Friday, March 1st, through Sunday, March 3rd

The Bethany Center: 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz Cost: $450 single room, $270 double room, $150 commuter

Retreat Leader: Fr. J. P. Hough, S.J. featuring surprise guest speakers.

Learn More and Register here!

Questions about the retreat? Email flboneman@aol.com

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the retreat?  Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 3, 2024.  Check-in starts Friday at 4:00pm followed by dinner at 6:00pm and then the first talk at  6:45pm. We will conclude around 11:00am on Sunday.  You should be back home by noon on Sunday afternoon. 

 Why should I go on retreat?  A retreat provides an opportunity for us to step aside from the work and worry of everyday living so we can reflect on our lives in the quiet presence of God. For those who have never attended a faith-based retreat, the thought may at first be a little intimidating.  For those who have made a retreat, the thought is usually, “When can I go again?” Almost all men who participate in a faith retreat comment on the many blessings that flow from taking the time to re-evaluate priorities and relationships, especially our relationships with God and family members. One sad truth of our modern culture is that the demands placed on all of us can become overwhelming, making it difficult to take time to simply reflect. More than ever, we all need to take the time to reflect on the condition of our spiritual and family life. 

 Why should I take a weekend away?  St. Anselm said it best, “O little man, escape from your everyday business for a short while, hide for a moment from your restless thoughts. Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.” 

 Why attend this retreat? Recognizing that we all are at different stages in our faith journeys, our retreat is designed so that all participants will benefit. The weekend is structured so that you may take part only to the extent you are comfortable. The goal is to provide a unique opportunity for men to grow in their faith and to enjoy fellowship with other Christian men.  We format the retreat to provide a variety of Catholic Sacraments and devotions.   It may be a while since you’ve done any one of these, so the atmosphere is instructional and reintroduces you to these wonderful gifts. 

What is the retreat schedule & format?  The schedule includes time for quiet reflection, prayer, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration. We will conclude around 11:00am on Sunday. Participants will receive a retreat schedule about a week in advance of the event. 

 Where will the retreat be held? At the Bethany Center, located in north Tampa (Lutz) off Van Dyke Road and the Veterans Expressway, 15 miles north of the airport. The Bethany Center supports the ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, providing meeting spaces, overnight accommodations and catering with generous hospitality in a spiritual atmosphere. 

 What is the cost and what is included? The cost for the retreat covers the room and meals and all other costs associated with the retreat. Each room is “en-suite”. Double occupancy is $270 per person. If you wish to request a particular roommate, please indicate their name during registration. Single rooms are also available for $450.   Weekend commuters are welcome for $150 and include all meals and retreat activities but no accommodations.  Payment in full is due upon registration.  

 What are the facilities like at the Bethany Center? The Bethany Center has beautiful retreat facilities. Located around two lakes in the northern suburbs of Tampa, FL, the facility is modern and functional with a lovely chapel. The beautiful environment and facilities add so much to your retreat experience. https://bethanycenterfl.org/welcome-to-our-cottages-web-page/ 

Do I have to participate in every activity?  The weekend is structured so that you may take part only to the extent you are comfortable.  

Can I pay using a credit card?  Yes.  

What do the participants have to say about the retreat? 

I didn’t really think retreats were “my cup of tea”, but I was wrong.  The relationships I made during that weekend inspired me to become more involved in the Church. The retreat was spiritually uplifting.  I look forward to the next one. 

My wife signed me up because I didn’t want to go.  But I am so glad I attended the retreat.  I learned to be a better man and to be patient and compassionate towards myself and others. 

Removing myself from the distractions and concerns of everyday life allowed me to listen to God. 

I learned to let go of things that don’t bring me closer to the Lord, to let Him in, and to thank Him, especially for the little things. 

I really enjoyed the fellowship during the weekend. 

This time is important for me to slow down and reflect on where I am with my wife, family and job.  I come away with things I need to do each year to reprioritize my life. 

I was really challenged by the priest’s talks.  It made me stop and think about what I needed to do in my life. 

I was encouraged and went to Confession for the first time in many, many years during the retreat. I can’t tell you how much of a burden was lifted from me. 

