A tranquil setting for rest, rejuvenation and refocusing for 75 years
While the days of the gold rush are now a distant memory, the Passionists continue to mine the spiritual gold of California.
Current ministries
Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center
Citrus Heights, CA
Our long history in Citrus Heights
The Passionists came to Sacramento in 1945, thanks to an invitation from Bishop Robert Armstrong and the efforts of Mr. Roy Wilkins and Monsignor Thomas Kirby. Father Angelo Hamilton, CP, arrived that October with a mission to establish a retreat center. By 1946, the Passionists purchased 41 acres in Citrus Heights, and we moved in on the Feast of Christ the King in 1949.
Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center officially opened on May 7, 1950, with space for 30 retreatants. The first retreat welcomed the men of Holy Name Union and the Retreat Center’s construction workers.
Over the years, the facility expanded, including a major upgrade in 1987, and now welcomes about 3,000 retreatants annually, with another 4,000 attending hosted events.
Beyond retreat ministry, Passionists have long supported the Diocese of Sacramento and western Nevada through parish missions, chaplaincies and pastoral assistance.
Today, our ministry continues to evolve, offering programs like the Institute for Counseling and Spiritual Direction and the Spiritual Life Institute, which fosters ecumenical dialogue.
While the gold rush days are long gone, the Passionists remain committed to helping others discover the spiritual treasures of California.