Over three decades ago, Bishop Eugene Gerber called upon Catholics throughout the Diocese of Wichita to meet with him and share their hopes, dreams, and ideas. Through a series of exchanges called “A People Gathered,” a number of needs were identified and solutions offered. One such need was a place where Catholics could come to hear the Word of God and renew their hearts, minds, and souls.

Through the generosity of benefactors who contributed in amounts large and small, the Spiritual Life Center was created, opening in the Fall of 1990. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of people have walked through these doors in search of a deeper relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ, by participating in a wide range of retreats, workshops, and other programs.

Today the Spiritual Life Center is one of the premier retreat centers in the Midwest. Sustained and maintained through the continued generosity and stewardship of the people of the Wichita Diocese, the Center continues to provide a place for encounter with God, now under the Pastoral Plan of Bishop Carl A. Kemme: that all of God’s children will respond to Christ’s call and go forth to preach and evangelize as fully alive missionary disciples.