Faithful Citizenship Institute
CERTIFICATE IN CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
FCI partners with established programs and organizations to offer public policy leaders
a deeper dive in Catholic Social Teaching.
Apply for a Certificate Program in CST to deepen your Catholic faith, by deepening your understanding of Catholic moral teaching.
FCI is now accepting applications for Fall 2025-Spring 2026 graduate level Catholic Social Teaching Certificate. The course will be held in the evenings on Capitol Hill and taught by professors from Catholic University of America in partnership with CAPP-USA. Please complete the inquiry form below to begin the application process and we will be in touch with additional information regarding schedule, registration fees and requirements.
Course Instructors
Executive Vice President for Mission, Mobilization And Advocacy
Catholic Relief Services
Associate General Secretary
Secretary of Justice and Ecology
Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States
Schedule and Topics
Session One Sept 15th – Overview of CST: Human dignity is the central principle of Catholic social teaching. Subsidiarity and solidarity flow from human dignity. These three principles work together to define the common good.
Virtual Discussion Sept 22nd – policy application
Session Two October 6th – Human Dignity: The Prime Principle
Virtual Discussion Oct 20th – policy application
Session Three November 3rd – Subsidiarity + Solidarity: Expressions of Human Dignity
Virtual Discussion Nov 17th – policy application
Retreat – Saturday December 6th – The Common Good: The Sole Reason for the Existence of Governments;
Reflection: “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good.” -Pope Francis
Session Four January 12th – Major Themes of CST (Right to Private Property, Universal Destination of Goods, Preferential Option for the Poor, Dignity of Work)
Virtual Discussion Jan 26th – policy application
Session Four January 12th – Major Themes of CST (Right to Private Property, Universal Destination of Goods, Preferential Option for the Poor, Dignity of Work)
Virtual Discussion Jan 26th – policy application
Session Six March 2nd – Family as the Vital Cell of Society
Virtual Discussion March 16th – policy application, Wrap Up and Summary
Graduation Mass, Ceremony and Reception March 28th
Contact us to discuss the best certificate program for you.
FCI Partnership with CAPP-USA
Since its creation by the Vatican over 20 years ago, CAPP-USA has advanced knowledge of Catholic Social Teach in America. Now in partnership with FCI, this graduate level certificate taught by theologians at CUA will be tailored specifically for Catholics working in public policy.
While most Catholics enter public life full of faith and optimism, too often the reality of partisan politics pressures leaders to put the principles of their faith to the side, in favor of their “team.” By participating in this intensive deep dive in Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic leaders will be invigorated in their spiritual life and inspired to prioritize the principles of their faith over ideology.
The program’s 20 blocks of course work are offered in a variety of formats and schedules to meet the needs of policy leaders in all career levels.
Five Day Washington CST Intensive
Each five day intensive course designed for Washington professionals located in a Washington area retreat setting away from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill. All courses are held conveniently on Capitol Hill from 5:30-8:30pm and include dinner, fellowship, and prayer as well as course work. Participation will require a “sabbatical” style commitment with time off work and 100% focus on the course work for the duration. This course will be offered twice a year in conjunction with extended congressional recess in August and the week of January MLK Recess OR February President’s Day Recess.
CST Weekend Retreat Cohort
This CST certificate program is held on four consecutive Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Located in a Washington area retreat setting away from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hil, policy leaders will deepen their knowledge of Catholic Social teaching while growing in fellowship with other Catholic leaders in an intimate fraternal setting. This cohort will be offered three times per year and includes mass, prayer, fellowship, two meals as well as course work.
FCI Scholars Program for Interns
Each Fall, Spring and Summer, FCI offers a CST Certificate program tailored towards interns working in policy in Washington, D.C. There will be two tracks to choose from: a 10-week course that meets once a week or a 5-week course that meets twice a week.
All courses are held conveniently on Capitol Hill from 5:30-8:30pm and include dinner, fellowship, and prayer, as well as, course work.
State Policy Makers CST Week in Washington
State Policy Leaders: The Week in Washington is designed for Catholic policy leaders who work at the state level and want to deepen their understanding of CST and apply the beauty and wisdom of CST to their policy work back at the state level. Audience: Catholics who work in their state capitol as an elected official, policy maker, staff, lobbyist, or advocates.