Visit the Center for Action and Contemplation
Our Visitor Center is located in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) invites you to visit Tepeyac House, our Visitor Center! Browse books on the Christian contemplative tradition in our bookstore or simply sit and enjoy our grounds from beneath the shade of the Trinity Tree, one of the oldest cottonwood trees in the region.
Important Visitor Information
We’re currently making improvements to the CAC campus to enhance the overall visitor experience. While our Visitor Center will remain open during this time, ongoing construction may create some noise or disruption that could affect the quiet atmosphere many guests value for reflection and meditation.
These updates are part of our commitment to offering a welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring environment for all who visit. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make these necessary upgrades, and we look forward to sharing the benefits of these improvements with you soon.
Hours of Operation
Our Visitor Center is open during the following times (MT):
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 10 am to 4 pm
Wednesday – 10 am to 4 pm
Thursday – 10 am to 4 pm
Friday – 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Please note that our offices and bookstore will be closed from April 23 to 24, and from May 5 to May 9. We will reply to all inquiries upon our return to the office. In the meantime, you’re welcome to explore our beautiful grounds while we’re away.
CAC Visitor Center
1705 Five Points Road SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Tepeyac House
Built in the 1930s, Tepeyac House is the oldest building on our campus. It was originally built in 1930 by the Gonzalez family and is the oldest home in the neighborhood. Sr. Paula Gonzalez, a Sister of Charity and a pioneer for alternative energy in the U.S., lived there with her family until entering college in the 1950s.
The name “Tepeyac” was first applied to house by the Franciscans of the New Mexico Province after they purchased the property from the Gonzalez family to use as a formation house. It was then bought by the CAC in 1990 and used as a guest house for fifteen years before morphing into our primary offices.
Today, Tepeyac House is the CAC’s Visitor Center. In addition to the beautiful adobe buildings, the grounds also include fruit trees, grapevines, a rose garden, and one of the oldest “grandmother” cottonwood trees in the region, which years ago Father Richard named the Trinity Tree. The canal (or “acequia”) which channels water from the Rio Grande, was used by the Spaniards over 300 years ago to irrigate farmland in the area and is still used today on our grounds.
Other Buildings
In 2001 the CAC obtained Stillpoint (1823 Five Points Rd), an adobe home that previously belonged to the Damien Brothers Community, whose ministry was with the HIV/AIDS community. The Brothers were inspired by Father Damien, a Belgian priest who had lived and served people with leprosy on the Hawaiian island of Molokai for 16 years until his death from the disease in 1889. Stillpoint contains the beautiful etched glass window that stands as a memorial to the AIDS community and the brother’s generous work.
Stillpoint is also the location of a 6-circuit Chartres-style labyrinth. It is available for walking anytime the CAC is open. All who seek to walk are welcome.
Planning Your Visit
Got a question? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our Community Engagement Team.
- Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted.
- All audio and video recording is prohibited.
- Please be respectful of fellow visitors and CAC staff who are working. Unfortunately, Father Richard and CAC faculty are unable to meet with guests.
To help protect against the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure guest and employee safety, we have taken and will continue taking actions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus based on the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local governmental entities.