In 1970, at Loyola University a talk was given on the modern day movement of the Holy Spirit. A charismatic prayer group was then formed on campus.

In 1971, Fr. Ralph Tichenor, SJ, became the groups’ spiritual director, and experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The prayer group spawned many other Southern California Renewal Communities (SCRC).

In 1972, with Fr. Ralph Tichenor, SJ as President, Cardinal Timothy Manning commissioned SCRC to pastor Charismatic prayer groups in the parishes of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Southern California Renewal Communities (SCRC) was established that year as a legal non-profit religious organization to serve this burgeoning Renewal. An SCRC Service Center was opened in 1973.

Today, SCRC provides teaching, communication and guidance in bringing Charismatic Renewal into the heart of the Church. The annual SCRC Catholic Renewal Convention has grown to become the l a r g e s t gathering of its kind in North America!