The Season of Advent is Upon Us  

Dear Heavenly Father, this Advent season, we especially are in need of peace. War rages on in our world. It impacts the daily lives of millions in different ways.

This year, as much as ever, we need Jesus, Prince of Peace, in our world and in our hearts.

During Advent in 2023, we pray that Jesus transforms our world as we await His coming again.

 

Center of Renewal, your home-away-from-home retreat center of choice.

 

Did you know that the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is only three short miles from our retreat center? Call us to arrange an overnight retreat stay with us and a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in  Lewiston (www.fatimashrine.com).

 

WELCOME to the CENTER OF RENEWAL where we are pleased to create an environment of hospitality and spirituality for our retreat guests, both organized groups and individual private retreatants. 

Now is the perfect time to take a break from the stress and strains life has given us for over two years due the pandemic and related issues.  Imagine yourself focusing on a relaxing, spiritual renewal retreat.  Call us to reserve and confirm your overnight retreats, whether for your organization, ministry, group, or even just yourself

 

TO CONTACT OUR STAFF &/OR MAKE A RESERVATION: 

Please call us at 716-754-7376 (Ext. 1 or 2) to make reservations for future dates from now through the end of 2026.  Our office staffing schedules are flexible based upon guest need and projects underway, and phone messages are retrieved daily. 

As always, through your individual (private) or group retreats at Stella Niagara's Center of Renewal, we welcome the opportunity to provide the perfect environment to enhance your spiritual journey.

 

DEVOTION-BY-DISTANCE & OTHER RETREAT CENTER PROGRAMMING

All of our Devotion-by-Distance programs are designed to feature various types of retreat programming based on adult distance learning principles and will include discussion groups, online retreats, and courses.  In addition, in-person retreats may be preached, directed, guided, workshops, and/or other modes to enhance one's spiritual journey and personal growth.  

Gift certificates for any current or future retreat center programming, including the new “Devotion-by-Distance” programs, are also available. To register or for more information, call the Center of Renewal at 716-754-7376, ext. 1/Nancy or 2/Donna.

PLAN NOW TO ENJOY OUR INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY

Stella Niagara's Center of Renewal Retreat & Conference Center provides the ideal location for your next retreat ... or perhaps your first one.  We have been sharing our interfaith hospitality for over 46 years in retreat center ministry here in Western New York.  Only 10 miles north of majestic Niagara Falls, New York via the Niagara Scenic Parkway, the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara is a community of service. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.  We provide hospitality, promote spiritual growth, and foster the development of people. Individuals and groups are welcome to this environment of peace and beauty.

Center of Renewal Retreat & Conference Center at Stella Niagara (COR) is a welcoming interfaith retreat center sponsored by Sisters of St. Francis of Penance & Christian Charity, Holy Name Province.

Able to house up to approximately 60-90 guests and multiple groups (during non-COVID-pandemic-restrictions) in our overnight faith-based facility, Center of Renewal is located on the grounds of Stella Niagara, two miles north of the Village of Lewiston, New York and only ten miles north of majestic Niagara Falls, an easy drive on the Niagara Scenic Parkway. Currently planning to celebrate our 50th anniversary year of retreat center ministry in 2024, COR officially opened in July 1974 and has operated year-round since then.  We are only closed for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holiday time periods, and otherwise operate 24/7 with advance confirmed reservations.

The retreat center offers sponsored retreats, faith-based workshops, values-based programs, occasional excursions & adventures, plus hospitality for retreats and meetings of varying types of organized groups and not-for-profit organizations.  New offerings throughout the year typically include various online and in-person programs in spiritual growth and wellness provided in a variety of adult learning formats. 

Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara provides a wide variety of spiritual enrichment and learning opportunities for adults seeking growth, relaxation, reflection, study, and healing. We currently have groups booked for their favorite choices of retreat-stay days into 2026.

