The academic core of the institute will feature classes in theology, history and literature, exploring Western Christian civilization in order to re-invigorate the faith of young students.
"We want this to be part of the New Evangelization," said O'Donnell, adding that the academic program aims to represent Church teachings with "enthusiasm" and "intensity."
One of the cornerstones of the program will be an apologetics course taught by O'Donnell that will "meet kids where they're at." The course will help students learn the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, as well as how to handle many common intellectual and personal challenges to the Church's teachings.
Students will also engage in a course on the spread of Christianity in Europe, with an emphasis on the role of Irish Catholics. Of particular emphasis will be the namesake of the institute, St. Columcille – also known as St. Columba – who helped spread the faith to much of the British Isles and some of mainland Europe during the 500s.
O'Donnell noted that this time period was also a "New Evangelization," in that Christianity inspired the peoples of Europe, and he voiced hope that the study of this important moment in history would enrich both Irish and American students.
Finally, Christendom will bring one of its classes on short stories to Ireland, hoping to "raise questions about faith, about life." The class will place an emphasis on Irish authors, among the other great works and stories discussed in the seminar.