Step 3  in the retreat planning checklist, allows groups to book their meal times.

If your retreat schedule and the meal times conflict - in advance, we ask you to request buffet style and, at the time that works right for you. This means the CRC staff will prepare your meal and place it into catering-style trays/food warmer for your group to eat in your designated hall.

We can also individually box meals - only recommended if your group eats as soon as you get the box lunches.

These two options will cause your group to miss the CRC salad bar service during lunch and dinner as well as our drink station options provided to groups eating in the cafeteria. 

Why has the CRC gone to a meatless Friday option? The CRC mission is to help you draw into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church through retreat ministry. That retreat ministry is providing quality spiritual events (such as our silent retreats), theological events (such as the Bible Conference), prayerful spaces that point you towards God, and growing in spiritual practices. The Church's Deposit of Faith combines both Scripture and Tradition. The Tradition of the Church is handed down through the Magisterium and most accessible through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law.

In the Code of Canon Law we read about "Days of Penance"
Can. 1249 The divine law binds all the Christian faithful to do penance each in his or her own way. In order for all to be united among themselves by some common observance of penance, however, penitential days are prescribed on which the Christian faithful devote themselves in a special way to prayer, perform works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their own obligations more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence, according to the norm of the following canons.
Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.
Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.
Can. 1253 The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole or in part, for abstinence and fast.

So the next time your group is at the CRC and experiences the meatless Friday option, take that as an opportunity to help your group grow in their intellectual understanding of the Faith as well as a spiritual practice of living their Faith!

The CRC strives to provide excellent food service and quality hospitality while maintaining affordable rates. To meet the needs of multiple groups, the CRC can accommodate the following dietary restrictions: gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, non-dairy, and diabetic. Please submit your dietary needs at least 7 days prior to the start of your retreat to your Retreat Coordinator.

The CRC Food Prep and service lines are a Latex and Peanut Free Zone for the safety of all our guests!

Our Weekday Menu for Catholic School Lunches:

Chili Cheese Hot Dog, Macaroni & Cheese, fruit, chips, and dessert.

Our Menu for Weekend Retreats:
Thursday Dinner (HOT): Chicken Strips, French Fries, soup, salad, and dessert.
Thursday Dinner (COLD): Turkey & Cheese sandwich, soup, salad, and dessert. 

Friday Breakfast: Eggs, Sausage patties, Biscuit, Gravy, Oatmeal, and Cereal & Breakfast Bar.

*Friday Lenten Breakfast: Eggs, Black Beans, English Muffins, Oatmeal, and Cereal & Breakfast Bar.

Friday Lunch: Beef Tacos w/ Flour tortillas, Tostada w/ Refired Beans, Spanish Rice, Charro Beans, salad, and dessert.

*Friday Lenten Lunch: Cheese Enchiladas, Tostada w/ Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, soup, salad, and dessert.

Friday Dinner: Spaghetti w/ Beef & Tomato sauce, Green Beans, Garlic bread, soup, salad, and dessert.

*Friday Lenten Dinner: Fried Tilapia, Zucchini & Squash, Rice, soup salad, and dessert.

Saturday Breakfast: Breakfast Tacos (Eggs & Sausage), Breakfast Potatoes, Oatmeal, and Cereal & Breakfast Bar.
Saturday Lunch: Chicken Stir Fry, Rice, soup, salad, and dessert.
Saturday Dinner: Pork Chop, Yams, Green Beans, soup, salad, and dessert.

Sunday Breakfast: Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits, Gravy, Oatmeal, and Cereal & Breakfast Bar.
Sunday Lunch (HOT): Chicken Strips, French Fries, soup, salad, and dessert.
Thursday Dinner (COLD): Turkey & Cheese sandwich, soup, salad, and dessert. 

***Cereal & Breakfast Bar Includes: Whole Fruit, Variety of Yogurt, Variety of Cereal, Coffee, Tea, and Juice.
***Drink Station Includes: Water, Lemonade, & Ice-Tea

If your group is staying longer than the above menu or during the week, we may also include the following items for meals:

• Nacho Bar: Chips, Ground Beef, Refried Beans, Queso, Sour Cream, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, and Salsas

• Chicken Alfredo w/ Fettuccini, Broccoli, and Garlic bread

• Chicken Parmesan w/ Broccoli and Garlic bread

• Chicken Fajita Tacos w/ Bell peppers & Onions, rice, and beans.

• Chicken Strip, Mash Potatoes, Gravy, & Green Beans

• Hamburgers and French Fries

*Menu items are subject to change when outside factors interfere. We appreciate your understanding and support.