15th Annual National Retreat · 2027
Missionary Discipleship
in Joy and Hope
Two days of stillness, prayer and spiritual renewal for Catholic education leaders—and a core part of the Christ the Teacher Cohort 10 programme.
15th Annual National Retreat
Register your interest for June 2027
Select the poster to open the registration form.
Christ the Teacher · Cohort 10
The National Retreat is part of the programme
Christ the Teacher delegates will take part in the 2027 National Retreat as an integral element of their formation journey. It brings the cohort into EducareM’s wider national community for prayer, reflection, fellowship and renewed commitment to mission.
A retreat, not a conference
Space to reflect, reconnect and return refreshed
The National Retreat was created following consultation across the Catholic education community, which identified the spiritual wellbeing of leaders as a vital priority. It offers protected time away from the demands of leadership to rest in God, renew a sense of vocation and rediscover the joy and hope at the heart of our shared mission.
The retreat is for Catholic headteachers, directors and governors, including delegates completing the Christ the Teacher Cohort 10 programme. Through prayer, reflection, silence, liturgy and fellowship—including opportunities for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation—participants are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ and return to their communities renewed for service.
Retreat leader
Fr Columba Jordan CFR
Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, European Vocations Director and host of Little by Little
Fr Columba Jordan CFR is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from County Kildare, Ireland. He serves at St Patrick’s Friary in Limerick, where his ministry includes youth outreach, vocational discernment, preaching and evangelisation.
As European Vocations Director for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, he is passionate about helping others encounter Christ and discover their vocation. He is widely known as a speaker, author, international retreat leader and digital evangelist. He hosts the popular Little by Little podcast and appears regularly on the Called to More YouTube channel. Across the retreat’s two days, Fr Columba will guide participants in deep reflection and enrich their faith.
“Missionary Discipleship
The theme of the 2027 National Retreat
in Joy and Hope”
Retreat music ministry
Music led by CJM MUSIC
Throughout the National Retreat, the music ministry will be provided by CJM MUSIC, helping to bring the retreat’s prayer and liturgy to life.
Prayer at the heart of the retreat
Time to encounter Christ
Participants will have opportunities during the retreat for:
- Mass
- Eucharistic Adoration
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Plan your visit
Retreat at a glance
Annual National Retreat
The fifteenth gathering in EducareM’s established programme of spiritual renewal for Catholic education leaders.
Thursday 10 June
The retreat begins on Thursday and continues through an overnight stay at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Friday 11 June
A second day of prayer, reflection and fellowship before participants return to their communities.
Coombe Abbey Hotel
Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB.
Retreat cost
£395 per delegate for individual bookings.
The registration form requests the school or establishment’s invoice email address.
Christ the Teacher Cohort 10: participation is included within the programme. Delegates will receive arrangements through the programme.
Optional early arrival
Wednesday 9 June 2027
An early-arrival add-on is available for an additional £125.
Why retreat?
Nourishing the person behind the role
Spiritual renewal
Reconnect with God through prayer, stillness, scripture and liturgy, with opportunities for Mass, Adoration and Reconciliation.
Vocational reflection
Revisit the call to Catholic educational leadership and the mission entrusted to you.
Faith-filled fellowship
Share the retreat with leaders who understand the joys and demands of serving Catholic education.
Ongoing accompaniment
After the retreat, there is the possibility of arranging a personal spiritual guide through EducareM.
Voices from previous retreats
A valued time of renewal
“I came away feeling refreshed and renewed.”
“A wonderful experience at the end of a long, difficult year, with lots of food for thought for the future.”
“The best two days of support for me personally and professionally. Every head needs this opportunity to stay focused on our core mission.”
The National Retreat community
Moments of prayer, encounter and renewal
Photographs from previous EducareM National Retreats at Coombe Abbey.
Our retreat story
Previous themes and leaders
Places book quickly
Register for the 2027 National Retreat
Thursday 10 – Friday 11 June 2027 at Coombe Abbey Hotel. Individual bookings cost £395, with an optional £125 early-arrival add-on for Wednesday 9 June.
Christ the Teacher Cohort 10 delegates: the retreat is included within your programme and participation arrangements will be sent to you directly.
By submitting the registration form, you agree to EducareM processing your data and sharing relevant information with appropriate parties involved in delivering the retreat, including the venue and accreditation partners.
Retreat Archive:
2019 Retreat: Coombe Abbey
2018 Retreat: Coombe Abbey
2017 Retreat: Coombe Abbey
2016 Retreat: Coombe Abbey
2016 CSIC Article
2015 Retreat: ‘Seized by Christ …sent by Christ’ led by Sr Mary John Mananzan OSB
2014 Retreat: ‘I have come that they may have life… in abundance’ led by Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP
Retreat 2013: ‘Discipleship – a leap in faith’ led by Fr Christopher Jamison OSB
