What We Do

We challenge ourselves

The Br. David Darst Center provides an engaging, reflective, and brave space  in which people of all ages can name the injustices of our time and understand the root causes that continue to create harsh realities for our communities.

Our goal is to invite a genuine conversation about the world around us, raising consciousness, challenging perceptions, and encouraging behavioral change that reflects the Christian social teachings of peace, justice, and appreciation of the dignity of every person and value of the earth.

Consider the Darst Center as the space for your next event or meeting -- and stop by to get a tour and a cup of coffee or tea on us!

Virtual Programs

The Br. David Darst Center is eager to continue justice education and critical reflection through virtual programming. Students, church members, and people of all ages are still hungry for opportunities to dive into experiential learning, dialog, and action to address injustices in our world. We know those of us with marginalized identities are hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, so this is a particularly important time to ask critical questions about how to better live as one human family and how we can #SeeItDifferently. For students and schools, virtual workshops can become a part of e-learning or a meaningful co-curricular activity.

Urban Immersion Retreat

The Urban Immersion Retreat uniquely educates youth and young adults on the historical and current forms of oppression and allows necessary space for our young people to dialog about the lived realities of people who are marginalized.

During this retreat, participants share personal stories with those working in urban ministries and those whose lives are negatively affected by institutional harm. Through this retreat experience and reflection activities with Darst Center staff, participants gain a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the complexity of our interconnected systems and communities - both systems of harm and also systems of support, love, and transformation.

Self-Directed Retreats

The Darst Center is located in the Bridgeport neighborhood with two meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and a dining room for up to 30 people. There are sleeping accommodations for 39 people in 15 bedrooms. There are four full bathrooms and one half-bath.

The guests will have use of kitchen facilities, including all dishware and cookware. Food can be ordered in or cooked on the premesis. Chinatown is four blocks away and there are many other local restaurants in the area. The Center is within walking distance of the CTA Orange Line and is 4 miles from Chicago's center.

Please call or e-mail us for availability: reservations@darstcenter.org.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops

The staff of the Darst Center is available to travel to your school or church to facilitate activities or workshops on a variety of topics, including our five burning issues (Education, Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Incarceration, Immigration). Previous workshops have been given for groups participating in summer service programs, workshops for confirmation classes, classes focused on Catholic Social Teaching, etc.

Rates

The Darst Center relies heavily on the income generated by programs. In spite of that, we work to maintain our low rates so that our programs are accessible to all interested groups.

Forms

Please find all necessary paperwork associated with your reservation with the Darst Center.  If questions or concerns arise, feel free to contact us!

FAQs

As much as we like our groups to simply "arrive as they are," there is a sense of comfort in knowing at least a little bit!  Questions?  Find your answers here.