The Franciscan Center is located on eight acres of riverfront property in a quiet residential neighborhood minutes from downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport. The Center's facilities include a chapel, conference area, dining room, library, labyrinth, riverside pavilion, gift shop, and 38 comfortable bedrooms with private showers. The 15 single rooms are assigned on first-come, first-served basis. Two of the bedrooms are fully equipped for handicapped access. All public areas are disabled accessible and assistance can be obtained for the hearing impaired. The building has central air conditioning and heat and ceiling fans in each room. Meals are prepared by our staff. Bed linens and bath towels are provided. The Gift Nook continues to be a source of all things Franciscan to enhance your retreat experience, including cards, books, music, Franciscan Tau and San Damiano crosses.

Rates and Room Assignments

Rates are based on projected program and ministerial expenses. Rates for day and evening programs vary in the range of $15-50. See calendar listings for registration fees for each retreat.

The weekend rate for double occupancy is $110 per person; for single occupancy, $140 per person. This includes a $50 non-refundable deposit that should accompany your reservation. Full payment is due 10 days in advance of the weekend retreat. Registration fees for each retreat are listed in the Events Calendar.

Scholarships

It is the Center’s policy that financial need should not be an obstacle to making a retreat. If you are interested, please inquire about available full or partial scholarships for certain programs when you register.

Conference Facilities and Rental Use

The Franciscan Center is a small-group meeting site where groups can truly focus on the work to be done. This tranquil facility offers the quiet atmosphere of a faraway retreat, and yet, is conveniently located on 8 acres of riverfront property in a quiet residential neighborhood just minutes from downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport.

The Center's facilities include a chapel, conference area, dining room, library, gift shop, labyrinth, riverside pavilion, and 38 comfortable bedrooms with private showers. There are 15 single room and 23 double rooms. Two of the bedrooms are fully-equipped for handicapped access. All public areas are disabled-accessible and assistance can be obtained for the hearing-impaired. The building has central air conditioning and heat and ceiling fans in each room. Meals are prepared by our staff. Bed linens and bath towels are provided.

We welcome groups or organizations who would like to arrange retreats, workshops, and/or days of reflection with a presenter from the Center staff. Groups with preplanned programs are also welcome. Costs for hosted groups vary. Please call the Center at (813) 229-2695 for more information.

The Conference Room

Located in the main building, the Center’s Conference Room accommodates boardroom/classroom seating for 30 participants and theater seating for 60. The dining room adapts easily to conference use, with tables and chairs for 55 people.

Available audio-visual equipment includes:

• Wireless internet access
• LCD projector and screen
• Overhead and slide projectors
• Easels and flip charts
• DVD and VCR equipment
• Audio equipment for CDs and cassettes
• Microphone

Sabbath House

Sabbath House, a small building on the Center grounds, provides an alternate setting for small groups or individuals. The house offers combined meeting space (up to 20 maximum) and living space (including a small kitchen, living room, screened porch, wooden deck) and overnight accommodations for 2-4 people.