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S.P.I.C.E. Retreat

 2026 S.P.I.C.E. Retreat

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The ACSTA's annual S.P.I.C.E. (Sharing Purpose in Catholic Education) Retreat brings together members of the Catholic school communities to collaborate and explore current issues in Catholic education.  S.P.I.C.E. is created for Catholic school teachers, staff, curriculum leaders, Catholic trustees, parents, parish priests, and other religious leaders within the Catholic education community. 

Thursday, April 30th - Sunday, May 3rd

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge                                                                                                

1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis Village, Alberta T0L 2H0  Canada   Phone:  403/591-7711 / Map and Directions

2026 S.P.I.C.E. Theme: Rooted in Christ

In the shifting cultural milieu we find ourselves in today, it can be helpful to remember that we can be rooted in Christ. Roots remind us that we are not left to our own devices, that we draw from sources of power not of this world and when we consciously draw from the source of our faith, real transformation is possible in both ourselves and others. Building on this theme, the retreat invites participants into prayerful, scripture-based reflection that supports personal renewal and vocational grounding as Catholic educators.

Speaker

This year’s retreat will be led by Roy Petitfils, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Youngsville, LA.

Roy studied ministry and spirituality at The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and holds a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana. Roy has worked with youth and young adults for more than 25 years as a minister, a teacher, a school administrator, a school counselor, and now as a counselor in private practice. He specializes in counseling teens and young adults.

Roy regularly consults with schools, publishers, and organizations, helping them more effectively reach and minister to youth and young adults. He is an expert at understanding and influencing teenagers. Roy lives with his wife Mindi of 19 years and their two sons, Max and Benjamin.

Major Themes of the Retreat

  • Grounding and Presence: Becoming rooted in Christ through intentional prayer, reflection, and openness to grace.
  • Hope and Perseverance: Drawing on faith and available resources to break through personal and professional challenges.
  • Humility in Vocation: Honouring the hidden, often unseen nature of ministry and abiding in Christ as the true source of fruitfulness.
  • Acceptance and Trust: Learning to grow around obstacles through forgiveness, surrender, and trust in God’s sustaining presence.
  • Community and Outreach: Recognizing the strength of interconnected roots through mutual support, responsibility, and service to others.
  • Self-Care and Renewal: Attending to spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being so that life and ministry may continue to bear fruit.

2026 SPICE Program       Poster       Attend SPICE for Credit!

REGISTER HERE

Registration Fee:  $950.00 (GST exempt)

The fee includes registration, materials and meals (Accommodation is not included)

ACSTA must receive all registrations no later than Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

Invoice/Payments:  The registration fee can be paid via e-transfer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or a cheque can be mailed to ACSTA, Suite #205, 9940 - 106 Street, Edmonton AB T5K 2N2. If you have any further questions about the payments, please call 780-484-6209 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  All payments must be received prior to the Retreat. Thank you.

We need volunteers!

Eucharistic Liturgy:  We are in need of trained individuals willing to serve in our liturgies as Eucharistic ministers, ushers, servers, gift bearers, lectors, etc. Please sign up to volunteer in your retreat registration form. 

Music:  If you play a musical instrument, please bring it to the Retreat and join in the daily celebrations and social get-togethers.

Please note:  This is a working Retreat; all components of the program (daytime and evening) are an integral part of the Retreat and are designed to build community among the Retreat participants. Therefore, bringing spouses and other family members who are not registered is not encouraged.

Due to health regulations, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge does not allow pets in any gathering and eating areas (this includes the Gold/Silver Room, Bronze Room, Convention Lobby, Walker Room, Champion Room, Rockies Room, Sinclair Room, Conference Boardroom, and Pocaterra Room). Please respect other participants' comfort and those who have allergies.   https://lodgeatkananaskis.com/stay/pet-policy/

If your registration confirmation email does not arrive in your inbox, please check your spam or junk email folder.

Cancellations:  The Registration fee is non-refundable; however, replacement names will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions:  If you have any concerns about the information that is submitted through this form, please read the ACSTA Privacy Statement https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDsQQr-RqK50qccqEcCEeqPbUKI0tE3X/view?usp=sharing. The registrant consents to the use of his/her image or likeness incidental to any transmission or reproduction of the event.

Accommodation

​Please get in touch with the ACSTA Office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you are having trouble reserving a room under the ACSTA Room Block.

We kindly request that you book your hotel accommodations only after completing your registration. This process will allow ACSTA to manage the room block effectively and ensure availability for all registered participants.

A room block is reserved by the ACSTA for SPICE from Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 3, 2026. The registration fee for the Retreat does not include accommodation. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own accommodation directly with the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

To ensure a smooth and organized process, we will be monitoring the room block and verifying that bookings are made in accordance with your registration. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us facilitate these arrangements.

Occupancy for Single, Double, Lofts and upgrades are available. If you are sharing a room with another registrant(s), you are personally responsible for any arrangements for the room and charges.

You can enhance your stay with Marriott Bonvoy Points. For more information, please visit https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi

To book your room, the following are available:

All reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. The hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods.

Your special group rate (Start Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 - End Date: Sunday, May 03, 2026):  Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection starting at $249.00 CAD - per night.

Cut-Off Date:  Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Thursday, March 26, 2026, for SPICE.