Franciscan CORE began as a five-day summer, residential program which offers education, experience, and reflection on Catholic Social Teaching themes and principles using a Franciscan lens. Each day includes prayer, intentional learning, and interaction with people in the field of social justice, direct service, and time to process those experiences. 

Franciscan CORE is funded by a Lilly Endowment grant supporting Theology Institutes for High School Youth focusing primarily on opportunities for youth to 1) explore in-depth sacred scriptures and theological traditions and examine the moral and ethical dimensions of contemporary challenges; 2) draw on the wisdom of their religious tradition as they make decisions about their futures; and 3) consider vocations in full-time ministry and religious leadership. 

The program administration is a partnership between Viterbo University's Department of Religious Studies and Theology and Campus Ministry.

Franciscan CORE was featured in the March 2020 issue of Catholic Life. View that article here.