What a beautiful opportunity for Catholic priests and laity!

PHG Hotels and Clergy Hospitality launched a Clergy Hospitality program offering complimentary hotel stays for traveling Catholic priests.

PHG Hotels founder Tim Busch, also known for his support of priests and founding Napa Institute, told ChurchPOP the purpose of starting the new initiative.

Busch explained the twofold inspiration behind the Clergy Hospitality program.

First, he said it gives “Catholic priests a place to rest and recharge—a kind of short sabbatical that acknowledges the demands and stress of their daily ministry.” 

Secondly, Busch wanted to give guests “the opportunity to attend daily Mass without leaving the hotel.”

“By building chapels into our properties and offering complimentary stays to priests who celebrate Mass, we’re creating a space where it makes it easier for people to live the fully integrated Catholic lifestyle even when on vacation or traveling,” Busch said.

“It’s a simple but powerful way to serve both clergy and laity—and to make Christ more accessible in the rhythm of life.”

Priest celebrates Mass in St. Damian of Molokai Chapel at the Ko’a Kea Resort in Hawaii for a group of guests / Photo courtesy of Clergy Hospitality

Clergy Hospitality Program’s Beautiful Fruits for Priests & Laity

Busch said he has already seen beautiful fruits from this program for both priests and laity.

He said the relationships formed between priests and laity are “moments you can’t plan, but they reveal the power of making the sacraments and spiritual care more accessible to people wherever they are–even when on vacation.”

“Conversations over coffee or a simple encounter in the chapel after Mass often led to unexpected moments of grace,” Busch said. “I’ve witnessed people enter the hotel chapels in times of grief or uncertainty, seeking comfort, prayer, or simply the presence of a priest.”

“This program is becoming a source of healing, friendship, and evangelization for both guests and priests alike,” he added.

Photo courtesy of Clergy Hospitality

Busch is especially passionate about what the Clergy Hospitality program can do for priests. 

“Priests give so much of themselves in service to the Church—through the sacraments, spiritual guidance, and the day-to-day care of their parish communities. Giving them a peaceful and beautiful place to rest is a way for us to help them in their vocation and support their spiritual renewal,” he said.

That kind of care, he believes, is urgently needed: “At a time when we’re losing priests (especially young priests) at alarming rates, providing them with space for renewal and retreat is a commitment to the long-term health of our Church.”

What Having a Eucharistic Chapel Inside the Hotel Does for Guests

The chapel hotels greatly impact guests, Busch said, explaining that they “walk in and immediately feel the presence of something sacred. Guests have told us they wandered in just to sit, but ended up staying to pray or even attend a Mass.”

“God is clearly using this effort to reach hearts, from faithful Catholics to those who’ve drifted from the Church but feel something awakened when they see faith quietly integrated into everyday spaces, in this case, hotels,” he added.

Photo courtesy of Clergy Hospitality

Busch said he hopes all three hotels can offer daily Mass seven days a week. He wants “every guest to have access to the sacraments no matter when they’re traveling.” 

“We want these chapels to be places where the Eucharist is truly at the heart of each property,” he said.

Busch then invites priests to book a complimentary stay at his hotels.

“If you’re a priest in good standing, you’re welcome to book a complimentary stay at ClergyHospitality.org and help us fulfill this mission.” And to guests? “We hope you’ll join us for Mass onsite!”

Photo courtesy of Clergy Hospitality

Priests also shared their personal experience with the hospitality program.

“This was a blessed experience indeed,” Fr. Doug MacDonald said. “Priests will be refreshed in the Lord, in hospitality and the beauty of the Napa vineyards.”

“The Chapel is very well appointed and there’s everything needed for Mass, including Albs,” another priest said. “There are no hidden agendas or ‘catches, just good Catholic hospitality in one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

Courtesy of Clergy Hospitality

Click here to learn more about the Clergy Hospitality Program.

Let us pray for our priests!

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