Grotto & Calvary Walk

Ideal for outdoor retreats, liturgies, talks, and group gatherings!

Our facilities are open all year. All denominations are welcome.

Visit Official English Website

The Grotto at our facility is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto and was created in 1930 to bring an environment of sanctity and reflection to the local community. If you have never experienced an outdoor liturgy/mass or service, it truly is an essential experience for any group that wants to find peace in nature.

Many groups that stay at the Retreat Center or use the Meeting Room like to reserve the Grotto to give some talks in this reflective environment.

Testimonial

The Columban Fathers Retreat Center was a fantastic location for our Junior class retreat. Not only were the grounds a beautiful backdrop for outdoor Mass and spiritual conversations, but there was plenty of space for large group games and for quiet walks. The staff was accommodating and responsive. We are excited for our next opportunity to share our faith at the Columbans!

Michele Sweetmon, Gross Catholic High School

The Grotto is at the end of a beautiful path where you can meditate on the Stations of the Cross and the Stations of Resurrection on our famous Calvary Walk which was built in 1923. It has cement walkways for easy access to wheelchairs.

We have prayer books available for the Stations of the Cross and the Stations of the Resurrection  in English & Spanish to guide your prayer. Feel free to ask about them when you book your reservation.

Parking is free and there is no WI-FI signal in the Grotto area, which helps to disconnect from technology and focus on creation and contemplation.

Feel free to walk around the beautiful facilities during your visit. The property has many tree lined paths and our Pavilion has large open fields for group activities. Pause to reflect for a moment in the Memorial Garden which displays the names of the Columban Fathers who died as martyrs. In this garden you will see bricks with names of loved ones that we honor and commemorate. We have bricks available for purchase if you have a loved one you would like to honor and commemorate by adding their name and history to our garden. The next time you are wondering, where can I rent for parties? Do not hesitate to celebrate your event in our facilities.

Driving Directions

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From I-80 (Omaha, NE): travel South on Kennedy Freeway, exit at Highway 370 and turn left onto Harlan Drive. Continue east to Galvin Road and turn right, at the next streetlight turn left onto Mission Avenue. Head east two blocks and turn left onto Calhoun Street. Continue to the top of the hill and you will enter the Columban property. The large, brick building as you drive up the hill is the priest residence, continue down the road and take the next left, this will take you right into the parking lot north of the Columban Retreat Center.

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Prices
Meeting Room + Pavilion: $250 all day
Pavilion only: $125 all day (8 a.m.-10 p.m.) or $75 for up to four hours
Grotto: for up to four hours
AV equipment $25 per day (charged per day for entire stay)

Note: The Columban Fathers themselves are unable to offer guided retreats, groups using the facilities are required to provide their own facilitator. For overnight stays there is a minimum requirement of 10 people in order to rent the Columban Fathers Retreat Center.