Now here’s an idea I can really get behind. It’s something referred to, only with a a little irreverence, as Baby Priest Camp. And it’s written about over at the blog “Gift and Mystery”, run by the newly ordained (okay, one year) Holy Cross priest Fr. Stephen Koeth.

The way he describes it:

Held every year in June this is a retreat for Holy Cross priests ordained five years or less. It’s a chance for us to get together, touch base, and support one another in the most pivotal years of transition into priestly ministry.

The Holy Cross property in La Porte was once the horse farm of Charlie Finley, the eccentric owner of the Oakland Athletics. His estate sold the property to the Franciscans who tried to turn it into a retirement facility for their religious. Their plan didn’t pan out, and we purchased the property to create a conference center for our many meetings, workshops and retreats.

They really did a wonderful job in renovating the existing buildings and adding several new ones, including a dining facility, chapel, and two hotel-quality residence buildings. However, as Indiana was finally experiencing some summer weather, the most important part of the property for this week was the pool:

We spent the afternoons relaxing by the pool, and the mornings and evenings in the workshop sessions. It was, of course, great to be together as a group, and we had some really good conversations as well.

Do any other religious orders or dioceses have anything like this? I’m thinking this is a great idea. (How about a Baby Deacon Camp?)

Check out Fr. Stephen’s blog for more good stuff, including pictures of the property where they held the retreat. And check out his homilies, too!