The Marian Grotto:
As promised, we built a Marian Grotto in Thanksgiving when the land was secured. The Marian Grotto is double-sided. On one side is Our Lady of Lourdes, and on the other is Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Lourdes will have 48 benches seating 192 people. Our Lady of Guadalupe will have 24 benches, seating 96 people. Our Lady of Guadalupe includes walk-behind steps, an ideal spot for large groups to take photos.
The Marian Grotto altar was blessed on May 13, 2024, by Bishop Italo. This permits the CRC to have a moveable altar that will be used on the Lourdes side, inside the cave (the altar would be covered) for the celebration of Mass. The cave has a built in ambo, presider chair, and credence table. The altar will be moveable to ensure the safety and protection of the altar when not in use by groups.
*Groups wanting to use the Grotto for Mass, in addition to reserving, would bring all items needed for the celebration as no items are allowed to be taken from either CRC Chapel. Items to bring: Vestments, Misal, Lectionary, Chalice, Paten, Ciborium, Host, Wine, Celebrant Host, Lavabo, Cruets for Water & Wine, Finer Towel, Purificator, Corporal, Altar Cloth, Altar Candles w/ Stand. If using Altar Servers: robes, cintures, processional crucifix, processional candle, bells, etc.
For any group wanting to do footwashing outdoors they are welcome to reserve and use the Guadalupe side.To access the Marian Grotto. For groups on the room side, walk down the covered walkway to room 64 and then follow the sidewalk to the grotto (left for Lourdes and right for Guadalupe). For groups in the lodges, walk down the back bayou road towards parking for rooms 33-64 and then follow the sidewalk to the grotto (left for Lourdes and right for Guadalupe). Groups can drive their golf cart on the Stations of the Cross Trail to access the grotto. If a group has people unable to make the 1/8 mile walk to the grotto, the group can use the emergency exit access road, located off our entrance drive, to drive to the grotto. This is not a paved road.
Stations of the Cross Grotto Trail:
The Stations of the Cross Grotto Trail is 8-foot wide and has a 1/4 mile loop. We have a sign marking the station at each station and a bench across from it for personal prayer. Stations are 70-90 feet spread out. Our goal in the future is to have electricity and life-size stations, but for now, we have provided a wheelchair accessible Stations of the Cross for groups. Groups praying at the Stations at night should provide lighting to ensure nobody trips off the sidewalk. We prefer non-flammable lighting (such as LED lights) but permit groups to use tiki torches as long as they are 8 feet away from trees, someone is watching them once lit, and has access to water to put out in the event of a fire.
To access the Stations of the Cross Grotto Trail. For groups on the room side, walk down the covered walkway to room 64 and then follow the sidewalk signs to the Stations (starts to left). For groups in the lodges, walk down the back bayou road towards parking for rooms 33-64 and then follow the sidewalk to the Stations (starts to the left). Groups can drive their golf cart on the Stations of the Cross Trail. No vehicles are to be driven on the trail.
Reserving Grotto or Stations Trail:
Like the Chapel or outdoor spaces, the group will reserve the Grotto or Stations of the Cross Grotto Trail (different than Stations Bayou Trail) during step 5 of their retreat booking. There is no charge for groups to use, but all outdoor areas must be reserved. Catholic groups in union with Rome are permitted to use the altar for the celebration of Mass. A key would be provided for groups celebrating Mass (as indicated above - they would bring all their supplies from their parish).
The Grotto and Stations of the Cross Grotto Trail will be used from 7 AM to 10 AM when outdoor activities and noise are permitted. Outdoor concerts are not permitted at any time, but groups are allowed to use a microphone for the presider at Mass or readers. Please remember this is a retreat space, not a concert venue.