Who has time for a retreat? You do, for by taking a definite break from your regular routines, you actually afford time for your mind, body, emotional and spiritual sides to regenerate, recuperate, refresh and renew. And the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara is the perfect retreat location right here in Western New York. This tranquil 93-bed facility is located on 100 acres at Stella Niagara, in the town of Lewiston, only 10 miles north of Niagara Falls on the Lower Niagara River.   

Experience this site for overnight or single day/evening meetings/retreats, all located within the same building. Multiple meeting rooms, dining and sleeping rooms heighten pensive rest and spiritual insight. Enjoy Wi-Fi, elevator and loading ramp, comfortable furniture, nearby parking, nature trail and outdoor labyrinth, peace garden, outdoor Stations of the Cross and more, plus reflexology and Pysanky/Ukrainian egg contemplative workshops (with advance notice).

Many groups and individuals consider the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara their first choice, year after year, for private retreats, faith-based family reunions or crafters' events, church retreats, leadership or staff development days, and meeting location for events up to 93 people. The Center of Renewal has spiritual directors available for private retreatants' spiritual journeys by advance request, plus a friendly, skilled staff to help with meeting planning so groups may achieve the most from their events. Customized training, facilitating and workshops are also available through the center's executive director, Nancy P. Askins, who specializes in faith-based mission integration and values-based organizational development.  

Sponsored and directed retreats are also offered by the Center of Renewal. For example, the upcoming 2016 Directed Retreat Week on Aug. 22-26 will give retreatants "an opportunity to experience the gift of silence, helping them be more aware of the unique ways God speaks to us," as stated by Sister Nancy Fortkort, OSF, board member and 2016 directed retreat spiritual director. "During a directed retreat, this experience is enhanced by the beauty of Stella Niagara's environment, both indoors and outside. Each retreatant has an individual spiritual director with whom to discuss their experiences and receive guidance as needed to enter more deeply into their prayers." Additionally, other spiritual directors this August will include Sister Marian Baumler, SSMN; Sister Donna Lord, GNSH; Sister Kathleen Murphy, OSF; and Sister Jean Thompson, OSF.  

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance & Christian Charity Holy Name Province, COR is in its 42nd year as a retreat ministry of hospitality.  COR is very proud of its sponsorship by the sisters, and extends its mission to all faiths and not-for-profits, having adopted the slogan, "Enjoy Our Interfaith Hospitality!" Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell of Philadelphia was seeking an interfaith retreat center for her family reunions, and she returned again to the Center of Renewal. "I've learned over the years that staying at a spiritual retreat center typically offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Center of Renewal went out of its way to welcome us, even providing a special private room and linens for our family's Sabbath meal. We were so pleased in 2014 that we booked a return trip the next year for our faith-based family reunion."

Contact the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara: 716-754-7376, Ext. 2; new email centerofrenewal@stellaosf.org, or new website www.stellaniagararetreats.org.