Historic Catholic retreat and conference center in Belleville set to close its doors
The King’s House Retreat and Renewal Center in Belleville, where southern Illinois Catholics have visited for conferences, religious training and quiet reflection for more than half a century, will close effective spring of 2023.
The U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, operators of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, made the announcement Wednesday. The Oblates have operated the retreat center at its present location on 66th Street since July 1951.
According to the current director of King’s House, Rev. Salvador Gonzalez, the retreat will be moved to the Shrine.
“We plan to move our resources, Oblates, and employees to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows where we will continue our ministry of retreats,” he said in a press release issued by the Oblates. “We will do everything possible to keep our employees or find them suitable employment at one of our other Belleville locations.”
Gonzalez cited multiple reasons for the facility closing, including the extensive repairs needed to the 70-year-old buildings, “along with updates to the guest rooms in order to meet the comfort and convenience expectations of today’s retreatants.”
He noted financial limitations prevent wholesale upgrades to the current facility, which was last renovated in 1999, according to its website.
“Our financial situation simply does not allow us to invest the huge sums of money required to make the repairs and renovations necessary to keep the facility open, and the shortage of Oblate personnel make it almost impossible to continue at the present location,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez concluded by offering thanks.
“We are tremendously grateful to all our retreatants for their unconditional support. Thank you to our religious and lay collaborators in mission who minister side by side with us. A special thank you to our heroic staff who faithfully serve our retreatants,” Gonzalez said.
This story was originally published June 1, 2022 at 12:14 PM.