testimonials
The Best Getaway in the City
"The FCJ Centre was a great discovery for me. About 15 years ago I started attending Sister Ita Connery's amazing dream classes. These classes opened up to me the world of dreams and Jungian psychology and so much more.
The other great discovery was the fact that I could book in for a one-day retreat including lunch for a very affordable price.
The Convent and the setting are peaceful and beautiful and soothing to the spirit. You can retreat to your own room and also explore the grounds and sit by the river.
Who knew that in the heart of busy Calgary was this magical place? "
-Janet M.
Holy Cross Nurses Alumni
"The Holy Cross Nurses Alumni has been holding luncheons at the Center for over 30 years. We have 3 lunches combined with meetings each year. The staff is so welcoming and kind.
Michele S. has made it so easy to organize our events. She looks after the set-up, including the audio equipment, and arranges staff and food for the event.
The kitchen staff do a wonderful job of preparing very tasty food. It is always on time, and they take care to replenish dishes when needed.
The room is set up so nicely with tablecloths and flowers on the table. The Center has kept the price at a reasonable rate.
The FCJ Center is indeed an Oasis. Our members love to see the geese by the riverside. The whole area is beautiful with trees and flowers, right beside the river. It is so peaceful and beautiful.
I can't think of a nicer place to hold our meetings.
There is handicapped parking and a large parking area at the rear. Thank you for helping us for so many years. Years ago, I spent a weekend there on a retreat and it was great. The Center has a calendar full of inspiring events and I hope that one day I can attend another one. "
-Yvonne S.
A Private Directed Weekend Retreatant
"If you are ready to set aside time for the Lord, the FCJ Centre will assist you in your prayer. The staff are very hospitable, and the sisters are expert spiritual guides. I felt their help in my prayer life. God is good. "
33-Day Retreatant
"I’m grateful to have done the spiritual exercises here at the FCJ Centre and be guided by such a gentle, patient, wise and loving spiritual director. The experience widened and deepened my knowledge of the love of Christ and affirmed me of His complete, abiding presence. It has truly been a privilege to be able to join Sr Ann Marie in this journey with Jesus."
8-day Retreatant
"I am extremely glad to be here! It is truly a privilege to be guided so gently and so joyfully on this retreat journey with Christ. I am very happy with the retreat which reflected the goodness and divine providence of our loving God. The retreat was extremely helpful in moving me from the daily routines and concerns of my everyday life into a life-giving journey with Christ in silence and solitude. Food Services, Housekeeping, and facilities were excellent. Staff members were extremely caring, courteous, friendly, and attentive to one's needs. "
Anglican Catholic Church of Canada
"The FCJ Centre is the perfect “one stop shop” for the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada to host our Synods, clergy retreats, and other gatherings. Having accommodation, dining facilities, meeting rooms, and a chapel in one place allows us to focus on our mission and activities rather than logistics. The staff have always been warm and welcoming over the years, and every time we visit, we feel like we’re coming home – we especially appreciate the excellent, homemade meals throughout our stay. The pricing is competitive for everything that is included, and the location in Calgary is a convenient hub for our people travelling from across the country. The FCJ Centre continues to be our first choice of venue. We would highly recommend it to other organizations. "
-Bishops Ordinary of the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada
L'Arche Calgary
"For many years, L'Arche Calgary has enjoyed a meaningful partnership with FCJ Christian Life Centre, built on shared values of inclusion, respect, and care. The sisters at FCJ have been unwavering in their support of our mission, and we continue to benefit from their hospitality, including hosting our weekly community Prayer Nights at no cost and Annual Retreats. This enduring relationship has been instrumental in helping us grow as a community."
Ani H.
Alzheimer Society of Calgary
"Our organization has had the privilege of working closely with FCJ over the years, and we have consistently been impressed with the warm, welcoming environment they provide. FCJ has been a great partner in providing us with a gathering place to bring people together around a shared purpose. We value their commitment to inclusivity and cultural understanding."
-Barb Ferguson
Executive Director
Soulstream
"We want to express our thanks to the FCJ Centre for receiving us so well and being sensitive to all our various needs throughout the program. You have been remarkable hosts to us.
PS We really loved the renovations as they were going on throughout our program. Lucky us to be the first to try them out!"
-ASD Program Coordinator
Calgary Historical Society
I arranged for and attended an event at the FCJ Centre, which included a meeting, presentation, and meal for the Chinook Country Historical Society. This marks the 4th year we have used the Centre for this annual event.
The auditorium is a good space for our meeting and presentation—roomy, with good seating and functioning A/V equipment. The food is always good and reasonably priced. The Centre also offers ample parking, is centrally located, and easily accessible by transit. It’s nice to have our own space in the building, and as a Historical Society, we are pleased to support a heritage facility. We received positive feedback from attendees about the site. The ambience creates a favourable impression on our guests.
-Jackie K.
Canmore Meditation Society Retreat
"Thank you so much for all your kindness and work which helped to make the retreat a huge success. The group of women who gathered loved everything about the retreat centre - they raved about the food, loved the location and their rooms. The staff were very attentive and considerate, which made everyone feel very welcome.
The auditorium was perfect for our needs - in fact, I think it was the best set-up for all the retreats we have held! Have a great week and thank you again!!"
-Barb
Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada
"We enjoyed our time at FCJ and felt that it fulfilled all the things we were looking for. The staff has been helpful and accommodating.
The food service is fantastic! I have never had a meal that I didn’t love at FCJ. The kitchen staff are so friendly, kind and you can tell they put their hearts into every meal they make. They also make us feel so welcomed. Great team, and great service!
Our groups loved that FCJ location gave them the beauty of the river and nature at the back of the facility as well as being so close to the convenience of downtown Calgary. The building itself has allowed us to do all the things we desire with our groups. It’s helped us to accomplish our objectives by providing a great location to connect and retreat. Again, thank you so much for a wonderful experience. We look forward to our next event at your retreat center. "
-Kim C.