Franciscan University of Steubenville is gearing up to host thousands of visitors this summer. They’re marking a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Steubenville Youth Conferences. For decades, these events have served as a vibrant space for Catholic youth to connect with their faith through worship, talks, and personal encounters with Jesus.
Last year, the university celebrated the 50th anniversary of its adult conferences. Now, it’s the youth conferences’ turn. These gatherings have shaped the spiritual lives of countless young Catholics. Brian Kissinger, the executive director of conferences at Franciscan University, notes a compelling statistic: “Eighteen percent of the priests ordained in the U.S. this year attended a Steubenville Conference as teens.” This highlights the lasting impact of these conferences on faith and vocations.
The summer will feature four sold-out youth conferences at the university, along with 15 additional events across North America. Speakers at these conferences include popular figures like Father Mike Schmitz and Chris Stefanick, known for their engaging approaches to faith.
This year, Franciscan University will also kick off its adult summer conference season. Notable events include the Glory: Women’s Gathering and the Power and Purpose Conference. The Defending the Faith Conference will delve into evangelization in the digital age with a panel discussion featuring content creators like Keith Nester and Brian Holdsworth. They’ll focus on reaching audiences online and addressing the challenges of today’s digital culture.
Registration has been strong, and there are exciting new ways to engage this summer, including open sessions, live podcasts, and communal social events. These gatherings aim to build connections while providing opportunities for prayer and renewal through meaningful liturgies and worship.
The cultural shift toward digital communication is vital. Engaging in faith-sharing online is becoming increasingly important, especially for the younger generation. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 70% of young adults express interest in discussing faith online. The conferences aim to address these interests and promote a constructive dialogue.
As Franciscan University welcomes participants from across the country, the hope is that each individual will leave feeling inspired and revitalized in their faith journey.
For more details, check out the official page: Steubenville Conferences.
Source link
Local News,Franciscan University launches historic summer of conferences and evangelizationNews,Franciscan University launches historic summer of conferences and evangelization
