The 2026 Annual Retreat

Holy Thursday 2nd April 2026

Good Friday 3rd April 2026

Past Pupils of the College, along with their guests, are warmly invited to attend the Annual Union Retreat. This is an occasion of particular importance and relevance, especially in the context of the challenges facing the world today. Your participation and support will be most welcome and greatly appreciated.

Theme

Leaning Into the Light: Reclaiming Meaning, Purpose and Passion

Retreat Director

The retreat will be led by Fr Hugh Lagan, SMA, a priest of the Society of African Missions and a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. Fr Hugh has led retreats and workshops internationally, focusing on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, trauma, and resilience. He has previously served as a clinical psychologist with the Saint Luke Institute (USA) and has worked extensively with Church leadership in Southern Africa in developing educational and clinical services.

The content of Fr Hugh’s presentations will address how to live a meaningful life in a time of rapid change, the art of conscious ageing and intentional living, and the nurturing of a personal spirituality that empowers and liberates. His reflections will also include material on mental wellness, loss, and resilience, and will be situated within the Easter story, offering a deeply reflective and relevant experience for participants.

Programme

Holy Thursday – 2 April

• Check-in from 6.00pm
• Evening meal at 6.30pm
• Input / lecture by Fr Hugh at 7.30pm
• Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 8.30pm
• Taizé music at the Altar of Repose from 9.30pm – 10.00pm

Good Friday – 3 April

• Reassemble at 10.00am (tea/coffee)
• Input 2 by Fr Hugh at 10.30am
• Service of Reconciliation / Confessions
• Lunch
• Rosary
• Two further inputs by Fr Hugh
• Stations of the Cross
• Tea/coffee break
• Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
• Concluding with an evening meal at 6.30pm

Please note: the retreat is non-residential.

Subscription

• €95 for full attendance (paid in advance)
• €70 for Good Friday only
• €60 for Holy Thursday only
• €30 for Holy Thursday only - subsidised rate for past pupils who left the College within the last 20 years (Classes of 2005 to 2025 inclusive)

To assist with administration and catering, advance payment is requested and greatly appreciated. If you are unable to pay online please contact one of the organisers via the union oiffice (details below) Note no refunds will be available after Thursday 23rd of March save in exceptional circumstances.

Booking Information

To book online, you must be a registered member of the Union. Registration is free for past pupils. Once you have selected the type of ticket you wish to purchase (Full Retreat, Thursday only or Friday only) please LOGIN to proceed with your ticket purchase.

Booking enquiries can be made by

Email: unionoffice@rock.ie

Phone: 01 278 4310

Fides et Robur