Help keep the heart and soul of the El Retiro mission

There is a 1925 photograph of the first El Retiro retreat with Fr. Joseph Stack, S.J. and 15 members of the Catholic Laymen’s retreat. The Jesuit Retreat Center has come a long way in 100 years with new retreats meeting the needs of a constantly changing society. With the all the changes, the mission to bring people closer to God remains the same.

The heart and soul of that mission is the Jesuit Pastoral Staff.

We celebrated the first Mass on March 15 when our Keynote Speaker Governor Jerry Brown pointed out that that it was the dedication and faith of the Jesuits that built and kept El Retiro alive and thriving for a full century.

The time has come to look forward and secure the future, making sure that Jesuits are always missioned at the Retreat Center. Our goal at the Blessing of the Cross Celebration on October 19 is to contribute $75,000 to Pastoral Fund that ensures that El Retiro will be managed by the Jesuits.

Attendance is free and includes Mass in Ross Chapel, The Blessing Ceremony in the Centennial Garden, and a reception in the Grotto that include drawings for gift baskets.

Invest in the Retreat Center future by attending and making a gift or pledge.  Join the wonderful Blessing of Cross sponsors by registering for free by visiting Blessing of the Cross where you may also make a donation or pledge.

With much gratitude to the Blessing of the Cross

Presenting Sponsors

The Gatto Family

Mary D. Bovone

Fr. Frank J. Muscolino

Kind Benefactors of the Pastoral Staff

Olive Tree Sponsors

Affordable Senior Care 

Jennifer Cheng

Linda and John Gemello

Heritage Bank of Commerce

Katie and Chris Metzger

Sean M. Langley, Financial Advisor – Morgan Stanley

Qualcomm Radio Frequency Analog Connectivity

Bryan M. Rector

Tru Technical Partners

Be part of the last official Centennial Celebration at the Blessing of the Cross and look with us toward the next century of The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos.

Sunday, October 19

3:30 pm Check -in: Rossi Chapel

4 pm Mass: Rossi Chapel

5 pm Blessing of the Cross: Centennial Garden

6 pm Reception in Grotto

For more information about the Blessing of the Cross at the Centennial Garden, contact Dyane Hendricks at dhendricks@jrclosaltos.org or visit Blessing of the Cross.