Here are some retreat centers in or relatively close to our North San Diego region. Also, see our Events Page for specific information on upcoming Centering Prayer and contemplative presentations, workshops and retreats.

Holy Spirit Retreat Center. Founded by the Sisters of Social Service of Los Angeles at the request of Archbishop Cantwell in the early 1930s, this was the first retreat center for women in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 1969, the Center moved to its current location in Encino, CA. “While we have always maintained our Catholic roots and tradition and our Benedictine charism, it is our desire to provide an atmosphere of peace and hospitality to all people. We welcome the interfaith community and those of ‘no faith’. We ask only that there is respect and regard amid the differences.” This retreat center regularly offers various Centering Prayer events, directed retreats, private retreats, and spiritual direction. See their website HERE.

Mercy Center (in Burlingame, CA) is a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. It was established in 1981 as a retreat center and conference center for religious and other nonprofit organizations. Mercy Center provides opportunities for people to become more attentive to the presence of the Divine in their lives and in the world, and then respond with care for the Earth and service to others, especially people who are poor and vulnerable. Their offerings include Centering Prayer retreats, Wisdom Schools, Ignatian directed retreats, Zen Sesshins, Taize services … and much more. Many events are available both on Zoom and in person. See their website HERE.

The Retreat Center at Mission San Luis Rey (in Oceanside, CA), is managed by Franciscan Friars in affiliation with the Old Mission San Luis Rey Parish, founded in 1798. Noted for its spacious, beautiful grounds and lush flower gardens, the retreat center at the Mission offers Sacred Art Workshops, Ignatian retreats, Candlelight Concerts, Quiet Days, spiritual direction, and private retreats. See their website HERE.

Prince of Peace Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Oceanside, CA. “For over 50 years, we monks have been receiving guests. They range from the casual and curious visitors to those which chose to spend an extended time of prayer on a retreat. Although we no longer wash the feet of guests, we still seek to share our knowledge and experience of the Divine, while humbly offering all the other services of hospitality.” The local Contemplative Outreach chapters (CONSD and COSD) regularly host Centering Prayer retreats at this Abbey, which also offers group or individual Days of Recollection and private retreats. See their retreat center website HERE.

Saint Andrew’s Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in Valyermo, CA, between the Mojave desert and San Bernardino mountains. Originally situated in Brugges, Belgium, the monks of Sint Andries established a new community in 1929 in Chengtu, China. The monks were put under house arrest in 1949, when Communists took over Chengtu. In 1952, these monks were expelled from China and transferred to a new home in Southern California. In 1955, they established St. Andrew’s Abbey. Throughout the year, the Abbey offers many weekend preached retreats as well as day and overnight group and private retreats. Guests are welcome to attend daily liturgical prayers and Mass. See their website HERE.

Saint Columba’s Episcopal Church and Retreat House is revitalizing its roots in the contemplative spirituality of the Celtic Christian tradition. “Nestled on a mountainside overlooking Tomales Bay in Inverness, California, our retreat house is infused with the sacred presence of God in nature. We are an inclusive contemplative community incarnating the Mystical Body of Christ in Word, Sacrament, and spiritual intimacy.” Their retreat house is open and welcomes those who wish a quiet, contemplative visit. A variety of directed retreats are available throughout the year. There are also many online offerings at their website, including weekly prayer services, courses taught by Fr. Vincent Pizzuto and others, and a virtual prayer chapel. See their website HERE.

Founded in 1987, the Spiritual Ministry Center is a mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart. “Our charism is to discover and make known the love of the Heart of Jesus today and to participate in the rebuilding of a more just and peaceful world. We welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures who seek to deepen their relationship with God and others. Our programs facilitate personal integration in light of Gospel values.” Seekers of all faiths are welcome to spend quiet time at this small retreat house located in a residential neighborhood two short blocks from the Pacific Ocean. The Center also offers spiritual direction sessions. See their website HERE.

“Come away with me to a quiet place    . . . and rest for awhile.” — Mark 6: 31