and hospitality. We offer a full and varied range of programs and retreats annually. Additionally, if you are looking for an agenda to be designed for your specific needs, the retreat center staff will be happy to discuss the available options
Faith
Christian:
Catholic : Franciscan
Open to All:
Open to All
Mission/Lineage: The Mission of St. Francis Center for Renewal is to glorify God and to witness to the Gospel by providing a Christ-centered environment of hospitality, caring and love as as oasis of peace and healing for all God's people.
The Center, founded and staffed by the School Sisters of St. Francis, is built on our tradition of ongoing conversion of heart through prayer, reflection, liturgical celebration and contemplation.
Average Cost: $ - $$
Donation: There is no set fee for this retreat. It is either free or strictly donation only - you donate only what you can afford.
Environment: River / Stream, Rural, Woods
Special Needs: Allergies, Wheelchair Access
Restrictions: No Smoking
Language: English
Overnight Guest Capacity (defined as):
74
Meeting Space Capacity (defined as):
100
Meeting Rooms:
| Room Name | Square Feet | Capacity | Description |
| Renewal Center Chapel | 0 | 30 | With light pouring in through a beautiful stained glass window, and warmed by rich wood panelling, this intimate Chapel is on the Main Floor of St. Francis Center for Renewal.
Digital keyboard present. |
| Main Chapel | 0 | 110 | Located on the west end of the Convent, highlights of this Chapel include its large San Damiano Crucifix and stunning stained glass windows. Uplifting space for liturgical celebrations and prayer services.
Organ present. |
| Blue Room | 0 | 75 | Largest conference room: spacious and bright, set up with chairs and/or tables. AV equipment available |
| Burgundy Room | 0 | 30 | Intimate and cozy, but easily seats 30 in comfortable armed chairs. AV and keyboard available. |
| Multi Media Room | 0 | 35 | Brand new, state of the art multi-media room, seats 35 at tables with comfortable chairs. |
| Quilt Room | 0 | 20 | Highlighted by a beautiful Bethlehem Star quilt, created in honor of our Center's 60th Anniversary, this space is ideal as a break-off room or conference room for smaller group. Contains two round tables with chairs, but can be set up with chairs alone. |
| Conference Room | 0 | 35 | Located on our lower level, this space can be set up with tables & chairs, or chairs alone to accomodate a larger group. Emptied, it can be a great space for movement/yoga sessions. |
| Parlor | 0 | 10 | With over-stuffed sofas and armchairs, this delightful parlor, located on our main floor, is wonderful as a break off room, meeting room for a small group or as a quiet space for personal reflection. |
| Library | 0 | 10 | Well stocked with spiritual materials, our bright, cozy library welcomes you to settle in for some quiet time of reflection. Excellent space for break off groups/small meetings.
Armchairs and two tables with chairs. Computer/internet access available. |
| Kitchenette | 0 | 15 | Located on the main floor of our Center, this large kitcehn is the 'heart of the home.' Sometimes used as a break-off space, its coffee pot is always hot and full. |
| Cafeteria | 0 | 100 | This large and bright dining hall welcomes our guests for their meals. Always beautifully decorated, the tables are set with linen table cloths and seasonal center pieces.
Its tile flooring make this space also ideal for art/craft and movement sessions. |
| San Damiano Hermitage | 0 | 1 | Our hermitage apartment is available for solitude and prayer - a wonderful way to be away from everything and tune in totally to your God. Hermitage includes living room, small prayer room, bedroom, bath and small kitchenette. |
Groups Served: 12 Step / Addiction / Recovery, Arts / Crafts, Business, Church / Faith / Religious, Dance / Theater, Educational, Families, Health / Healing, Meditation Groups, Mens Groups, Music, Nature / Adventure, Non-profit, Peace / Justice, Personal Development Groups, Silent, Womens Groups, Writing, Yoga Groups, Youth Groups
Amenities: AV Service, Carpet, Chapel / Temple, Church / Prayer Services, Gardens / Outdoor Space, Hardwood / Tile (non-carpet), On-line / Internet Access, Walking/ Hiking Trails
Technology and AV: Our Center has a new, state of the art mulit-media room on the main floor. A computer, with internet access, is available for the use of retreatants in our library. We also have wireless hookup available in certain spots within the Center.
The two main conference rooms are set up with AV equipment.
Room Types: Cottage / Cabin, Hotel
Some or all housing is single sex only.
Food: Restricted Diet Options, Vegetarian Options
Meal Availability: Provided - All Meals
Location of this Retreat:
395 Bridle Path Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
United States
Travel Info: St. Francis Center for Renewal is situated at 395 Bridle Path Rd., Bethlehem PA, approximately one mile off Route 22. Exit: Center Street/Rte.512. Route 22 is accessible from the Lehigh Valley Exit on the PA Turnpike: North East Extension, or from Route 78. Bethlehem is located 1.5 hours from Philadelphia or NYC. Airports: Lehigh Valley: 10 min drive; Philadlephia or Newark Airports: 1.5 hours. Bus stations nearby.
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