What is a private retreat?
A private retreat is a dedicated time for self-reflection, rest, renewal, and personal growth. It’s your time to unplug and unwind without a formal schedule. Here at St. Anthony’s, you’ll find a sanctuary for peace, hope, restoration and spiritual growth. Schedule your private retreat for one night to one week or longer at any time of year (excluding holidays). A variety of rooms are almost always available but specific room requests may not be honored if we have a sponsored or hosted group staying with us.
Schedule your next private retreat by contacting Sr. Barb Knauf, at bknauf@sarcenter.com or 715-443-2236 ext 114.
Accommodations & Rates
Following the Franciscan tradition, rooms at St. Anthony’s are modestly furnished with a twin size or full bed, a desk with lamp, a sitting chair or rocker, and an electric fan. Housekeeping provides basic bedding like sheets, pillowcases, and a light top sheet or thin blanket. We recommend that you bring your own comforter or heavier blanket depending on your preference. Our staff also provides a full bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth and disposable plastic cup for your stay.
As this was a former House of Studies for friars, we proudly maintain the dormitory-style blueprint of designated men’s and women’s separate wash rooms and toilets on each floor wing. Our wash rooms have multiple separate private shower stalls with locks and come equipped with liquid hand soap, and hair and body wash. Restrooms are spacious with multiple private stalls and multiple communal sinks with disinfectant liquid hand soap.
Alternatively, we have 5 standard (regular) rooms that include a sink and mirror and 12 suites which include a full bathroom. Suites are limited and are assigned in the order that a request is received. Suites may not be available during very busy times. Lodging can be requested in the original 1919 wing of our building or in the “new” 1964 addition.
Standard room, 1 guest = $55.00 / night
Standard room, 2 guests = $65.00 / night
Suite, 1 guest = $75.00 / night
Suite, 2 guests = $85.00/night
*We highly encourage you to turn off your cell phone and unplug from technology while on retreat. However, we do have WIFI available and a public desktop for your use in the Fr. Tom Zelinski Library. Upon your arrival, we will provide a Host Phone number that you may contact during your stay should you have any urgent needs. A public phone is available in the main office for emergencies. Forgot something? Contact your Host to purchase travel-size toiletries on-site.
MEALS
If your private retreat coincides with a scheduled retreat, you are welcome to purchase the buffet meals option. (Please let us know before your arrival if you are vegetarian, vegan, have specific food allergies or special medical dietary restrictions.)
We also offer a “Refrigerator Special” option; our large in-kitchen refrigerator is well stocked with salad bar items and hard-boiled eggs as well as separate containers with leftovers that are clearly labeled for contents and expiration dates. This option is self-serve.
Buffet Line Option Prices:
- Breakfast = $13.00/day
- Lunch = $17.00/day
- Supper = $15.00/day
Refrigerator Option Price = $22.00 per day
You are also welcome to bring and store your own food during your stay. (Please note that the city of Marathon does not have a full grocery store however, you can purchase other items, and occasionally fresh produce, at a convenience store located just a few blocks from our campus.)
Amenities and Things to Do While on Retreat
- Practice silence- let your Host or a staff member know If you would like to maintain silence throughout the duration of your private retreat. We will alert other guests and residents to your preference and provide you with a specific badge, at your request.
- Walk the labyrinth or one of our many forested trails.
- Express yourself through art- explore our Art Room which is stocked with free materials and project ideas. Musicians are welcome to play the piano in the Hesse Lounge, Main Chapel, or in the St. Francis Chapel upon availability.
- Pray the Stations of the Cross – you can walk the Way of the Cross both indoors (in the cloister hallways) and outdoors (on the Via Dolorosa trail through the woods).
- Browse our well-curated library collection of multiple genres.
- Relax in the Assisi Room and peruse our photo albums, scrapbooks, and other historical documents.
- Pray with an icon in the Chiara Room.
- Run, walk, or bike on the local roads. Please also note that our corridors are well suited for walking. Ten laps around the cloister hallways equal one mile!
- Enjoy a roaring fire in the Fireplace Lounge located in the “new” addition or in the outdoor firepit. Staff can assist you in building a fire.
- Visit our bookstore and gift shop.
Visit the Marathon Area Swim Association located just a block West of our campus. Simply show your St. Anthony retreatant badge at their front desk and get access to the open swim times for just $5.00 / day. See the MASA website, www.masaswim.org for times and details.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
A Spiritual Director is a companion who journeys with you on your spiritual path, listening, sharing and helping you formulate fruitful questions for contemplation. We welcome you to schedule sessions with one of our listed spiritual directors. Visit our Spiritual Direction page for more information. You may also schedule time with any of these Spiritual Companions outside of St. Anthony’s.
View photos of the bedrooms at St. Anthony’s below.
Please contact Sr. Barb Knauf at bknauf@sarcenter.com or 715-443-2236 ext. 114 if you need additional information or would like to schedule a private retreat.