CEPHAS 2026: Free Will and Grace
A Thomistic Perspective
(Friday 28th-Monday 31st August 2026)
At CEPHAS 2026, we will reflect together on the mysteries of human freedom and divine grace, and their relationship to the human quests for truth, meaning, and happiness in the contemporary world.
We will also explore questions about the nature of conscience, the problem of evil, whether we have free will at all, determinism, and the relationship between human freedom and God’s providence.
There will be plenty of time for discussion, the opportunity to participate in a daily liturgy, and space for prayer and reflection. Participants will also be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Stonyhurst College, and ‘Stefan’s bar’ in the evenings!
As well as our regular Cephas staff team, we are delighted to welcome as the chaplain and guest speaker for Cephas 2026 the Rev’d Dr Simon Gaine OP (with a talk on ‘Is there free will in Heaven?’).
CEPHAS is open to everyone, and no prior experience of philosophy and theology is necessary to attend. Participants will nonetheless gain a deeper understanding of the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition, and especially of the wisdom and method of St Thomas Aquinas.
Timings
- Arrivals from 3pm (Friday), with mass at 5pm.
- Course commences with dinner (6.30pm) and Welcome and Introductions (7.30pm) on Friday; lectures and workshops commence Saturday (9:15am).
- Departures after lunch (12.45) on Monday.
Venue and how to book?
CEPHAS 2026 is delighted to partner again with the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst. Participants will stay in the new dedicated retreat centre Theodore House, in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate.
To find out more, and to book, click here!
All CEPHAS courses have been oversubscribed, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Single room: t.b.c
Twin room (sharing): t.b.c
Non-residential (includes lunch and dinner): t.b.c
Is this course for me?
The course requires no prior qualification or knowledge, but is intended to serve as an introduction or primer to themes in Catholic, Thomistic philosophy and theology.
The course is offered to anyone wishing to engage in this area. It may be of special interest to future, current or former students of philosophy and theology, and secondary-level teachers of the same.
Feedback from previous CEPHAS courses:
My first Cephas event which has been excellent and I would recommend to everyone to attend. Hope to book for next years. Great learning environment, relaxed and no pressure which I really appreciated.
Thank you! The thought, effort and time you all put into these courses really shows through the weekend and I always leave feeling enriched and renewed.
Presentation was brilliant! Clear and skilled in delivery.
Really high quality and comfortable facilities. Amazing quality and quantity of food and exceptionally pleasant catering staff. Thank you!
The catering was really great. Wholesome. Friendly, kind staff.
Congratulations on another very successful event. Productive and useful for daily life, intellectually challenging, and always stimulating – and thoroughly enjoyed.
Excellent! I’ll be back!
The cost of the course includes food and accommodation.
There are some bursaries available for anyone (whether employed or not) who would like to come but would benefit from financial assistance.