HICKORY — What do you do when COVID-19 disrupts the old way of doing business? You pivot. That’s exactly what the Catholic Conference Center did over Valentine’s Day weekend.
In mid-January, the weekend of Feb. 13-14 appeared fully booked. Women’s Walk with Christ had reserved the entire center for a national retreat for 80 members. However, after some thoughtful discussion, the Colorado-based group decided to postpone the retreat until the fall because of concerns about traveling during the pandemic.
With such short notice, it was unlikely any other group would reserve the center, so the center’s staff got creative.
“After a team meeting and some encouragement from our supporters, we decided to host our own St. Valentine’s Eve Banquet,” said Deacon Scott Gilfillan, director.
“Our staff has tremendous depth and talent in culinary, catering and hospitality. The banquet gave us an opportunity to showcase some of our ‘high-end’ talents,” he said.
Executive Chef Matt Baldwin created a six-course menu with delights like Fiery Tomato Bisque, Ahi Tuna Poke and Duck Leg Confit Cassoulet. For dessert, he hand-made coconut, orange zest and salted caramel truffles.
Hospitality Manager Kris Cordes has served as a caterer and chef for more than 1,000 wedding receptions, so she was well equipped to host a romantic evening. For ambiance, she dove into her “catering closet” at home and supplied centerpieces, dishes and other accessories to set the mood for a five-star banquet. Door prizes were gathered from supporters, and Abundant Life Florist donated table arrangements.
The impromptu event quickly sold out thanks to word of mouth and promotion on Facebook.
Forty people, including couples and families, enjoyed the socially distanced dinner, and comments afterward were positive.
“The meal was outstanding! A wonderful dining experience!” said Dennis and Jane Gillen.
Sharon Schur and her husband opted to spend the night at the center to enjoy more of the facilities. “The opportunity to stay the night in the center after a special dinner with my husband was exactly what we needed after the isolation/restrictions of the COVID 2020-2021 experience,” she said. “We prayed in the chapel, walked the trails, prayed the Stations of the Cross, plus just rested and relaxed by the fire.”
Deacon Gilfillan noted that the St. Valentine’s Eve Banquet was a perfect opportunity to showcase the conference center for new offerings besides its already-popular retreats and meetings. The renovated building and its expansive grounds offer a safe, socially distanced and comfortable environment for individuals, families, and small or large groups.
The center has already added events including Sunday-Funday Brunch, Date Night with a Saint, Chef’s Table workshops, outdoor Stations of the Cross, and a “Lunch and Learn” series.
Up next at the center is an overnight retreat for Palm Sunday weekend, entitled “Enter the Mystery.”
In April, there will be a hands-on sacred art retreat, “Making Mosaics,” that will include praying and “writing” Pysanky Easter eggs along with assembling a cross from personal mementos and trinkets.
And for Mother’s Day weekend in May, the center will fittingly offer a retreat focused on the Blessed Mother, “The Heart of Mary.”
Get details about these and other upcoming events on the center’s website, www.catholicconference.org.
— Catholic News Herald
Pictured: Sharon Schur and her husband Jeff Fabri enjoy the St. Valentine’s Eve Banquet at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. (Photo provided)