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Campaign to Save Bethlehem Retreat Centre
Robert Muir, Parksville
Volume 28 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: September 18, 2014
Bethlehem Retreat Centre, on Westwood Lake in Nanaimo, one of the last of its kind on Vancouver Island, is slated to close its doors by the end of the year if the asking price of $ 2,800,000 can’t be raised by November 15th.
The Benedictine Sisters of the House of Bread in Nanaimo have owned and operated the Centre for over 27 years. During that time they have provided their signature hospitality to thousands of retreatants from all walks of life and beliefs. The Sisters were originally asked to establish the retreat by Bishop Remi De Roo who continues to provide guidance and support.
Bethlehem Retreat Centre, on Westwood Lake in Nanaimo, one of the last of its kind on Vancouver Island, is slated to close its doors by the end of the year if the asking price of $ 2,800,000 can’t be raised by November 15th.
The Benedictine Sisters of the House of Bread in Nanaimo have owned and operated the Centre for over 27 years. During that time they have provided their signature hospitality to thousands of retreatants from all walks of life and beliefs. The Sisters were originally asked to establish the retreat by Bishop Remi De Roo who continues to provide guidance and support.
Following the Sisters’ decision to sell the Centre, the Friends of Bethlehem Retreat Centre Society, a not-for-profit society, was formed to pursue the purchase of the Centre and the continuation of the Sisters’ work. Gerry Herkel, a former Catholic hospital administrator, chairs the Society. Herkel said there is a lot of room to expand the use of the Centre and introduce more programming to accommodate the changing needs of retreat participants. However, he said the purchase timeframe is very short and the Society needs supporters to step up and help save the Centre.
The Society is asking those interested to go to the Society website at www.friendsofbrc.com to purchase a membership, to follow the Society’s progress and, most importantly, to provide feedback on raising the funds needed.
Robert Muir, Parksville