After 60 years of Vincentian service St. Lazare Retreat House will close on July 31, 2013.
On Thursday, March 28th, Fr. Vincent O’Malley, CM, the Director of St. Lazare Retreat House in Spring Lake, Michigan, announced that due to personnel and financial issues the Retreat House would close on July 31, 2013.
During these 60 years it served more than 100,000 people.
While you can visit its website for pictures etc.
There is also 10 minute YouTube video narrated by Fr. Vincent O’Malley, CM
Such a shame. I can’t help but wonder how much impact the change in weekend fees had to do with this. I attended retreat at St. Lazare’s for 18 years, and it was always the highlight of my year. It was with a heavy heart that I did not go last year — I was so appalled to hear that debtor letters were being sent to those who did not make the ‘suggested donation.’ After years of Fr. Shea assuring us that the widow’s mite was gladly accepted, it came as quite a surprise to learn that St. Lazare’s was no longer open to all. So sad that West Michigan is losing this precious gem. Thank you to Fr. Shea and all the fine Vinectians who served at the retreat house throughout the years.
I, too, am a retreatant of St. Lazare’s for 17 years and have been closely associated with this beautiful retreat house. Like so many, I am deeply saddened at its closing. I do know that it is not because of “debtor letters” nor the change in weekend fees. It is because, just as Father O’Malley announced, of the shortage in priests and the financial state of St. Lazare — which is indicative of the situation of too many of our parishes overall. The last 2 years have seen several retreats cancelled due to the low turnout of retreatants and I have observed this downturn for several years, so St. Lazare’s closing is only more fallout from people’s decline in their Catholic spirituality. On the upside, we are beginning to see a reversal in all this – Thanks be to God! St. Lazare’s has been home to many souls over these past 60 years because of the beautiful Vencentian order of priests. I personally want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. May God bless you and keep you all. You will always be in my prayers.
I know that there is a shortage of Priests but we certainly don’t want a shortage devine inspiration. In my opinion, closing the retreat house is not an inspired move.
I’ve never been to the retreat house despite living in the area for 20 plus years. For the longest time I didn’t even know it was there.
I think the “Retreat” should not be closed, and lost forever, but it should be marketed and promoted kn every parish in the dioces.
The faithful don’t know or may not know that they “Need” a retreat until someone invites them or until dire circumstances grab their attention. I have to believe that there are many others like myself who have no idea what the retreat house has to offer.
Please reconsider the plan to close it.
It was a sad day when we heard of this closing. Does anyone out there have Fr. Vincent O’Malley’s address?? Would appreciate this. Thank you in advance for the info.
Fr. O’Malley is now stationed at Niagara University. Not sure of the “official” address, but sending mail to:
Fr. Vincent O’Malley
Vincentian Residence
Niagara University, NY 14109
…will get to him. The campus post office is pretty good at getting things where they need to go.