"We are seeing a deep spiritual hunger in our society, and St. Brendan will be a tremendous asset in serving those needs."
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— Bishop Bill Wack, CSC
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

Find the retreat center that
is right for your group.

Coldwater Gardens

A newly acquired, secluded property set among the natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle. Designed from the ground up as a formative Catholic retreat experience. One group at a time, the entire property exclusively yours

Discover Coldwater Gardens →

Beulah Road
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Our original home. Trusted by parishes, schools, and ministries across the diocese for years. A familiar space for groups who know exactly what they need.
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Learn about Beulah Road →

Who comes to
St. Brendan Center?

Parishes & Ministries
‍
Your group. Your schedule. The entire property, reserved exclusively for your retreat. Guided by our team or your own leaders.

Custom retreat packages
‍Plan a group retreat →

Schools &
Faculty  
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Faculty formation, student retreats, and professional development experiences designed to strengthen your school community and deepen its Catholic mission.

Custom retreat packages
Plan a group retreat →

Individuals &
Priests
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A private day or weekend of silence, Scripture, and prayer. Available by personal inquiry - Dr. Luke is happy to help you plan it.
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Personal retreat pricing available on request
Inquire about a personal retreat →

You already believe.
Now go deeper.

The mission of St. Brendan's is to form the faithful in a knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, and to equip them to share the Gospel with others.

We do not hand you a program and send you home unchanged. We open the Word. We provide the silence. We offer the sacraments.

And we trust that what happens between you and God in this place is yours to keep forever.

What happens when
you come here

The Scriptures Open

The Old Testament has been pointing toward Christ the entire time, but many Catholics have never seen it. Dr. Luke's signature formation work, rooted in salvation history, makes the whole story visible for the first time. People leave unable to read the Bible the same way again.

The Sacraments Deepen
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Retreats at St. Brendan Center at Coldwater Gardens include a special emphasis on the sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Our retreats aren't just about nice aesthetics or good talks. They bring people to an encounter with Christ in the sacraments.

A Rich Spiritual
Life Takes Root
‍‍
Guests at St. Brendan Coldwater experience beauty and stillness that lends itself to silence and prayer. The property, the rhythm, the formation. All of it is designed to quiet the noise long enough for something deeper to begin, for us to hear the Lord's voice.

Upcoming
Events

Verso L'Alto
Fathers Weekend
October 17-19, 2026

Inspired by St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Verso L'Alto Retreat combines masculine spirituality with survival skills. Led by former Army Colonel Deacon David Ell, fathers are formed to lead with faith and mentor their sons.
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View Event Information →

Verso L'Alto Father/Son Weekend
November 14-16, 2026

Following the initial retreat, this week brings fathers and sons together in prayerand exploring the grounds, learning how to navigate our faith and the lands of Coldwater.
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View Event Information →

Advent Retreat ‍
December 2026

Join our Executive Director, Dr. Luke Arredondo, for a day-long Saturday retreat focusing on the Old Testament prophecies which point to Jesus Christ. Perfect for the Advent season!

‍View Event Information →