A Place Apart

Bishop Hodges himself expressed it well when he wrote:
“These centers ... exist as places where the faithful can come to experience God and his marvelous ways, to grow in their knowledge of the faith and its demands, and to be formed to minister more effectively to their parish communities and environment.”
“[These centers] are places where those who minister can gather to pray, to plan, and for mutual support.”
“Paul VI has as its thrust liturgical and spiritual renewal.”

Bishop Joseph H. Hodges purchased the Webb Farm in 1963. But it was not until 1980 that ground was broken and the construction of the Center began. Paul VI Pastoral Center was the first of what would be four such centers in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charieston.

Paul VI Pastoral Center was dedicated and opened its doors to guests on October 28, 1981. Located on 149 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia just north of the city of Wheeling, the beauty of the property and the hospitality of the staff have charmed guests for more than twenty-five years now.

Paul VI Pastoral Center exists as a place of prayer, renewal, and education serving the ministries not only of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, but also serving the Church beyond the boundaries of West Virginia. Additionally, ecumenical and non-profit groups find that our facilities are just what they’re looking for when they need space for a meeting, for planning, for quiet, or for prayer.

Our Building:
Paul VI Pastoral Center is completely handicapped accessible. The Paul VI Conference Room comfortably seats 100 people as does the adjoining dining room. The main floor of the Center also has two smaller meeting rooms: one seating 8, the other 12 - 15. The lower level of the Center has another two conference rooms as well as a recreation room which seats 20 - 30. There is also a kitchenette, an exercise room, and even a small day-care room; the Center can provide child-care services with advance notice.

The Chapel:
The central feature of the building is the chapel. It is not only physically central, but moreso, it is the heart of the building. It is a prayerful and simple space featuring materials native to West Virginia in the altar of sacrifice, the ambo, the altar of repose, and the tabernacle.

The Lobby:
The Center’s lobby provides a lovely and welcoming atmosphere as guests arrive; it is a comfortable and natural gathering space.

Guest Rooms:
There are 35 guest room on the main floor allowing for single and double occupancy. Each room has a private bath. Two of the rooms have handicapped-accessible bathrooms; one of which includes a handicapped-accessible shower.

Each guest room also has individually-controlled heating/air-conditioning units, bed and bath linens, a comfortable chair, a Bible and an alarm clock.

If you have a laptop computer, please keep your volume turned down to respect the privacy and quiet that other guests expect. You may receive a wireless internet signal; please see the receptionist for an access code.

In the spirit of the Center’s mission, there are no televisions, radios or telephones in the guest rooms. Out of respect for guests who may be praying or resting, a respectful silence is maintained in the guest corridors at all times.

We are a completely smoke-free facility.