A quiet, peaceful site, Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara offers:

  • Retreats (single days, evenings, overnights)
  • Reflective, contemplative times and locations on property including outdoor labyrinth, nature trails, Peace Garden, riverside chapel, Stations of the Cross and more
  • Music (piano in Main Lounge and organ in COR Chapel meeting room)
  • Spiritual Directors available by advanced appointment (and additional fee) for private or group retreatants
  • Various sponsored and group retreats and other programs
  • Customized retreats and workshops on various topics and themes  
  • On-site professional group facilitator specializing in mission integration (core values, mission, vision, purpose), strategic planning, workplace relationships, management & staff development, performance excellence
  • Events include private or group retreats, workshops, spiritual and wellness events, excursions & adventures, and more
  • Located immediately across the road leading down to the Lower Niagara River is the Stella Niagara Preserve, owned and operated by the Western New York Land Conservancy.

MEALS & BEVERAGES:  All meals are included in your daily retreat package. We also offer 24/7 beverage service for a nominal daily fee.  As you plan your retreat, please be advised that no food or alcoholic beverages are to be brought onto the campus or into the retreat center; this also means no meals or food items can be delivered from outside. The only exception is that each person can bring minimal SNACKS (not meals) for their own personal consumption, with no sharing with others due to health regulations. Call us for details as needed.

CUSTOMIZED WORKSHOPS:  As an option to further enhance your group day and overnight retreats and meetings (both at our retreat center or your location), our executive director is a certified master trainer and seasoned facilitator particularly experienced in not-for-profits and faith-based ministries. She is available to design and deploy programs, workshops, and retreats on multiple customized topics for your group, particularly core values, mission integration, strategic planning, performance excellence, organizational & leadership development, corporate wellness, and more.

Call us today to schedule your ucoming retreat, workshop, program, gathering, or meeting (716) 754-7376, Ext. 1 or 2

Come enjoy our interfaith hospitality at Stella Niagara's Center of Renewal.

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PRIVATE & DIRECTED RETREATS AVAILABLE -- Call us today!

Isn't it time for your next retreat, or perhaps your first one?

 

Upcoming Retreat Programs

 

 

 

#1: 2023 ADVENT SILENT RETREAT WEEKEND by Sr. Marcella Kiesel, OSF.  Friday to Sunday, December 1-2-3, 2023.

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.  JOIN US NEXT TIME.

 

#2:  CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER GROUP - All are welcome!

NEXT SESSION IN DECEMBER 2023 / CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER GROUP meets the 1st Tuesday evening of each month. Advance reservations are not needed for this ongoing event, but feel free to call us to confirm a particular session will meet.  Questions? Please call Center of Renewal at 716-754-7376, Ext. 1 or 2.  

#3:  TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE RETREAT

Eclipse is on MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024 here in WNY. 

Mini-retreat being planned to include the total solar eclipse. Overnight and commuter options available.

Call to be placed on the list to receive the detailed flier (Dr. Nancy Askins, 716-754-7376, Ext. 1).

 

#4:  2024 EVENINGS OF PRAYER MINI-RETREAT SERIES

Each session has a different theme ... to be announced (TBA)  

 

WINTER:  Thurs., Jan. 18, 2024 

SPRING:   Thurs., April 18, 2024

SUMMER:  Thurs., July 18, 2024 

FALL: Thurs., November 6, 2024 

 

ALL SESSIONS 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  Check-in 4:30-4:55 PM (earlier check-in available with advance arrangements; just call for details)  

Mark your 2024 calendars now and plan to pre-register for our Evening of Prayer Series mini-retreats. 

  • Come and celebrate our wonderful seasons here in Western New York! 
  • Explore the spiritual benefits of taking time to refresh, renew, and rejuvenate.
  • Opening prayers followed by a theme-decorated dinner.
  • Retreats are varied in themes and content, which could include poetry, music, readings, sharing memories, handouts, and quiet time, all to celebrate the colors and symbols of each respective season and theme
  • Why not extend your Evening of Prayer retreat to include an overnight that evening, and/or extend the Evening of Prayer to some additional private retreat days (details available)?

Each 2024 Evening of Prayer is only $35 per person by the two-week prior pre-registration deadline, or if space is still available after the deadline, $40 includes late fee (call first to confirm available space).  

#5:  ASH WEDNESDAY RETREAT DAY (including distribution of ashes)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024  (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, includes coffee breaks & lunch) - Details to be announced.  Call 716-754-7376, Ext. 1 to be on list to receive flier with details.

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