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July 19, 2023Since its founding in 1967 by the Redemptorist Congregation, generations of Christians spanning all denominations have come to Notre Dame Retreat House overlooking Canandaigua Lake in Upstate New York to renew and reflect on their faith journey with God. When it was announced that the facility was slated to close due to staffing shortages, the public outcry spurred a committee of 100% non-paid lay volunteers into action by establishing a new chapter of Partners in Mission (PIM). Working closely with the Redemptorists, a plan was formulated to allow this group to form a 501c3 non-profit group, which will lease the Retreat House and carry on its mission.
“It was a very difficult decision for the Redemptorists to leave the retreat house and they are doing so not for lack of love for the ministry, but because of declining numbers and financial difficulties,” said Father Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., who is forming this PIM group in Redemptorist spirituality and mission by meeting with its Board of Directors monthly. “I have been deeply moved by the desire of so many dedicated lay Catholics to continue the mission of Notre Dame Retreat House in line with the Redemptorist charism of walking in the footsteps of the Redeemer and bringing his Gospel message to a wounded world. I am deeply grateful for the impact the Redemptorists have had on the spiritual life of the people of the Rochester area and beyond. The commitment of this group of lay volunteers is really something to behold.”
“When they announced the closing of Notre Dame, there was a palatable shockwave sent throughout our Catholic community,” explains Tom Crumlish, elected president of the 501c3 non-profit, which will officially take over operations on August 1, 2023. “From the minute the Redemptorists announced the closing, volunteers began raising their hands to see what they could do to save this beloved place. That’s how this board came to be.”
Although located in the Diocese of Rochester, New York, Notre Dame Retreat House is independent from the Diocese and, therefore, receives no financial support from the Diocese.
“Our Bishop Matano has been very vocal in his desire to keep Notre Dame open as a place for Catholics to reflect on and grow in their faith. While the Diocese can provide no funding, the number of priests, deacons and others volunteering to run retreats has been outstanding,” states Crumlish. “This has definitely become an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ effort to keep this community treasure open and growing.”
As with any effort of this nature, the bottom line to success comes down to financial support. The Redemptorists have agreed to lease the facility to the newly established 501c3 non-profit at a very low rate, but all maintenance and upkeep of the aging facility becomes its responsibility. This includes major heating and cooling updates, as well as new windows in many of the rooms. Payroll for a director, maintenance personnel, a chef, and housekeeping staff will also fall on the shoulders of the volunteer board beginning August 1st.
“Our fundraising goal for this first year is $500,000, which will barely cover the immediate building upgrades needed along with a small operating reserve,” says Crumlish. “We have already raised nearly $100,000 through a simple email outreach to past retreatants, so we are very hopeful our goal can be reached once our fundraising efforts swing into high gear.”
Those fundraising efforts include outreach to past donors, a social media campaign and communication to all parishes in the Diocese of Rochester, as well as those in neighboring Buffalo and Syracuse. A free one-day retreat with Gus Lloyd from Sirius XM Radio’s Catholic Channel is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th, with the hope of introducing new people to the beauty of Notre Dame’s campus and the power of retreats.
“We encourage everyone to learn more about Notre Dame and, if possible, make a gift to support our efforts, which can be made at our website” concludes Crumlish. “Of course, the most meaningful way to show your support is to attend a retreat yourself and learn why this place is special to so many.”
Readers can learn more or make a gift online by visiting www.NotreDameRetreat.org
Contact information:
Name: Tom Crumlish, president
Organization: Notre Dame Retreat House, Inc.
Phone: 585.303.5020
Email: [email protected]
Address: 5151 Foster Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Website: www.NotreDameRetreat.org
