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.
Applications are now open for our 2026-2027 CST Certification Cohort
Course Overview
The Faithful Citizenship Institute is now taking applications for a graduate level course designed for Catholics public policy professionals in Washington, D.C. working in the legislative, executive or judicial branch, K street or issue advocacy. In fall of 2025 FCI launched its inaugural Catholic Social Teaching Certificate for policy makers in partnership with Catholic University of America’s Master’s in Public Policy Program and CAPP-USA. 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.
This seminar-style course is held in the evenings on Capitol Hill and includes over 30 hours of instruction through in-person sessions, policy workshops, and retreats. Participants will gain theological formation, practical application from Catholic policy experts, and career-building networking opportunities with policy professionals. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for three graduate course credits towards a Master’s in Public Policy at the Catholic University of America.
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
Master of Public Policy - Program Director & Associate Professor of Economics
Catholic University of America
Director of Political Economy and Associate Professor
Catholic University of America
National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA
Schedule and Topics
The course includes 7 sessions on Catholic social teaching, two retreats, and several policy workshops.
Session One – 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.
Spring Retreat –– Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas
Contact us to discuss the best certificate program for you.
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.