“Our main goal is to help them make a better lifestyle, and change the things in their life that need to be changed and help them realize that God loves them,” said Hannah Pagett, a third-year student at the University of Steubenville who helped at the conference.
The 2011 theme of “Rooted” originates from Colossians 2:6-7 and is about being in love with Christ and dedicating your entire life to Him. Guest speakers emphasized the importance of putting God first in life and avoiding the secular temptations that youth constantly face.
Speaker Leah Darrow, a former top model, spoke about her amazing conversion story and urged youth to live chaste lives and live their lives in holiness.
Regina De Los Santos, one of the 13 chaperones for the Thornhill group, said after hearing about the conference from youth who had previously attended it, along with encouragement from their pastor, the group grew to more than 100 students.
Starting five months prior to the conference, the youth group at St. Joseph the Worker held many fundraising events in order to subsidize the costs of the trip, including a talent show, a production of the Stations of the Cross and bake sales.
“We didn’t want money to be a deciding factor for the youth,” said De Los Santos.
At the second eucharistic adoration of the weekend, teens were so profoundly impacted by the presence of Christ that they were moved to tears.
“I think for me, the most wonderful part of the conference was seeing how the youth have changed,” said De Los Santos.
It was Kristina’s first time attending a youth conference and the experience was very emotional for her.
“The first adoration I held back, more than I did in the second one. So even if you open yourself up, nobody will judge you. It’s brought me closer to God and it’s helped me realize how much He loves us.”
Matthew, 14, hoped to acquire some reassurance in his faith life. He received more than he expected.
“I think I’ve gained more confidence in myself and become closer to God. When I am around my friends (I will feel more comfortable) to talk about my faith, and won’t be afraid.”
The impact of the conference was evident after Mass, when more than 300 youth responded to a call given by the chief celebrant Fr. Dave Pivonka, who asked if anyone would like to step forward to commit themselves to exploring the religious life. It was a marvellous sight to see youth go to the altar to receive a blessing as they took this first step to discover God’s call in their lives.
(Leanage, 18, is a media studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber.)
Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference “rooted” in Christ
By Naomi Leanage, Youth Speak NewsSTEUBENVILLE, OHIO - More than 2,000 high school students filled the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s gymnasium, all dancing with their hands in the air and singing at the top of their lungs. Their screams and cheering were not for a well-known singer or band — they were praising and worshipping God.
A flock of bright green shirts stood out among the large crowd, holding Canadian flags and banners during the annual Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference July 15 to 17. The youth were representing St. Joseph the Worker parish in Thornhill, Ont.
“It was very emotional and it’s great to be around people who have the same intentions as you do faith-wise because I’m usually around people who aren’t as into the faith as I am,” said Kristina, 15, a parishioner at St. Joseph the Worker.
This is the first year the youth group attended the retreat in Steubenville, which has been taking place for more than 30 years. Held every summer, the youth conferences — split up into different sessions throughout the summer — host some 40,000 teens from across North America. A three-day event filled with praise and worship, guest speakers and celebration of the sacraments, its main purpose is to bring high school students to a life-changing relationship with God.
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