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by
Karen Fetter
As you drive along Route 30
in Greensburg you may not
realize there is a tranquil
retreat and conference
center just seconds away.
That is one of the features
of the Bishop William G.
Connare Center of the
Diocese of Greensburg,
formerly known as St. Joseph
Center. Guests have
the unique combination of
experiencing serenity while
enjoying a close and
convenient location.
Winding up Seminary Drive,
the tree-lined road leads
you to 170 acres in the
foothills of the Laurel
Highlands. The
facility offers a large
retreat, conference,
educational, and banquet
facility that can lodge up
to 160 guests. The
Bishop Connare Center can
accommodate your needs from
weekend events and camps to
wedding showers and holiday
parties.
Gerald R. Bertig, director
of facilities management,
adds that the facility is
mainly used for religious
and non-profit uses.
And churches of all
denominations can use the
center. “We are
dedicated to providing a
Christian environment, with
friendly, dependable service
and hospitable
accommodations.”
Many may remember the
facility by its former name:
the St. Joseph Center.
The new name was granted by
the current Bishop Lawrence
E. Brandt. Brandt
wanted to honor Bishop
Connare, who was the second
bishop of the diocese and
who helped envision the
building of the center.
The new name was dedicated
on May 4, 2007 at a mass in
St. Joseph Chapel with
family and friends of the
late Bishop Connare.
For conferences and meetings
there are a variety of
options to select from
depending on the size of the
group. There are two
large rooms that can
accommodate up to 170 and
200 people. For a
group of 50 there is an
intimate den and parlor room
that each have a fireplace
and are lined with chestnut
panels.
In addition, there are five
other small group areas for
small meetings. The
den and parlor make it the
perfect setting for
Christmas functions because
of the amazing decorations
put out for the holidays,
according to Bertig.
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For
retreats, camps, and lodging
that requires overnight
stays there are private,
double, and triple occupancy
rooms and suites. All
linens and towels are
provided. In addition,
the rooms are upgraded in a
furnished-style dormitory
with sinks and carpeting.
Furthermore, all of the
areas are connected under
one roof and it is fully
air-conditioned.
Outside of the building
there is a large field,
tennis courts, basketball
courts, and a gymnasium that
can be used for camps.
In the center of the
adjoined buildings is the
St. Joseph Chapel, which
seats 320 people. The
chapel is available for
religious services and can
also be used for convocation
space. However, no
sacraments can be performed
in the chapel because it is
not an active parish.
The chapel has stained glass
windows and a hardwood
ceiling.
The dining room is a
glass-enclosed room that can
seat 240 for banquets.
There is also a side dining
room-- perfect for wedding
and baby showers or for
smaller get- together.
“Our food service staff is
known for its great meal
preparation. We get
many compliments from our
guests,” said Bertig.
The peaceful environment is
what makes the experience at
Bishop William G. Connare
Center truly amazing.
Amid the trees and serene
environment is a facility
that can handle a large
group of people. This
type of atmosphere is
excellent for retreats.
People feel refreshed and
encouraged. Despite
the quietness, the facility
is not far from shopping and
dining. It is just
mere minutes from
Westmoreland Mall and
restaurants along Route 30
in Greensburg, Westmoreland
County.
The Diocese of Greensburg
opened the center in 1962 as
a minor seminary, a
residential high school for
those who were interested in
seminary vocation.
Then in 1980 the Diocese
decided to change it over to
a conference center.
On site is also the
Pennsylvania State Police
training center and the
Neumann House, providing
lodging for retired priests.
Rates
for rooms, conferences,
lodging and banquets vary on
the type of service and
facility needed.
Bertig said every effort is
made to accommodate the
needs and budgets of each
group. If you are
interested in reserving
space or receiving a rate
quote at the Bishop Connare
Center, please call
724-834-7350 between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Select a
peaceful and beautiful
setting for your next
function and select the
Bishop Connare Center.
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