FAQ
Q. Who may use the Spirit Center?
A. The Spirit Center, a Catholic Retreat Facility embracing people of other faiths, is open for retreat use by youth groups and adult groups of south Texas. Daytime use is available for class field trips, adult meetings or planning retreats, prayer groups, parish groups, etc. Requests for reservation and information materials may be sent to info@bluntzerspiritcenter.org or call 361.888.7537.
Q. What are the address and directions to the Spirit Center?
A. The Spirit Center’s mailing address is 5201 Lipes Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78413. The physical address of 5528 FM 3088, Robstown. The Spirit Center site is about 25 miles from Corpus Christi, 10 miles from Calallen, 10 miles from Orange Grove, 15 miles from Mathis, 6 miles from Banquete, and about 15 miles from Robstown.
From FM 624 turn north toward Mathis on FM 666, at the corner of the old Bluntzer School (Four-way stop, blinking light)
Travel approximately one/third mile and turn left on FM 3088 (you can only turn left). Pass the Nicholas Bluntzer historical marker on the right, watch for the first drive to the right after the marker, and turn right at The Spirit Center entrance. Proceed straight along the drive, pass the Fannie Bluntzer Nason home on the right, and then follow the road through the gate to the left. You will see The Spirit Center buildings on the left.
Q. Are there weekend Catholic Masses near The Spirit Center?
A. For Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, if you plan a Mass with your pastor or priest director on site, please bring all that is needed for Mass—vestments, vessels, linens, Roman Missal, Lectionary, and the number of hosts needed for the number of Masses you will celebrate. The Shalom Place, Activity Center or Outdoor Pavilion may be used for Mass.
If you wish to celebrate Sunday liturgy in one of the parishes in the area, the following parishes are within fifteen miles. If you have a large group you might call ahead to see if your group will fit in the Church at the time you wish to attend Mass. As a courtesy, notify the Church of your date of attendance.
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
(about seven miles from Spirit Center; allow 20 minutes for travel)
Masses: Vigil Mass on Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.; 11 a.m.
St. Patrick Mission
(off FM 666 toward Mathis; four miles from Spirit Center; allow 15 min. for travel)
Mass: Vigil Mass on Saturday: 4 p.m.
Fr. Philip Panackal extends an invitation to your parish priest/retreat director to celebrate Mass at St. Patrick Mission for your group at other times.
Pastor: Rev. Philip Panackal
Mailing address for both Churches:
16602 FM 624, Robstown, TX 78380 Tel. (361) 387-1312
Online Presence: www.christon624.com
Email: stthomastheapostle@christon624.com
St. John of the Cross Catholic Church
(ten miles from Spirit Center; allow 25 min. for travel)
Masses: Saturday: 6 p.m. Vigil Sunday: 7:30 a.m.; 11a.m.
Address: 200 South Metz
Orange Grove, TX 78372
Online Presence: www.st-johnog.org
Email: saintjohn0003@aol.com
Telephone: (361) 816-6549
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
(seven miles from Spirit Center; allow 20 min. travel)
Travel south on FM 666 to Banquete.
Masses: Saturday: 4 p.m. Vigil
Sunday: 7 a.m.; 10 a.m.
Address: 4317 4thStreet, Banquete, TX 78339
Email: stmichaelbanquete@gmail.com
Telephone: (361) 387-8371
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church
(about thirteen miles from Spirit Center; take FM 624 toward Calallan, turn right on FM 1889 ; allow 30 minutes travel)
Masses: Saturday: 9 a.m. Vigil Mass—5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.; 11 a.m.
Pastor: Rev. Mark Wheelan, SOLT
Address: 603 N. 1st St.
Robstown, TX 78380
Email: st.johns.robstown@gmail.com
Telephone: (361) 387-3705
St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church
(about fifteen miles from Spirit Center; allow 35 minutes travel)
Travel FM 624, which becomes Leopard Street, turn right on Violet Road.
Masses: Saturday: 6 p.m. Vigil
Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. 6 p.m.
Pastor: Rev. Emilio Jimenez
Address: 3901 Violet Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Online Presence: www.stpeterprince.net
Email: stpeterprinceoftheapostles@gmail.com
Telephone: (361) 241-3249
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
(about fifteen miles north on FM 666; allow 35 minutes travel)
Masses: Saturday: 6 p.m. Vigil
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. (Spanish); 10 a.m.; 12 p.m.
Pastor: Rev. Raju D. Thottankara
Address: 217 W. San Patricio Ave. Mathis, TX 78368
Email: sacredheartchurch@bizstr.rr.com
Telephone: (361) 547-9181
Q. What are the nearest emergency facilities?
A. Corpus Christi Medical Center Northwest
13725 Northwest Blvd. (FM 624)
(361) 767-4300
Nueces County Rural Fire District No. 4
Bluntzer Volunteer Fire Department
(on corner of FM624/ FM666 next to old Bluntzer School)
5781 FM 666, Robstown, TX 78380
Telephone: (361) 387-2117
Q. What are the Retreat Director’s responsibilities?
A. Prepare the program for the retreat. Present a schedule of prayer, activities, meals, etc. to The Spirit Center director on arrival with a list of participants. Collect necessary paperwork from your adult sponsors for youth (child protection certification needed for overnight stays) and the insurance forms for participants to have on hand if needed. The following are sponsor assignments:
* One adult supervisor per ten students (at least two adults supervising each 24-person dorm section)
* One person designated for first aid—bring your own kit. Aloe Vera plants are available on site for treatment of cuts or burns. If emergency care is needed the Northwest Emergency Room is twenty minutes away on FM 624. (See emergency numbers with list of area churches)
* One person designated for kitchen supervision. Kitchen appliances, ice machine, and cookware are available for your use. Mark any utensils, dishes, etc. that you bring so they will be easy to collect. Bring paper plates, plastic cups, knives, forks and spoons, condiments, meals and snacks, bottled water, etc. If you need more food or water, an adult can go to Bluntzer Fruit Stand on corner of 666/624 for fruits and vegetables; to Walmart at Five Points, HEB on corner of Violet Road and Leopard Street, or to any of the convenience stores on FM 624.
Bins will be available for recycling and trash. Containers for food disposal and compost material will be provided.
Q. What are the retreatants’ responsibilities?
A. Each person provides his/her own bedding—sleeping bag or sheets and blanket; pillows; towel; toiletries, clothing that will protect you from sun and scratches when you are outdoors. Tennis shoes or closed shoes rather than sandals are best for outdoor games and activities. Hats, caps or visors, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellent (or pack it in your group first aid kit.) If you are allowed cell phones on the retreat, have them charged when you arrive and turn them off during your sessions—use sparingly, as there are a limited number of outlets for re-charging. The group may bring several power surge multiple outlet strips for overnight charging if necessary.
There will be space under each bunk for suitcases and belongings. There are shelves and baskets in the bathroom/ shower area to store your toiletries.