Our teens are in a battle with a noisy, confusing, chaotic world. Let’s show them they’re not alone.
CORE will be officially released in January 2027, and will be available for free review late Fall 2026 for catechists, educators, and parish leaders. Request your review pack today!
The CORE Difference: Identity as the Framework
Identity is everything for today’s teens. For more than a decade they have been immersed in a culture that tells them to build their own “identities,” free from a past that is holding them back.
This has led to mass confusion, heartache, and anxiety and depression at levels never before seen in young people.
We must do something to stem this tide and bring HOPE to these kids at a time when they need it the most.
CORE is designed to help teens understand the core truths about their God-given identity by bringing them back to the heart of what it means to be human. It’s an experience unlike any other, guiding teens toward a life of joy and freedom that can only be found in the Catholic Church.
PLUS… The CORE video series will be given to parishes at NO COST to maximize its impact and reach.
A Partnership in Mission
Real Life Catholic is the publisher of CORE. We have partnered with two of the most powerful and effective leaders in the Church today to bring CORE to the world.
Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world, is our exclusive distribution partner, and the video content for CORE will be available at NO COST on the Hallow app and website. In addition, a powerful CORE teen prayer challenge will accompany the series on the Hallow app.
Franciscan University of Steubenville is our ministry partner, with Deacon Bob Rice, PhD as co-author with Chris Stefanick, and the university facilitating the implementation of CORE for their summer conference attendee parishes.
We’re excited to partner with you to capture back the hearts and minds of a generation!
More About CORE
Who is this for?
CORE is intended for use by catechists, teachers, parents/grandparents, youth ministers, and anyone else engaging with young people in Confirmation prep, religious education, school, or youth group settings.
Is CORE just for Confirmation Prep?
CORE will have two versions upon release: A comprehensive Confirmation prep program and a Youth Group/School version for students who have already been confirmed or may be utilizing another confirmation prep program.
What age range is ideal for CORE?
CORE is designed for teens. It’s ideal for students in grades 7 and above. However it can be utilized effectively with kids as young as 12, and guidance will be provided for sessions containing more mature themes.
Why is this so needed now, and how is it different from existing programs?
Every year teens across the world journey through Confirmation prep, however most programs aren’t specifically designed for this current generation of teens (the youngest Gen Zers and Gen Alpha), and none use Identity in the manner we do as the framework. In addition, most other programs were originally published before smart phone use was rampant among teens and before the teen mental health crisis. Much has happened in the past decade that has transformed how teens view themselves and the world around them.
What is the format?
CORE is a 22 session experience (21 lessons + 1 retreat night) designed to be completed over the course of one (or two years) depending on your parish’s existing format.
What are the CORE series components?
The CORE components include: an interactive teen journal, video series, leader’s training and materials, and a powerful retreat module. It features cutting-edge short-form video episodes, gripping witness stories, and engaging catechesis that connects the reality of the Faith with our core identity as beloved children of God. It’s a fascinating journey for the teens that consists of personal reflection and prayer, lectio divina, small group interaction, large group engagement, and activities to put their faith into practice during the week. It invites them to make a decision to follow Christ and guides them towards the joy of the Sacramental life of the Church.
How do we access the CORE content?
The CORE videos will be accessed at NO COST through the Hallow website and app, so it will work for any group setting in a parish or school through streaming via a web browser. The Student Journal and Leader’s Journal will be available through Real Life Catholic. Leader’s training modules and parent components will be offered at no cost through Real Life Catholic.
Will CORE conform to USCCB guidelines for Confirmation Prep?
Yes! We are working closely with the USCCB’s IOC (Institute on the Catechism) as we finalize the development of the series. The process is one of accompaniment, so we have developed the content alongside our IOC advisor to ensure conformity throughout production. Official notice of conformity will follow the production phase of development.
Do we need both the videos and the student journals?
Yes! For sacramental prep, the USCCB CAP Guidelines provided by the IOC are accomplished via a combination of video content + written content, so the journals are necessary for Confirmation prep. The videos are gripping and filled with excellent and engaging content. And the journals take teens deeper, provide important catechesis, and engage their minds and hearts as they prayerfully work through each session.
Plus, the journals aren’t like other “workbooks.” They are beautifully designed to be a place where teens can come back again and again, capturing thoughts, prayers, and intentions as well as engaging with God’s word and the lives of the saints.
When will CORE be available for use by our parish or school?
CORE is scheduled to be released in January of 2027 with review materials available digitally by late Fall 2026. Both the Confirmation version and Youth Group/School versions will be available at that time.
Are the CORE videos also available for free to families and homeschool communities?
Yes! The CORE videos will be free to families and homeschool communities. The Student Journals and Leader Materials may be purchased through Real Life Catholic.
Who is developing this?
CORE is published by Real Life Catholic in collaboration with Hallow and the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Authors: Chris Stefanick and Deacon Bob Rice, PhD
Produced by: The team at Real Life Catholic
About the Authors
Chris Stefanick
Chris Stefanick is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and television host who has devoted his life to sharing the love of Jesus, and helping others do the same.
His live seminars, TV, radio, and video ministry have reached millions, and his educational initiatives are turning the tide in the Church. He authored a confirmation prep program that’s been used by over a million people, the popular SEARCH program and most recently released another bestseller, Living Joy.
Chris is a recipient of the Papal Benemerenti Medal which was previously given by the pope for Military valor, but today is given for achievement in ministry. A graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Chris is also the founder and president of Real Life Catholic, a non-profit organization that makes his initiatives for renewal a reality.
Above all, he’s proud to be husband to Natalie and father to their six children, and a grandfather of four!
Dr. Bob Rice
Bob Rice loves being Catholic. He is a husband, father of seven, permanent deacon for the diocese of Steubenville, and Professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a PhD in Theology from Liverpool Hope University where he researched Catholic youth and evangelization. He has authored many books and articles, including the Discipleship Quad Guidebooks, and a novel about St. Peter titled, Between the Savior and the Sea. Bob has recorded numerous CDs, and his music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and others.
