Christian Leadership Formation

Forming Catholic Student Leaders

A programme for sixth‑formers exploring faith, ethics and leadership.

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What makes Our Courses different?

Santiago

“The discipline of consistent prayer has also reinforced the importance of humility and surrender, acknowledging that true leadership flows from reliance on Christ rather than on personal strength alone.”

Alexy

"Exploring natural theology has given me the ability to confidently articulate and defend my faith without fear of reproach."

Emily

“Linking Catholic doctrine with natural law has been really insightful for me, and seeing this in action within groups discussions also has really helped me.”

Klaud

“I was guided into a depth of theology and philosophy which I, as a scientist, never knew I would enter”

Catherine

“One of the most significant aspects I will take away… is the reassurance that there are others my age willing to engage and share in Catholic practices and beliefs in an increasingly secular modern society.”

Qiyi

"The course has inspired me to talk about the faith with confidence, kindness and truth, and encouraged me to not shy away from expressing my faith to others who may not share it."

Santiago

“The discipline of consistent prayer has also reinforced the importance of humility and surrender, acknowledging that true leadership flows from reliance on Christ rather than on personal strength alone.”

Alexy

"Exploring natural theology has given me the ability to confidently articulate and defend my faith without fear of reproach."

Emily

“Linking Catholic doctrine with natural law has been really insightful for me, and seeing this in action within groups discussions also has really helped me.”

Klaud

“I was guided into a depth of theology and philosophy which I, as a scientist, never knew I would enter”

Catherine

“One of the most significant aspects I will take away… is the reassurance that there are others my age willing to engage and share in Catholic practices and beliefs in an increasingly secular modern society.”

Qiyi

"The course has inspired me to talk about the faith with confidence, kindness and truth, and encouraged me to not shy away from expressing my faith to others who may not share it."

Why Choose Us Image

"For one of the greatest joys that any
educator can have is to see a student
turn into a strong, well-integrated
person, a leader and someone
prepared to give."

Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, 2019

WHY OUR PROGRAMME?

We take a holistic approach to leadership, integrating thinking and learning, prayer and liturgy, personal and inter-personal development, and communication and leadership skills.

Engage with today’s ethical and societal challenges, through input from established academics and leaders and guided group tasks.

Enjoyable yet highly-relevant skills workshops, including media training, team-building exercises and policy development.

A structured spiritual and liturgical life, introducing different methods of prayer.

A fun and safe environment to develop new friendships, with organised socials and free time.

How is our programme delivered?

Each programme consists of a 5-day residential delivered at Theodore House - an exclusive, modern retreat facility set in the stunning Stonyhurst estate in the Ribble Valley.

The residential is complemented by introductory and follow-up Zoom sessions to prepare and debrief you.

10th – 15th August
Year 12 / Lower Sixth Students
The Common Good
Students will explore the following themes as foundations of the Common Good:
  • the origins and meaning of human dignity
  • the nature and source of human rights
  • the foundations and evaluation of civil law and justice
The course will offer:
  • media skills workshops, culminating with mock interviews
  • personal virtue development workshops
  • team-building activities
The course will also offer:
  • a keynote address from a political or ecclesial leader
  • a liturgical framework with daily prayers and Mass designed to help deepen students’ understanding of the Catholic spiritual tradition, including the use of Sacred Scripture
  • a film night, a pub dinner and plenty of time for socialising
5th – 10th July
Year 13 / Upper Sixth Students
The Human Ecology
Students will explore social issues around the family, the economy and the environment, including:
  • the concepts of solidarity, fraternity and subsidiarity in Catholic Social Teaching
  • faith and the environment
  • theological and societal considerations around the family
  • ethical and bioethical issues around human life
The course will offer:
  • workshops in policy making and culture influencing
  • personal virtue development workshops
  • media presentation training and tasks
The course will also offer:
  • a keynote address from a political or ecclesial leader
  • a liturgical framework with daily prayers and Mass designed to help deepen students’ understanding of the Catholic spiritual tradition, including the use of Sacred Scripture
  • a film night, a pub dinner and plenty of time for socialising
Apply now
Application deadline: 30th april 2026
OUR PARTNERS
"Today's decision makers have to grapple with ethical challenges about which they feel ill-equipped to deal with" Lord Alton of Liverpool
© 2026 by The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst.