The first retreat was held in May 1950.
Moving the barracks from Mather Air Force Base.
Mission Statement
Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, in the Spirit of the Passionist Charism, exists to promote the personal reflection and spiritual growth of all who come according to their needs by creating a safe, welcoming, and prayerful environment and providing ministries of inspiration, education, and guidance.
Our History
The history of Passionists in California goes back to 1852, to the wild Gold Rush days when many immigrants were making their way to a new life. Fr. Peter Magagnotto, CP, was the first Passionist to set foot on American soil and left the east coast to serve in this developing region.
Eventually the Passionists founded a retreat center in Sierra Madre, CA, and because of their presence there, were asked to establish another retreat center near Sacramento. In 1946, the Passionists purchased land from the Cross family estate in Citrus Heights. The retreat center itself was completed in 1950, and was expanded in 1957 when military barracks from Mather Air Base were moved onto the property to accommodate the growing need for space.
Continuing to Grow
Another expansion was undertaken in 1987. The Holy Cross Building was constructed with forty retreatant rooms, three small conference rooms and a beautiful large assembly room. The enlarged facilities have allowed for the natural expansion of retreat programs.
Each year, approximately 3000 men and women attend the 31 weekend retreats, mid-week retreats and days of recollection. Programs such as married couples retreats, engaged retreats, 12-step retreats, weekly AA meetings, directed retreats, eastern spirituality retreats, Triduum and New Year’s Eve retreats, have added to the variety of spiritual growth opportunities offered at Christ the King Retreat Center.
