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Nazareth
Retreat Center began as a vision, a dream and came
to fruition through prayer, hard work, commitment and
enthusiasm.
In
November of 1977, Bishop Sylvester Treinen, D. D. announced
the Diocese was ready to respond to the requests for
a retreat center and they began construction in April,
1978. |
The
initial facility was constructed on 15 acres of land
in the city limits of Boise generously donated by Jim
and Mary Ballantyne. The original facility consisted
of the lodge with a meeting room, dining room, chapel
and living quarters for the Director.
There
were 4 cottages with 8 rooms each. In 1999 Bishop Tod
Brown approved the renovation and expansion of the
lodge to include a larger chapel, additional meeting
rooms, a kitchen with a dining room large enough to
comfortably seat 100, and two additional cottages were
constructed to accommodate twin beds.
There
are many trees, walking paths, a pond, and abundant
wildlife on the property which creates a peaceful,
serene, prayerful atmosphere. |
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Bishop Michael Driscoll blessed and dedicated the renovation
and Holy Family Chapel on June 13, 1999. |
| “Nazareth’s
story is about God working among his people. And it is
about his people. People from many segments of the community,
church and civic, have come to Nazareth to be ministered
to by talented leaders,” said Fr John Donoghue,
the first Director of the Retreat Center, in a report
written in 1985. |
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He
also said, “Those who
have experienced Nazareth have been very impressed. Most
sense here the presence of God, of peace. It is a holy place.
The spiritual leadership, preaching, teaching, counseling,
directing and hospitality have been what our limited human
and temporal resources could supply.
But
the great experience here is of God, His Word, His grace,
His love, His Sacraments. He has been and is intensely active
at Nazareth. His peace is here. When people leave here so
often the ‘breath of God’ is on their faces.”
Directors
- Fr
John Donoghue served as the Founding Director from November
1977-June 1986
- Deacon
Gerald and Jean McKenzie from July 1986-Sept 1987
- Laurel
Rickert served as Director from December 1987 – July
1991
- Fr
Gerald Dye served as Chaplain from June 1986-November
1990.
- Sr
Grayce Ross, SNJM was Executive Director from August 1993-June
2006.
- Fred
and Marjorie DiLorenzo began serving as Directors in September
2006.
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