VITERBO UNIVERSITY

support from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), Charities of La Crosse and the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “The collab- Franciscan Youth leaders oration of these entities has been very important in the success of serving in the the program. The roles continually change, but the support of each is footsteps of vital,” explains the CORE program director, Emily Dykman. St. Francis “C.O.R.E.” stands for: Compassion for those on the margins, Outreach for those in need, Reflection on CORECORE God’s call and Experience of community and service. These mbracing its Franciscan heritage, Viterbo University in La Crosse felt a call to CORE values are the focus of the week’s schedule that includes daily extend its outreach by engaging high school youth in its unique founding mission E prayer, intentional learning with of and the values of St. Francis, offering them an experience leaders in the field, direct service to become leaders for the Church and the world. To help fund this undertaking, and plenty of time to process the experiences. Viterbo was invited to prepare a proposal for the Lilly Endowment grant supporting “What does this actually look theology institutes for high school youth. They were awarded $134,570 to fund their like?” you might ask. Each day begins with breakfast and morning efforts and to make the experience a reality for our diocesan youth. prayer with reflection, offered by the college-aged mentors, that begin to focus on the theme for the Story by “Franciscan CORE” was in the footsteps of St. Francis and day. Next, pilgrims (which CORE AMY chosen as the name for Vit- St. Clare, learning to recognize and participants are aptly called) at- EICHSTEADT erbo’s summer immersion respond to social justice issues tend a talk by a faculty member of program held on campus through action and contemplation. the religious studies and theology each June. Since its inauguration Viterbo’s unique program is a departments on the day’s Catholic in 2017, a group of high school partnership of campus ministry social teaching theme. Some of students, college mentors and their and the departments of religious the themes include human dignity, leaders have come together to walk studies and philosophy. It also finds options for the poor, solidarity and care of creation. Lunch follows, and, afterward, a service opportunity. When pilgrims return to campus, they are present- ed with a reflection on some com- ponent of the life of St. Francis that corresponds with the day’s theme and some free time. After dinner, pil- grims participate in an evening ac- tivity, ranging from games to movies or a hike on the bluff. The day ends with reflection and closing prayer

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20 Catholic Life • March 2020 • catholiclife.diolc.org that o ers participants a chance to process—through journaling Interested in becoming a part of the CORE family? and small group discussion—what If you or a young adult in your life is a rising 10th, 11th or 12th grade student who is interested in they’ve experienced throughout learning more about Catholic social teaching and actively serving the community, we’d love the day. to have you join us! This summer, Franciscan CORE week will be held JUNE 14-19 at Viterbo In addition to these activities, University in La Crosse, where the residence halls will become your home for the week. Cost is participants celebrate daily Mass. $375, which covers room and board. Scholarships are available to those who may need fi nancial They have a reserved space in the assistance. For more information or to register, visit viterbo.edu/franciscan-core or contact San Damiano Chapel that is avail- CORE Director Emily Dykman at [email protected] able throughout the day for quiet prayer and refl ection. Last summer, a period of eucharistic adoration Rolling Ground, was a 2019 CORE of entering the shelter as if we were was introduced to the schedule pilgrim. “My favorite place [for ser- homeless. We walked to the shelter and was very well-received. “I have vice] was the Boys and Girls Club, and were given a number while we become convinced that our work, where I played with the children. waited in the hallway to be checked as leaders, is to provide opportu- We played board games like chess in. Once my number was called, nities for the pilgrims to meet God and Sorry and built with Lego I was given a chair to sleep in for and one another in unique and bricks. I enjoy being around kids the night. We had dinner and then real ways,” Emily shares, as she is and having fun with them.” tried our best to sleep in the chair. always looking to strengthen and Pilgrims Helen Carstens, of This experience gave me a slight improve the experience. “We follow Soldiers Grove and member of St. idea of what a homeless person the pattern of St. Francis as we Philip in Rolling Ground, goes through to fi nd shelter. The attempt to seek a balance between and Ellie Groth, of West Salem and experience taught me to be more contemplation and action. The two member of St. Leo Parish, enjoyed aware of the needs of others in my inform one another.” their service time outdoors in the community and beyond.” Engaging with a variety of La gardens. “I enjoyed getting my “After attending CORE, I realized Crosse-area service organizations, hands dirty in the earth while being that my Faith can become stronger pilgrims participate in unique fi eld- there with nature and God,” says by helping others,” said Helen. “I need work opportunities each day. Some Ellie. “It was a very peaceful time to always be aware of those around of the past sites have been Aptiv, because I could hear the animals me with greater needs.” Hunger Task Force, Army, and bugs in the nearby woods and All pilgrims agree that the week- Wafer, Place of Grace Catholic I could easily clear my mind.” long experience leads them to Worker, Catholic Charities Warming “One of my most signifi cant become part of the “CORE family,” Center, Habitat for Humanity, Villa experiences was my stay at the a group that grows close through St. Joseph assisted living and com- homeless shelter,” says Samuel. “We service, conversation and prayer. munity and convent gardens. were not told about this ahead of “The community that forms and “In each of these experiences, time and were given the experience continues to develop after the students learn a little about the CORE experience supports and en- organization and what services they courages one another in their life of o er the community. We try to “We sought to build a program that Faith,” Emily eagerly shares. “I have spend about two hours at the site been overwhelmed by the partici- (usually as a small group) o ering would engage a community beyond pation of both the high school and whatever service is needed. In some Viterbo with the hope of bringing our college-aged students. They give places, there is a specifi c service me great hope for the future of our project; in others, it is being present institutional values into the world.” Church and world by their faithful to or spending time with those who Emily Dykman, program director of witness. The thoughtfulness and come to the site,” Emily explains. Franciscan CORE care they extend to one another Samuel Gallagher, of Evansville and to those whom they serve is and member of St. Philip Parish in truly inspiring for me.” 3 1 1. Helen Carstens serves God’s creation 2 through a simple act of gardening. 2. As foundational as service is to the CORE experience, encountering God and one another is equally so. Together the 2019 CORE Family hiked up Grandad Blu as one of their team-building adventures.

3. “The experience taught me to be more aware of the needs of others in my community and beyond,” says Sam Gallagher (L) of his CORE experience. 21