Campus Ministry has been working to expand their retreat program with a retreat center in Flintstone, MD as well as continuing the legal battles over a large plot of land in Parkton, MD, intended for retreat center use.
Purchased in mid-February 2006, the Rising Phoenix retreat center was an existing complex that was privately owned and operated. Loyola was looking to buy a place that they could call their own and through various connections, Fr. Daniel Ruff, director of Campus Ministry, found out the property.
"The College took a look at it and it looked like it was in good shape, but the feeling they got from there was even better," Joe Bradley, director of Event Services, said.
The complex includes five buildings, one of which can house 41 retreatants and another for adult leaders to stay. The amenities of the complex include an art studio, full commercial kitchen, a bathroom in each bedroom, a landscaped meditation garden, and a large field.
Minimal work had to be done to prepare the property for Loyola retreats.
"Mr. Palmucci provided resources to help supply money for finishing touches, things like carpet and paint…mostly general housekeeping things," Bradley said.
"This one is ours, up and running, and virtually all of our Campus Ministry retreats will take place there this year," Ruff said. "It also has a staff of five local women who became Loyola employees when we took ownership and who handle onsite gardening, booking, security, laundry and supplies, and food service."
Prior to the purchase, Campus Ministry and Event Services partnered up to develop a plan for what they wanted out of a retreat center. The collaborative effort proved to be beneficial to both parties, as the complex enables significantly less preparation for retreats.
"It's designed for the leaders and the students to not have to worry about anything else except for the main reason they are there," Bradley said.
Meanwhile, there are still many legal issues at hand with the land that was purchased years ago in Parkton, MD. The space has yet to be developed because of various law problems and issues with the neighbors of the area.
"Members of the surrounding community have raised legal issues regarding the College's rights to build in light of existing zoning laws," Terrence Sawyer, vice president of Administration, said. "The matter is now before the courts and it is uncertain when it will be resolved."
Protests to Loyola's "Multi-Use Center" began in 2003.
"Right now the project is to be heard by the Court of Special Appeals in the early part of 2007," Helen Schneider, assistant vice president for Facilities, said.
"The planned retreat house would be used to house Loyola's current spiritual retreat program. Because of its closeness - a half hour from campus - it would no doubt increase the scope and variety of our retreats," said Ruff.
While the Rising Phoenix is an invaluable addition to Loyola's retreat program, it takes two hours to drive to the property, limiting the sort of activities that could take place there.
"The center in Parkton would allow us, for example, to think about taking a group of students out there at 5 p.m., having dinner together, and doing an evening of spiritual programming while still getting them back to campus at 9:30 or 10," Ruff said.
Still, until the legal issues are worked out, all Loyola retreats will be held at the Rising Phoenix.
"This center allows Fr. Ruff and Campus Ministry plan retreats around the college calendar rather than the schedule of another place," Bradley said.
"It's for the better of our student body," Bradley continued. "That's why we work for this."
Be the first to comment on this article!