About Us

The Spiritual Life Center is one of the premier retreat and conference destinations in the Midwest. Owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, the Center is a popular meeting facility for Catholics and Christians of other traditions seeking a faith-centered meeting experience.

Our History

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 and Christians of other traditions 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, 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 and conference 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.

Our Mission

Letter from Bishop Carl Kemme

“Welcome to the Spiritual Life Center! The Center serves as a destination for groups to experience retreats and conferences in an inviting modern environment with cutting-edge technology and warm hospitality. The mission of the Spiritual Life Center focuses on hospitality, adult education, spiritual formation, and lay leadership training.

Opened in 1990 by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, the Spiritual Life Center is situated on thirty-eight acres of beautifully landscaped nature, which includes two miles of walking paths, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, and an amphitheater. The Center has two chapels, seven conference rooms, and individual bedrooms with private baths to host as many as 116 overnight guests.

The Spiritual Life Center also offers dining services, serving delicious meals, as well as complementary coffee and water. Other amenities include a bookstore, free Wi-Fi, a library, and many places to rest and reflect. The Spiritual Life Center is a Catholic retreat and conference center that also welcomes Christians of other traditions.

With great joy, I invite you to rest, to renew your heart, to restore your hope, to respond to the Word of God at the Spiritual Life Center."

Our Vision & Mission

Vision: Save Souls, Form Soul Savers

Mission: Through the Holy Spirit, the Spiritual Life Center will become the Center for forming disciples and missionary disciples. (Mark 3:14-15)

Our Goals

The Spiritual Life Center exists to cultivate and nurture authentic love of God and neighbor in each person by providing encounter with God through formation in both the intellect and the heart.

Formation of the intellect is achieved by education in the truth. The Center aims to provide educational talks, programs, catechesis, and conferences on authentic Church teachings.

Formation of the heart occurs through assimilating the truth learned in authentic love of God by means of experience and encounter with Him. The Center aims to bring retreatants into encounters with the Lord through healing ministries, opportunities to learn about movements of the heart and discernment, and exploring one's charisms and calling.

Our Leadership

Bishop Carl A. Kemme
Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita
Fr. Darrin May
Director
Dr. Mike Cook
Administrator
David Saunders
Mission Leader

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A welcome from Bishop Carl Kemme

“Welcome to the Spiritual Life Center! The Center serves as a destination for groups to experience retreats and conferences in an inviting modern environment with cutting-edge technology and warm hospitality. The mission of the Spiritual Life Center focuses on hospitality, adult education, spiritual formation, and lay leadership training.

Opened in 1990 by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, the Spiritual Life Center is situated on thirty-eight acres of beautifully landscaped nature, which includes two miles of walking paths, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, and an amphitheater. The Center has two chapels, seven conference rooms, and individual bedrooms with private baths to host as many as 114 overnight guests.

The Spiritual Life Center also offers dining services, serving delicious meals, as well as complementary coffee and water. Other amenities include a bookstore, free Wi-Fi, a library, and many places to rest and reflect. The Spiritual Life Center as a retreat and conference center, welcomes many religious groups of other faith traditions as well as community non-profit organizations.

With great joy, I invite you to rest, to renew your heart, to restore your hope, to respond to the Word of God at the Spiritual Life Center

A welcome from Bishop Carl Kemme

“Welcome to the Spiritual Life Center! The Center serves as a destination for groups to experience retreats and conferences in an inviting modern environment with cutting-edge technology and warm hospitality. The mission of the Spiritual Life Center focuses on hospitality, adult education, spiritual formation, and lay leadership training.

Opened in 1990 by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, the Spiritual Life Center is situated on thirty-eight acres of beautifully landscaped nature, which includes two miles of walking paths, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, and an amphitheater. The Center has two chapels, seven conference rooms, and individual bedrooms with private baths to host as many as 114 overnight guests.

The Spiritual Life Center also offers dining services, serving delicious meals, as well as complementary coffee and water. Other amenities include a bookstore, free Wi-Fi, a library, and many places to rest and reflect. The Spiritual Life Center as a retreat and conference center, welcomes many religious groups of other faith traditions as well as community non-profit organizations.

With great joy, I invite you to rest, to renew your heart, to restore your hope, to respond to the Word of God at the Spiritual Life Center

Explore the Center

Take a photo tour of our Center. Our facilities include seven conference rooms, a dining room, guest lounges, 58 bedrooms, two chapels, outdoor walks, and more!

View Gallery

Visit Us

The Spiritual Life Center

7100 E. 45th Street North
Bel Aire, Kansas
67226

Contact us!

SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER

7100 E. 45th Street North
Bel Aire, Kansas 67226

(316) 744-0167

We will get back to your inquiry as soon as possible. Thank you!