Who We Are

An empty building cries out for rebirth!!! The St. Joseph's Convent became vacant in 1990. Soon multiple uses presented themselves. However, not until the summer of 1997 did an urban spiritual retreat center come to life.

There were two reasons for this rebirth. The first has to do with poverty itself. In Camden, the second poorest city in America, has both great need an great opportunity. The needs are many from within the Church communities, non-profit worlds, government service, and entrepreneurial interests. Camden is both a place to make a difference and to make a living.

The second reason has to do with our own Church community. While our roots are in cities in America, our hearts seem to be moving outward and upward. Nationwide, we have become a middle class Church community.

Hoping to address these two needs, the Romero Center was born on March 24th, 1998, the 18th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero, whose ultimate gift for the poor of his country reminds us that we are about "a future that is not our own." The Romero Center began with the intention of bringing the Church community to Camden to experience an enlightened conversion and commitment. We want young people to see that there is both opportunity and challenge in the work of the Church. We want adults to understand their role in bringing about a societal commitment to end poverty and discrimination in our world.

Our dream is that the Romero Center will truly invite "actions on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world." (U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1971)

Power Point Presentation