About the Center

Located in the heart of the city, yet away from it all, Holy Spirit Retreat Center offers a place of tranquility and peacefulness for all to experience. The grounds which have many trees, winding paths and ducks in the pond, are available for individuals or groups for a few hours, a day, a weekend or longer. We are an interfaith facility, open to people of all faiths, with overnight accommodations, a chapel, dining room and conference rooms perfect for all types of retreats and meetings.

Holy Spirit Retreat Center was founded by the Sisters of Social Service of Los Angeles (a Roman Catholic women’s religious community) in the 1940’s and was the first retreat center for women in the Los Angeles area. It was first located in the mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles and in 1969 moved to its current location in Encino. The facility served as a novitiate (training place for new sisters) from its erection in 1960 until it became the Retreat Center.

The 1994 Northridge earthquake set into motion the need to move the Sister’s Motherhouse, Ministry and administrative offices, as well as the retired sisters in assisted living. After many years of praying and planning we are pleased to present the new and renewed Holy Spirit Retreat Center. Also on our property you will encounter the Oakhurst Villa Community (sisters in assisted living) and the Ministry and Administrative Offices of the Sisters of Social Service.