In the late 1960’s a group of laity, men and women, met to discuss the future needs of the diocese. Emerging high on the list of priorities
was the deeply felt need for a conference center where people from all the parishes and missions of the diocese and outside the diocese
could come together for edification, inspiration and mutual support. Important was a central location, ease of accessibility in all seasons,
away from urban distractions.
“I wish the Lord would give us this place for a conference center” said Bishop Victor Rivera to a small group of men and women gathered with him at Sierra Sky Ranch. Thus the dream began to take shape. In the years to come, Bishop Rivera’s faith, prayers and pastoral leadership guided the steps of many men and women who donated heroically of their time, talent and treasure to give birth to what is present day ECCO.
On June 18, 1982, the first group to meet at ECCO, the Aspirants, Postulants, and Candidates Conference, used a 4’ x 8’piece of plywood across two saw horses as a table. Their meals were cooked on a borrowed stove and prepared on a card table.
From those humble beginnings we now see facilities for conferences of all sizes. Accommodations and amenities include dormitory space and motel-like accommodations. We can dine in Lyles Hall with its spirit-lifting view and pleasant deck. Sumner Walters Chapel and Conference Center offers its awe-inspiring window. The St. Francis of Assisi outdoor chapel and altar has increased flexibility and utilization of the facility. All of these factors were only dreamed of in 1968 when wheels were set in motion to bring about ECCO as we know it.
Bishop Rivera summed it up best in the last verse of “Plegaria” a poem he penned in 1983…
We have this place, O Lord,
You gave it to us in a mysterious way,
And you opened the hearts of many to take part in it.
We call it ECCO and it is holy ground to us,
For here in answering love we find you, for you found us.
