FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Center is a resource that strengthens our community by offering:
Programs, events, retreats, peer ministries and support groups for married men and women to guide them through their relationships. These services have allowed us to touch the lives of many people and help them and their families to heal and grow.
Peer mentored support groups for those who are separated or divorced, and those grieving the loss of a loved one
Programs and events that inspire spiritual renewal.
An all-inclusive venue for day or over-night retreats and conferences
The Good News Foundation is a Christian-based non-profit organization whose mission is to share the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ through hospitality, spiritual growth and renewal and the support of individuals, parish communities and family life. The Foundation makes all the programs and peer support groups possible. The Foundation also offers grants to other non-profits whose missions align with ours and offers scholarships for students attending local Catholic elementary, middle or high schools.
No, we do not offer counseling. We do give referrals upon request if someone is in need of professional counseling. What we do offer is marriage and relationship education programs and workshops.
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists/Counselors are licensed to practice professional counseling. Most sessions are one-on-one meetings with the professional and an individual or couple to work on particular issues or relationship problems. With counseling, it is assumed that the couple already has a problem(s) that needs to be addressed.
Marriage and Relationship Education, like what we offer at The Good News, is focused on skill-building and self-change. Couples incorporate skills and principles taught in each session into their daily lives. Our programs are peer mentored and group-based; this adds to the success. Participants may use our programs as crisis intervention or marriage enrichment.
We do offer programs, such as The Third Option, Grief Survivors, Separated & Divorced, PAL Parents of Addicted Loved Ones and Caregiver Support Group at no cost. Other programs are offered at a discounted rate and sponsored partially by The Good News Foundation. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardship.
I am divorced. Can I still attend Retrouvaille with my ex-husband/ex-wife?
Retrouvaille is open to married, separated and divorced couples who want to reconcile and rebuild a loving relationship. As long as both spouses agree to attend, these couples are welcome.
Yes. Couples and individuals can benefit from The Third Option.
Anyone is welcome to attend events and programs at The Good News Center, regardless of religious background. While originally founded in the Catholic faith, we are an ecumenical organization and work with all denominations. We take seriously our mission to share the love of Jesus Christ with all and we respect others beliefs as they respect ours.
No, The Good News Center is not a church. We are a faith-based organization that offers programs which do reference Christian beliefs.
In the Main Building, our guest rooms each have a private bath with a shower. Twelve rooms feature one full bed and one twin bed, while two rooms have three twin beds. Each room is equipped with linens a fan and a Bible.
The Annex Building has been recently renovated, each of the six bedrooms is equipped with a private bath, two twin beds, linens, and a Bible. The lower level offers a lounge/conference area with a kitchenette.
Televisions:
You will not find televisions or telephones in our guest rooms. The Good News Center maintains a retreat atmosphere, free from the noise and distractions of daily life. Our guests often comment that the lack of a television offers them a wonderful opportunity to share with others or privately reflect.
Internet Access:
Wireless Internet access is available in our meeting/conference rooms and may be used at the retreat coordinator’s discretion.
Mobile Phones:
While The Good News Center does not forbid the use of cell phones, it is up to individual retreat coordinators whether cell phones are allowed.
Every retreat is different and participants may be contacted by their retreat coordinator with further information.
How do I plan meals?
The Good News Center utilizes a caterer and we offer a menu with a variety of choices. If you require something not found on the menu, the caterer can usually work with you on the request. The Good News Center does not stock items for gluten, diabetic, vegan or strict dietary needs. To protect individuals with diet restrictions we require them to provide their own food and take full responsibility for their meals. Should you choose to bring your own meals if you’re on a special diet, we do provide refrigeration and microwave use. Thank you. Please view our menu here.
Yes, If you would like to book a conference or a retreat please contact our office's Hospitality Coordinator - Debbie@thegoodnewscenter.org or call (315) 735-6210.
We welcome you to tour The Good News Center. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. We suggest you call (315) 735-6210 if you plan on visiting to set up a guided tour.
The grounds of The Good News Center are open to the public and we invite you to visit our beautiful Trail of Peace which includes the Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk and Our Lady of the Pines.
We have accommodations for groups numbering 6 to 90 people for day events and for over-night retreats we can accommodate 40 people comfortably.
Yes, Free parking is available on-site.