The Bishop O'Connor Retreat and Conference Center Facility Use

Building Use
The O'Connor  Center is primarily the diocesan retreat and conference center for the  Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison. Parishes and diocesan agencies are given the highest priority when scheduling events. Other non-profit, business, government, and school groups are also most welcome at the Center. Events for such groups, however, must be consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.*

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.

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. More information...

Auditorium
The O'Connor Center Auditorium features seating for 450, 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 275 at rounds of six. Two separate transepts can be closed off, creating seating for 54 in each. A permanent buffet area provides ample space for meal and break service.

Chapels
The Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel and the Holy Spirit Oratory provide beautiful settings for both liturgical and personal prayer. The O'Donnell Chapel has seating for worship of up to 450 people. Its central location also provides a place for personal prayer and reflection throughout the day. Eucharist is celebrated in the O'Donnell Chapel at noon on weekdays. The Holy Spirit Oratory offers an intimate setting for personal or small group prayers. 

Recreation Facilities
Located on the north side of the facilities, the Olympic-sized pool, full-court gym, game room and roomy locker rooms provide overnight guests plenty of space to relax. Use of these facilities in included in the cost of an overnight stay (groups must reserve time slots prior to their event). The recreation facilities are also open to other groups and may be reserved on an hourly basis. Please note that groups must provide their own lifeguards for use of the pool.  More  information...

Overnight Rooms
Our retreat style guest rooms offer comfortable accommodations for overnight retreats and conferences, or for your speakers and special guests. Daily check-in time is 12:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 pm.

Our full guest rooms have recently been updated to included a full-size bed, comfortable chair, nightstand, lamp, small desk and private bath. More simply appointed, our dorm rooms are especially suited to youth groups. These rooms include either two twin beds or one set of bunk beds and one twin bed, closet, and private bath. Guest rooms and dorm rooms do not have telephones, televisions or air conditioning. All rooms have privacy locks which lock from the inside, although individual keys are issued.

A limited number of air conditioned suites, with mini refrigerators and other amenities, are available to accommodate speakers and special guests. Please check for availability.

Food Service
Through the efforts fine local caterer, we are pleased to accommodate all of your food and beverage needs. Our menus offer selections for everything from simple coffee breaks to elegant banquets. Arrangements for food service can be made through your event coordinator.

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.