Retreat Centers: Our Mission

St. Joseph's staff and Salesian community, continuing the spirit and concerns of St. John Bosco, are committed to a ministry of offering formation opportunities for youth and young adults by helping them to encounter Jesus, to build community, and to consciously embrace their baptismal vocation to transform the world through one's daily life.

Since 1958, the Salesians at St. Joseph's have ministered to the young, especially as a formative community for candidates to the Salesian brotherhood. In 1977, St. Joseph's focus was shifted to youth formation and renewal.

Our pastoral approach to youth and young adult ministry is patterned after the "oratory model" of St. John Bosco, our founder. This model, based on the "Family Spirit" of our founder, is collaborative and encourages peer and lay ministry, both volunteer and professional. This approach is characterized by a high level of commitment to young people through interest and involvement in their lives and sensitivity to their needs.

As we look to the future, we will continue to respond creatively to the needs of young people in the changing cultural diversity of Southern California. We direct our ministry to youth and young adults principally through our Retreat Ministry; however, St. Joseph's is also home to various other Ministries:

• Salesian Formation

• Chaplaincies

• Marian Shrine

• Italian Catholic Community

• Salesian Cooperators

• Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley Search Community

• Spanish Catholic Cursillo of Los Angeles

• Lutheran Cursillo of Southern California

• Anglican Cursillo of Los Angeles

• Talpa Search Community

• Missionero Vicentino