CSD aims to achieve this MISSION through two avenues:
1. To provide programs which enhance spiritual and ministerial development. Toward this end, we endeavor to:
* design quality programs which provide information, knowledge and an opportunity for personal integration employing reflection, sharing, prayer and ritual
* conduct program style reflective of the adult learning model
* provide programs for reflection and renewal for those persons and groups who perceive that their needs are not commonly met at the parish level
* address programs toward the spiritual and ministerial needs of religious women and ministers within various Christian traditions
* create programs grounded in the best of traditional and contemporary theology, psychology and spirituality directed to deepening spirituality and on-going personal conversion
* develop programs with encourage recognition of the needs and service to the poor and alienated.

2. To be a host facility where churches, organizations, ministerial teams, support groups, school and parish staff members can find a quiet, beautiful, and well-ordered environment which facilitates their purpose in drawing apart for meeting and reflection, we strive to:
* make our guests feel welcome from the time they make their first contact until they have completed their stay
* provide a clean, well-ordered environment both in meeting rooms and living quarters
* provide an environment which is aesthetically pleasing which subtly encourages serenity, centering and communion with God
* provide the support services of audio-visual equipment and supplies which are up-to-date and well-maintained
* create a pleasing environment for meals and provide meals which are nourishing, well-prepared, plentiful and well presented
* when appropriate, create a setting for liturgy and prayer which is simple and reverent
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Center for Spiritual Development: HISTORY

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange opened the Center for Spiritual Development in September 1985, as an outreach to address the need for spiritual growth and development in the Orange County area. The Center, a non-profit organization, attempts to address those groups and individuals who spiritual needs are not commonly met at the parish level. In particular, it is our hope to both identify and speak to issues at the cutting edge of evangelization in this rapidly changing society.

The Center for Spiritual Development at 434 South Batavia Street in Orange encompasses several buildings. The main building is a two-story, cement structure that was built in 1943 as a nursing school to serve the needs for educating health care professionals at the height of World War II. Since then the building has served several different purposes. In 1985 it was completely renovated inside and out to provide a beautifully refurbished setting as a spirituality center. The building now comprises 32 twin-rooms, a private retreatant's suite, spiritual direction room, three small group meeting rooms, a large conference room, an oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, a gift shop and sacred art gallery, offices, and kitchen facilities.

Located in the City of Orange, which is a geographical hub of the county, the Center has close access to four major freeways in the area, and four major airports - John Wayne (10 miles), Long Beach (23 miles), Ontario (35 miles), and Los Angeles International Airport (39 miles).

The Diocese of Orange is contiguous with the boundaries of the County of Orange. This diocese is comprised of 56 parishes and 4 pastoral centers in 34 cities. The population of Orange County is estimated at 2,890,444 (2000-2001 U.S. Census Bureau information) with the total Catholic population estimated at 1,110,508: Non-Hispanic Whites, 64.8%; Hispanics, 30.8%; Asians, 13.6%; Blacks, 1.7%; American Indians, 0.7%; Other, 14.8%. Minority populations in this county continue to rise and to confront the established Catholic population with the issues of inclusion.

The Diocese of Orange presently offers many programs to address the active and growing Catholic population. The Institute for Pastoral Ministry offers on-going programs designed to meet the educational and spiritual needs of those involved in religious education at all levels. The posture of this Center is one of listening and collaborating with the diocese and local churches in an effort to discern more clearly the needs of the people of God - needs both expressed and unexpressed by the longing of the human heart on a journey of faith. We see our role and our ministry as unique yet collaborative in order to provide for spiritual growth and development in this time and place.
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Center for Spiritual Development

434 S. Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92868-3907

(714)744-3175 | (714)744-3176 fax | csdinfo@csjorange.org