St. Francis Business Manager Ed DeGroot, right, explains how the new building, which will replace the one that burned down in 2006, will be constructed, as Father Barry Brunsman watches.
As St. Francis Retreat turns 60, the San Benito County facility could use some healing of its own.
A fire in June 2006 destroyed the retreat's ranch house, which was more than 130 years old. Business Manager Ed DeGroot said administrators are busy preparing for the 60th anniversary celebration, but they're also trying to raise money for a new building.
"We didn't quite expect the 60th anniversary would happen without that building," DeGroot said.
Father Barry Brunsman, the retreat's director, said the Franciscan Fathers of California bought the land for the retreat in 1947. They did so at the suggestion of Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz," he said.
Brunsman has seen a good portion of the facility's 60-year history, since he first came to the retreat in 1967. It was a time of radical change in the Catholic Church, and that brought changes to the retreat, he said. During the 1960s, what had been a facility solely for Catholics started to welcome those of all spiritual persuasions.
"It's just really exciting to see some of these people coming in," Brunsman said.
Nowadays, DeGroot estimated that 50 percent of the retreat's 7,000 annual guests are Catholic. Another 25 percent come for other religious reasons, while the final 25 percent attend events that have no religious affiliation at all.
Brunsman said the retreat has hosted an anti-gang task force, married couples, government officials and even a group of women Brunsman taught in elementary school in Utah 48 years ago.
The friars also hold an annual men's retreat every January, said Hollister resident John Ucovich.
Ucovich estimated that he's attended around 35 of those men's retreats.
"It's just a way to reconnect and enjoy a quiet time and hear good words spoken by the retreat masters," he said.
Ucovich and his wife are now on the advisory board for the new St. Francis Center, which DeGroot hopes to start building this summer. Ucovich said he's happy to help because the retreat plays an important, unique role in the region.
"It's a jewel for San Benito County," he said. "There's nothing like it, not only in the county, but in the surrounding area."
Since the fire, the retreat's offices and kitchen have moved into temporary buildings, awaiting construction of the new center. DeGroot said the building schedule depends on how quickly he can raise money. Donors have committed to giving $1.9 million so far, and with another $2.3 million in insurance money, there's still $1.4 million remaining, DeGroot said.
He added that he hopes to recruit more donors at the 60th anniversary mass and banquet.
"It's free, but there will be a pitch," DeGroot said.
Anthony Ha Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or aha@freelancenews.com.
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