St. Francis Spirituality & Retreat Center of Easton

CODE OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

All persons (“Guests”) on the Saint Francis Spirituality and Retreat Center of Easton (“Retreat Center”) property must conduct themselves respectfully and follow this Code of Christian Conduct. The following are specifically prohibited:  

  • Profane, vulgar, or offensive language or gestures.  

  • Harassment, bullying, intimidation, threatening behavior, or physical violence.  

  • Public intoxication; possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or marijuana.  

  • Destruction, theft, or misuse of property; possession of firearms or weapons.  

  • Photography or recording of others without consent; no recording during retreat events.  

  • Revealing, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate dress or clothing.  

  • Political discussions, campaigning, or partisan activity on property.  

  • Any conduct that disrupts the atmosphere of prayer, worship, or reflection.  

Retreat Center may remove any individual or group that violates these standards without a refund.  

OUTSIDE SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS 

All clergy, presenters, and speakers are subject to prior written approval by Retreat Center. A Letter of Suitability and approval from the local Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown is required for all visiting priests. Without prior approval, the Retreat Center may deny approval to anyone who is inconsistent with Catholic doctrine. For other non-Catholic clergy, ministerial documentation or credentials may be required. Failure to provide any requested documentation may impact your retreat agenda and/or your ability to hold a religious service or event.  

SAFE ENVIRONMENT & CHILD PROTECTION 

Organizations bringing minors must comply with all applicable child protection laws and local safe environment guidelines of the Diocese of Allentown. Guests are solely responsible for supervision, required clearances, background checks, safe environment training, and compliance with mandatory reporting. Documentation may be requested prior to the event.  

FACILITY CARE & PROPERTY DAMAGE 

Guests are responsible for all damage to buildings, furnishings, equipment, or grounds caused by its retreat participants, guests, volunteers, or vendors. Repair, replacement, and cleaning costs will be billed to the responsible Guest(s). Any activity that may cause a mess, stain, spill, odor, or residue (including but not limited to crafts, painting, glitter, confetti, candles, food preparation or service outside of Retreat Center-designated areas, and use of adhesives, tape, tacks, or decorations affixed to walls, floors, or furnishings) requires prior written approval from the Retreat Center, and Guest(s) is responsible for restoring the space to its original condition.  

No food or drink is permitted in retreatant rooms or in the Chapels.  Chapel etiquette must be respected at all times.  

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES 

Illegal drugs and marijuana are prohibited. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Alcohol may be permitted on the premises but requires prior written approval from the Retreat Center and proof of liquor liability insurance no less than 14 days prior to arrival. Any alcohol sales must comply with state and local laws. Tobacco smoking/vaping is permitted in designated outdoor areas only. Violations may result in immediate removal.  

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 

Guest Organizations shall maintain General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, naming Monsignor Robert J. Coll Foundation, Inc. d/b/a St. Francis Spirituality & Retreat Center of Easton as Additional Insured. Certificates are due 30 days prior to arrival.  

ASSUMPTION OF RISK & INDEMNIFICATION 

Guests acknowledge the inherent risks of using the Retreat Center facilities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Guests agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Retreat Center, its officers, directors, contractors, trustees, employees, volunteers, and agents from all claims arising from activities, participant actions, property use, injury, illness, death, or breaches of this Agreement. Retreat Center's total liability shall not exceed the total amount paid for the event.  

OVERNIGHT GUESTS 

Overnight Guests must be registered and sleep only in their designated retreatant rooms. Quiet Time runs from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM and must be observed and respected by all Guests.  Guests are expected to be in their own designated retreatant rooms during Quiet Time, unless otherwise approved by Retreat Center. Guests may not enter any other retreatant room other than their own for any reason.  Group Organizations must have an adult designated leader/chaperone at all times during each overnight stay. 

ADDITIONAL POLICIES 

Internet use must be lawful. Outdoor areas are used at Guests’ own risk, and all outdoor activities must be approved in advance by Retreat Center. No live animals are permitted.  Guests must use designated exits when entering and leaving the Retreat Center.  Vehicles must be parked in designated spaces only.  Guests must respect any Retreat Center signage for private/reserved spaces.  No open flames or fireworks are permitted at any time.  Security cameras operate in common areas. Guests are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other retreatants and the facility at all times.  Retreat Center may cancel events due to weather, emergencies, or force majeure without liability for travel or consequential costs. Emergency and evacuation protocols and policies will be provided to all Guests and must be followed in the event of an emergency. This Agreement is governed by Pennsylvania law; disputes are resolved in Northampton County.  

RIGHT TO TERMINATE 

Retreat Center may immediately terminate any event or occupancy for policy violations, unsafe conduct, conflict with the Retreat Center’s mission, missing documentation, or endangered property, at the sole discretion of Monsignor Robert J. Coll Foundation, Inc.