The Bishop O'Connor Retreat and Conference Center Facility Use
Building Use
With our several meeting rooms and spacious dining area, the O'Connor Center can comfortably host groups of various sizes. Our food and beverage service is available for any occasion – from formal dinners to light snacks. Overnight guest rooms comfortably accommodate retreat groups, while our recreation facilities provide a place to relax and rejuvenate. The O'Donnell Chapel provides a beautiful setting for liturgies.
Non-profit, business, government, school groups are most welcome at the Center. The Center is also a beautiful location for social events such as wedding receptions, bridal showers, family picnics, etc.
All use of the Center, however, must be consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.*
Meeting Rooms
Our meeting rooms are located primarily on the ground floor of the building. All are handicap accessible and feature large outside windows. They are in close proximity to the lower front lobby which includes a registration area, coat rooms and restrooms.
Auditorium
The O'Connor Center Auditorium features seating for 480, along with an ample stage area, up-to-date sound system, and oversized audiovisual screen. The auditorium opens into a sizable lobby area – perfect for snacks, exhibits or social time between programs.
Dining Room
The Dining Room is open for meals, breaks, and banquets. Although not available for use as a meeting space, programs within meals are permitted. The full dining room seats 370 at rounds of eight. Two separate transepts can be closed off, creating seating for 72 in each. A permanent buffet area provides ample space for meal and break service.
Recreation Facilities
Located on the north side of the facilities, full-court gym, game room, football fields, baseball diamond and roomy locker rooms are all available for rent. Groups must reserve time slots for their use prior to their event. Hourly and Day rates are available. Please note that groups must provide their own lifeguards for use of the pool.
Food Service
We are pleased to accommodate all of your food and beverage needs. Select the Menus tab above for viewing. Our menus offer selections for everything from simple coffee breaks to elegant banquets. Arrangements for food service can be made through your event coordinator. Carry-in Food and Beverage are not allowed.
Media Services
Audiovisual equipment is available to rent upon request. This equipment includes projectors, laptops, TV / VCRs DVD players, flipcharts and dry erase boards, microphones, podiums, boom box, screens, pianos, and speaker phones. Free wireless internet service is also available. Should you have additional needs, we would be happy to assist in renting the necessary equipment.
* As a matter of faith we accept all people with respect, compassion, and sensitivity and every sign of unjust discrimination must be avoided. As followers of Christ we are morally obliged to treat everyone fairly and with respect. The Diocese of Madison does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a private-Catholic institution we reserve the civil right to decline use of our facilities to those whose public views or actions are contradictory and offensive to the faith and faithful of the Catholic Church.