An Immersive Experience That Forms the Whole Person
The Franciscan Experience is a 6-day overnight summer theology institute in Baton Rouge that brings together faith, service and community to help high school students grow in their relationship with Christ.
Throughout the week, participants engage in theological formation, serve in the local community and take part in both liturgical and personal prayer. Guided by the example of St. Francis, students are invited to step into the mission of rebuilding the Church as missionary disciples.
Community is at the heart of TFE. During these six days, students build meaningful relationships with one another, with the people they serve and with faculty, staff and college mentors from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
Details:
Who: Rising Sophomores through Seniors in High School
When: July 13–18, 2026
Where: Diocese of Baton Rouge - The Tracy Center
Cost: $400
What to Expect
Participants can expect a full and meaningful week that includes:
- Daily Mass and time before the Blessed Sacrament
- Fruitful moments of personal and communal prayer
- Encouragement and growth through small group community
- Service opportunities that make a real impact
- Interactive and engaging speakers
- A deeper understanding of the Catholic faith
- Christ-centered friendships that last
The Outcome
Students leave TFE with:
- A deeper relationship with Christ
- Stronger friendships rooted in faith
- Greater confidence and clarity
- A desire to serve others
- A lasting sense of purpose
From Joining to Growing: Students Share Their TFE Journey
Our mission is to lead young people into a life-changing encounter with Christ that awakens purpose, deepens faith and inspires confident servant leadership long after the week is over.
Our Vision
We form young people who become builders of community, carriers of joy and examples
of servant leadership in their homes, schools and parishes.
We also help teens discover their identity in Christ and step into adulthood with
clarity, courage and a heart ready to serve.
Who TFE is For
TFE is designed for high school students at any stage in their faith journey.
Whether a student feels deeply rooted in their faith or just beginning to explore
it, they are welcomed and invited into a supportive and encouraging environment.
The TFE Approach
Everything at TFE is shaped by three core elements that work together to create a meaningful and lasting experience.
Encounter Christ through prayer, the sacraments and daily moments of reflection. Students experience faith in a way that feels personal, real and life-giving, building a foundation that carries into everyday life.
Step into meaningful service in the Baton Rouge community and encounter Christ in others. These experiences build compassion, responsibility and a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a missionary disciple.
An Immersive Experience
TFE forms the whole person through service, prayer, formation and friendship working together.
Small by Design
With intentionally limited group sizes, every student is known, supported and mentored.
Joyful Catholic Life
Faith is experienced as something active, joyful and lived in everyday life.
Leadership That Lasts
Students return home as confident, joyful young leaders ready to serve.
Rooted in Franciscan Values
Simplicity, humility, service and joy guide every part of the experience.
Helpful Links
Support The Franciscan Experience
Apply to The Franciscan Experience
