{"id":16047,"date":"2026-10-28T11:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T16:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passionist.org\/?p=16047"},"modified":"2026-10-28T14:54:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T19:54:13","slug":"creating-a-sacred-space-fr-joe-moons-cp-leads-christ-the-king-passionist-retreat-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passionist.org\/es\/2026\/10\/28\/creating-a-sacred-space-fr-joe-moons-cp-leads-christ-the-king-passionist-retreat-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Sacred Space: Fr. Joe Moons, CP, Leads Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Fr. Joe Moons, CP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every retreat at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California, offers connection. As the retreat center\u2019s director, Father Joe Moons, CP, and his dedicated staff create sacred spaces for encounters with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passionist retreat Father Joe Moons, CP centers allow people to slow down, be heard, encounter God and experience compassionate presence. The power of presence happens not in big moments, but in small details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA lot of it is listening,\u201d Father Joe explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cPresence is facing people and trying not to be in a hurry. We take in what they say, and it makes a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\nFr. Joe Moons, CP<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The work of the staff affects each person visiting the retreat center. \u201cAll the staff is very attentive and welcoming,\u201d says Father Joe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPresence is also about how we care for this place, from our housekeepers who create welcoming spaces indoors to our gardeners who care for the grounds outside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since people come to a retreat for many different reasons, he believes the biggest reason is to get away from the noise of their lives. Whatever is challenging them \u2014 family issues or spiritual questions \u2014 the retreat center offers possibilities for peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRetreatants, and others, look for reconciliation, recognition and forgiveness. They want some kind of direction or clarification. They want a different perspective, and a second opinion from what they have heard already,\u201d shares Father Joe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI tell them to quit arguing with God.\u201d<\/p>\nFr. Joe Moons, CP<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The retreat center is a sacred space in many ways: the physical place, prayer, hospitality and the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll of these contribute to making it sacred,\u201d explains Father Joe. \u201cThis place offers permission to focus on God in a meaningful way. You feel God\u2019s presence. There is a sense of God\u2019s peacefulness that allows one to share things. It is a safe place to be and to share. It takes a sacred place to share what one holds in one\u2019s heart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern culture is filled with noise, technology and constant demands for our attention. The ministry of retreat and spiritual presence is a gift to those who come to Christ the King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe noise that is out there disconnects us from ourselves. There is maybe little interaction at meals as everybody is so busy about everything. We miss being present with one another,\u201d shares Father Joe. \u201cThat is where life is. Because we live in a technological society, there are many distractions that keep us from being really present with one another. We can keep running, but we need to stop and listen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connections made with retreat leaders and fellow retreatants can have a powerful effect, often helping people experience God\u2019s presence in a new way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think generally they feel it the first time,\u201d says Father Joe. \u201cWe just operate at a certain level in life, and sometimes it is the inspiration of the other people at the retreat that helps individuals see what God wants for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people who come for a retreat bring personal suffering and difficult questions. The Passionist charism embraces those challenges and offers a healing message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are not afraid of the suffering. We can invite them to move beyond the struggles and see what God offers them, to see that they are not alone and that even in their struggles or brokenness, God is with them and does not leave them,\u201d Father Joe explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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God is all loving and merciful. He wants to nurture us. That is our real hospitality, the real openness.<\/p>\nFr. Joe Moons, CP<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Compassion changes everything and is the heart of the retreat center. The transformation happens not just with the retreatants, but also the staff, volunteers and Passionists who are part of the retreat center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The staff and volunteers are a part of the Passionist Family and are present for each other in times of joy and sorrow. \u201cThat is all part of being compassionate. You take them all into your heart,\u201d shares Father Joe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extended Video Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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