OUR MISSION

Christ the King Retreat House exists to provide an environment and opportunities for spiritual, personal and professional growth, healing and peace.

Message from Our Director

Peace be with you and welcome to our website! As you navigate through our various pages, I hope you take the opportunity to reflect on the different ways that we can assist you on your spiritual journey. Whether you are a group leader, or an individual that is looking to break away from our chaotic world, we have all of the resources that you need here at Christ The King Retreat House!

-Joan Spector, Director of Christ the King

Our History

Christ the King Retreat House was originally a private residence owned by the Lipe family of Lipe Rollway. The house was built in the late 1920’s, for $100,000. At the time it was the largest private house in Syracuse, resting on 400 acres. The architect was Webb Moulten.

The Jesuits bought the House in 1944 for $45,000 from the Lipe family for use as a Retreat House for the public and as a residence for the Jesuits of nearby LeMoyne College. Rev. Robert F. Grewen, SJ, became the first Director of Christ the King Retreat House and was also the President of Le Moyne College from 1954-1961. The Jesuits added pool in 1985 and the dorm wings onto the House.

In 1994 Christ the King Retreat House was purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse from the Jesuits for $1. Christ the King Retreat House continues to be owned and operated by the Diocese of Syracuse and is open to all hoping to be a beacon on the hill for peace!

Meet Our Staff

Joan Spector, Executive Director

As Executive Director of Christ the King Retreat House, Joan is responsible for the overall management of the Retreat House providing hospitality assistance and facilities management to all visitors and guests that come to CTK.

Joan holds a Master's in Education and has worked at the Chancery for more than two years in the Catholic Schools Office building a grant program from the ground up. She has experience with leading groups of all sizes and has an extensive background in implementing and managing projects and budgets that support large scale programs. Most importantly, Joan brings her Catholic faith and spirituality to her new role in serving the mission of Christ the King Retreat House.

I am a lifelong Catholic and sharing my faith is very important to me. I taught faith formation when my children were young and was on the vocation committee at my parish during the Year of Vocations. I look forward to all the retreats this year and to growing the community we serve,by creating even more meaningful and spiritual offerings in the years to come."

Retreat Staff

Judy Carr, Guest Services

Randy Brooks and Norman Carley Buildings and Facilities

Tamika Blount-Hospitality

Barb Shepard, Marketing Director

Amina Al Yassin and Mariana Black, Housekeeping Staff

Board of Directors

Cil Sindoni, President

Ron Russell-Vice President

Beth A. Broadway

James Corcoran

Hon. Frederick J. Scullin Jr.

Linda Zimmerman

Amanda Webster

Patrick Powers

Deacon Dean Brainard

Kimberly McAuliff

Mark Walker