The Bethany Center grounds are so beautiful – it’s great to get up in the morning and walk around the lake.  I like this quiet time best during the retreat. 

The food is fantastic – I ate way too much! 

What Should I Bring to the Retreat? 

Attire: Casual attire is the norm throughout the retreat.  We will be attending Mass on both Saturday and Sunday in the Chapel located at the Bethany Center.  The grounds are beautiful, and some men bring clothing for a walk or run on the grounds. 

Materials: Retreat handouts and materials will be provided. Please bring a Bible and a Rosary. 

Yourself: It’s hard to wind down and relax and listen to what God has to say to you. Recognize that this is a process.  Start an internal quieting process as soon as you can the first day of the retreat.  Some men come as early as possible (but not before 4pm!) and transition into the retreat.  While free WiFi is available on site, it is recommended that you disconnect digitally for the weekend to focus on the retreat.  Allow yourself the space to hear from God during this weekend away. 

When Should I Arrive for the Retreat? Registration is from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on March 1st in the lobby of the Favalora Hall. You may park in the main parking lot in front of Favalora Hall.  Cottage rooms are available starting at 4:00pm. Commuters are also welcome starting at 4:00pm on Friday and can participate according to their availability throughout the weekend. Dinner will begin at 6:00pm and will be available until 6:45pm. We’ll gather at 6:45pm in Favalora Hall Conference Room A. 

What Should I Do If I Know I Will Be Arriving Late to the Retreat? If you know you are going to be late (arriving after 7:00pm on Friday), please contact Deacon Paul Haber (flboneman@aol.com) so that arrangements can be made for late registration. We may also be able to save you some dinner.  Depending upon your arrival time, you may need to use the gate access code, which will be provided. 

What If I Can Only Come for Part of the Retreat? Come when you can to the retreat.  You can pick up with where we are on the schedule when you arrive.  Don’t worry about what you may have missed – focus on the time remaining.  Any time that you can set aside to slow down and hear from God is going to benefit your experience. 

How Can I Prepare for the Retreat? In preparation for the retreat, please pray for an open heart to hear the message that God has for you and for God to speak through Fr. Hough S.J.  Also, please pray for each participant. 

What Can I Expect During the Retreat? Throughout the weekend, we will have several presentations led by Fr. Hough S.J. The schedule includes time for quiet reflection, prayer, Reconciliation, Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration and fellowship. We will also have two Masses during the weekend. Recognizing that we all are at different stages in our faith journeys, our retreat is designed to for a diverse group of men so that all will benefit. The weekend is structured in a manner so that you may participate only to the extent you are comfortable. The goal is to provide a unique opportunity for men to grow in their faith and to enjoy fellowship with other Christian men. 

How Do I Get to Bethany Center? The Bethany Center is located in Lutz, off the Veterans Expressway.  Their address is Bethany Center 

18150 Bethany Center Drive 

Lutz, FL  33558 

Bethany Center is located in north Tampa (Lutz area) off Van Dyke Road, west of North Dale Mabry Highway and east of the Veterans/Suncoast Parkway.  Bethany Center is located in the “Reflections” subdivision on the north side of Van Dyke Road. 

Enter the Reflections subdivision on Lake Reflections Boulevard. Then turn left onto Fall Creek Drive, past the community pool, and then make an immediate left on to Pheasant Woods Drive. The entrance to Bethany Center is about a block down the road on the right.    Bethany Center Drive may not appear on some online navigation programs and GPS systems.  In this case, use this address:  5121 Pheasant Woods Drive, Lutz, FL 33558 

What is the Food Like? The food at the Bethany Center is excellent.  There is plenty to eat – you won’t go hungry.  In fact, most participants say that they ate too much!  Coffee and tea and bottled water are provided through the facility for the attendees.  We also bring additional snacks for the afternoons and evenings. 

When Will the Retreat Finish? We  will  conclude  our  retreat  with  Mass  on  Sunday  morning.   We  should  be  finished  by approximately 11:00am, and you can depart at that time.   

Questions? Contact Deacon Paul Haber at flboneman@aol.com.