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ACE April Retreat

We are excited to welcome you to the University of Notre Dame from April 12-14, 2024.

As you may already know, the April Retreat holds singular importance - both for our ACE Teachers as well as the schools and (arch)dioceses that we are privileged to serve. It is at this Retreat that the new cohort of ACE teachers gathers as a community for the very first time. Likewise, the April Retreat provides an opportunity for our partner schools and (arch)diocesan leaders to meet the teachers that will serve their respective communities, as well as to learn more about how ACE works in alliance with its partners. 

Retreat Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, scheduled events include members of ACE 31, (arch)diocesan, and school leaders. All events will take place on the University of Notre Dame's campus. Please keep in mind that Notre Dame is located in Eastern Time. 

5:30 pm: Welcome and Registration

6:15 pm: Opening Mass

7:00 pm: Dinner

8:00 pm: Evening Social - optional 

9:00 am - 12:30 pm: Retreat Sessions

12:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Free Time

3:15 pm - 5:00 pm: Retreat Sessions

5:30 pm: Vigil Mass

6:45 pm: Reception and Dinner

8:00 pm: Evening Social - optional

9:00 am: Closing Breakfast

Please note - While our program officially ends on Sunday, we understand that some (arch)diocesan and school leaders may need to depart prior to Closing Breakfast due to flight options and personal commitments. 

Registration Details

We are pleased to cover travel costs and lodging expenses for superintendents (or an appointed (arch)diocesan representative) and school leaders who are working with an ACE teacher for the first time. We will be in touch to coordinate your travel to campus following your registration.

We encourage school leaders who are currently working with ACE teachers to attend the retreat weekend. However, travel expenses for these individuals would be their own responsibility, but ACE will cover your lodging expenses. 

To indicate your plans, please complete this registration form by March 25, 2024

Travel and Lodging Details

For those booking their own travel to campus, please find information on nearby airports below:

  • South Bend Airport is a commercial and freight airport located three miles northwest of downtown South Bend. It has Delta, United, American, and Allegiant flight options. If you fly here, it is just a short ride from the airport to both the hotel and campus. If affordable, we recommend this option if you do not plan to rent a car. 
  • Chicago Midway Airport, located on the south side of Chicago, will be a short drive to South Bend than Chicago's O'Hare Airport. It typically takes about 2 hours to drive, so a rental car will be helpful. 
  • Chicago O'Hare is located on the north side of Chicago. This is a little over a 2 hour drive to South Bend, so a rental car will be helpful. 

All (arch)diocesan and school leaders will stay at the DoubleTree Hotel. The address is 123 N Doctor M.L.K. Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601. We will provide transportation from the hotel to campus and from campus to the hotel for retreat events. 

Reimbursement Policy

We are pleased to cover travel costs and lodging expenses for one representative of the (arch)diocese, as well as any school leaders new to working with ACE teachers. We will be in touch to coordinate travel arrangements to campus following registration.

Please note the changes for reimbursement this year:

  • All reimbursable air travel must be booked through Anthony Travel at Notre Dame. Our contact, Steven Soehlig (stevensoehlig@anthonytravel.com), will be in touch with you directly to confirm details. 
  • If you book air travel on your own, we will be unable to reimburse you.
  • For those that drive to campus, purchase a bus ticket or taxi fare, or rent a car outside of South Bend Regional, please submit the reimbursement paperwork linked here (Diocesan Form and School Leader Form). 

Contact Us

For questions about the retreat weekend, please contact either: