Dear Retreat Leader,
Thank you for choosing Saint Raphael Retreat Center as your retreat venue. On behalf of the entire team here at the Retreat Center, WELCOME!
As a means of information and for the mutual protection of both your group and our Center, the following Leader’s Guide has been prepared. Please read it carefully prior to your arrival at the SRRC and share it with your guests.
During your stay, the Guest Experience Coordinator will be your resource person while on site. It is our desire to make your stay as pleasant and safe as possible as you enter into a prayerful atmosphere.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
General Rules
Here are a few things to know to make your stay safer and more enjoyable. This information needs to be shared with all of your group’s participants either beforehand or at the beginning of your stay.
- Parking is allowed only in designated areas.
- The maintenance shop, kitchen, and roundabouts are off limits to guests.
- Pets are not allowed (only service animals are allowed)
- Firearms or explosives are not allowed.
- Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. Please use sand buckets to dispose of cigarette butts, no littering please. There is no smoking inside any of the buildings. Please do not throw chewing gum on the floor since it is very difficult to remove.
- Guests need to be respectful of the grounds and buildings. Please assist us by removing any litter or debris you may find. Please return facilities to their original condition before you leave.
- Guests are asked not to cut or destroy plants or trees. Some of the plants can be dangerous (poison ivy), enjoy them from a distance.
- Please use only rooms and areas reserved for your group and at the time scheduled.
- Furniture or fixtures may not be moved from one area to another or from one building to another. Moving equipment or furniture from one building to another should be done only with the consent of the Center’s Director or Guest Experience Coordinator. If outdoor furniture is moved, please return it to the where it was taken.
- Please do not rearrange the furnishings in either the chapel or the dining area. These areas are not for the exclusive use of any group and may be changed only with the specific approval of the Guest Experience Coordinator.
- No signs are to be placed in common areas: dining room, corridors, chapel, etc. Signs may be placed in your meeting area only with blue painter’s tape. Do not use scotch tape, nails or tacks. If signage needs to be placed in these areas, please ask for approval.
- Only the regular center kitchen staff personnel are permitted to prepare meals in the kitchen for service in the dining room. We regret that we cannot permit outside cooks or caterers to use the kitchen and/or dining room facilities.
- No alcoholic beverages without prior approval.
Gates. The retreat coordinator/leader will have an access code during the duration of the event to share it with the team. The code changes weekly.
North Gate. This gate is only for guests and visitors visiting the meeting rooms and main building.
South Gate. This gate is only to access the Lodging Casas.
Lodging Houses (Casas). All Casas kitchens are equipped with a coffee maker, a microwave and a refrigerator for you to use but cooking in the range is not allowed. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages to keep in the kitchen.
Casa locks. Codes will be provided to the retreat coordinator/leader prior to their arrival to the Center.
If air conditioner, heater, or any other appliance is not working properly, please do not attempt to fix it yourself. Please report any damages or needed repairs to the Guest Experience Coordinator or the Emergency Number. Emergency repairs can be reported directly to 214-943-6587.
When you leave, please be sure the A/C is turned off, all lights are off, all water is turned off, and all outside doors are closed.
Used linens and towels should be placed in the baskets located in the common area of each casa.
Center Policies for youth groups. Your group is responsible for its own health, safety and first aid and for its own accident and injury insurance for its members. Adult supervision is required for youth at all times during your retreat, regardless of the activity. This supervision is your responsibility. Please provide for one adult for each seven youth. This includes your ‘free time’ as well.
Other groups on the Center. There are usually other groups on the center during your retreat. Every group will be assured a separate, private meeting area. Please be aware of the impact your group may have on others using the center and be a good neighbor.
What to bring. SRRC will provide all appropriate linens, bedding, and towels for your stay unless otherwise arranged. You will want to bring toiletries, any personal items and clothing you may need. During spring and summer time there are ants on the ground, please avoid using open shoes.
We will provide drinking water in the dining room and inside the main building, but it is recommended that all groups bring their own bottled water.
Guadalupe Chapel. Our Chapel is an intimate place for spiritual reflection and prayer, it is located inside the Jerusalem building and sits 30 people and doors will be open upon request. Mass items are available to offer mass in the conference rooms.
Gift Shop. Our gift shop offers spiritual books, St. Raphael charms, coffee mugs, pens, natural candles and more. We accept check, cash and debit/credit cards.
Conference & Meeting Rooms. Our small meetings rooms are located inside the Jerusalem building. If A/V, whiteboard, flip charts and markers are required; please let us know in advance. Items are available on a ‘first come-first served’ basis. Galilee, Missions and Bishops have flat screen tv for presentations. We will provide the HDMI cable.
Restrooms. Restrooms are located in the main building in the hall across from the Guest Experience Coordinator office, and two outside of the Nazareth building.
Meals. Delicious meals are prepared on site by our chef and kitchen staff and served cafeteria style. Because of our need to pre-plan, groups will be charged for the actual number of people in attendance plus the cost of the meals of those who did not attend but for whom reservations were made. The number of people you reserve space for can be changed up to five days before your arrival date. Special dietary needs can be met with prior notice. We serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Catering Services for special celebrations is available.
Activities. There are thirteen acres for outdoor activity and ample room for privacy and meditation.
Directions to the Retreat Center. Our Center is located in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas.
Northbound I35E Freeway: take Exit 425 to merge onto Interstate 35E Service Rd / S R L Thornton Freeway Service Rd takes you directly to 12th St. You should pass one stop light (cross Zang) and turn left on Madison Ave.
Southbound I35 E Freeway: take Exit 425 Zoo/Marsalis, head right on the ramp toward 12th St./Marsalis, drive two blocks, then turn right onto S Madison Ave.
If there is anything we can do to make your stay more pleasant, please let us know. We are here to help.
Saint Raphael Retreat Center Staff