Steubenville 2011

"As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
-- Colossians 2:6-7

Below are reflections from those who attended Steubenville in 2011.

My experience at Steubenville was great and I learned a lot from this trip. It was great to be with a lot of people that all had the same great passion for Jesus. One thing I really liked was the freedom to do whatever we wanted during our free time. I’ll be sure to go to this conference for the rest of my high school years and I’ll be sure to bring more people. ~ Eddie Bechard

This weekend was the most friends keeping and making ever. The most important things in the world are 1. God 2. family 3. friends. This was the beginning of a new life with me as a new man. I want to become closer to my family and you can too. You will be able to have fun and no one will judge you. The entire weekend was fun. You will leave the weekend inspired to go and praise God. ~ Emil Braunlich

There are many aspects of the Steubenville trip that changed my perspective on Jesus and even my relationship with Him. The most dramatic moment was the Eucharistic Adoration. The adoration was an indescribable feeling and really hit me with the understanding of how Christ speaks to us. It was so powerful, in fact, that I have lost all doubts of Christ’s existence. The music also was an enjoyable part of the trip. The lyrics to the songs were filled with worship and love for Jesus and I really liked that about the music. I could fill an entire essay about my experiences in Steubenville, but for the sake of space and time I am going to conclude this paper; I loved Steubenville and I can’t wait to go next year! ~ Nathan Elwood

This weekend was really something special. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. When my mom first told me that I was going, I was some what indifferent to the idea and after that, I basically heard nothing else about it. When it was the weekend before the scheduled date of departure, I realized I would be leaving in a week and I became very nervous. I had no idea what would happen or what to do. I expressed these concerns to my mother and she told me not to worry and that I would probably have fun. So with that, I pushed my fears aside and tried to be positive. When the big day finally arrived, I was a wreck. I was scared, anxious, confused and nervous, but mostly I was tired. We got to SMCC and I took care of my luggage and all of that stuff then said good-bye to my mom. The bus ride was enjoyable. It was air conditioned, comfortable, and it had free Wi-Fi! Though it was time consuming, it did not seem as long as it really was, but part of that time was taken up by the stop we made at the travel stop. The closer we got the more beautiful and hilly it got. We also did tons of things on the way like singing and games. Then we were there; we had finally reached our destination, Steubenville, Ohio. Again I was nervous, but my fears were soon calmed when I saw how warm and welcoming everyone was. This helped enhance my experience throughout the weekend as well, as I tried to make myself more open to what lie ahead. The Masses were way different than any I had attended back home. They were so exciting and upbeat, and I really enjoyed all of the awesome songs. I found all of the different sessions so captivating and interesting. Each person who spoke brought new and unique info into play, and the food was amazing! I really enjoyed it. What I would consider the most fantastic aspect of this whole experience were the adorations. They were so powerful and brought me so much closer to Jesus. When you have days so packed, you can’t wait to sleep and you are surrounded by people who are so genuinely kind and passionate, you’re experiencing something truly special. That is what Steubenville was to me and I owe it all to God and all the people that helped me. ~ Katie Herzog

I have had a very powerful experience here at Steubenville. This was my first year here and I did not know what to expect. When we went into the Fieldhouse I was surprised. There were drums and guitars on stage. The opening procession started and the drums were being pounded and the guitars strummed as we sang ‘Days of Elijah’. Through out the whole retreat we sang and had fun. On Saturday night, we had adoration with a beautiful procession that went through the entire Fieldhouse. I felt like God was speaking to me. I can not describe the feeling. ~ Nathan Hintz

At Steubenville, I had a lot of fun. I was a little nervous when were driving down because it is my first time there. When I got there, I realized there was nothing to be nervous about. Everybody at Steubenville treated me with such respect. I was amazed at how everybody got along and helped each other because at my middle school most people did not get along well. My favorite part of the conference would have to be adoration. I really enjoyed how they walked around with the monstrance. At first when the priest walked by me I was okay. Once he passed me with the monstrance, I just lost it. I could not help but just cry. I had never really realized how close He is to me. It totally amazed me! My overall experience at Steubenville was amazing. I am so glad my friends told me about it. I met new people, hung out with my sister and my friends and had a lot of fun. I hope I will be fortunate enough to go again next year. I think this helped me strengthen my faith and knowledge for Jesus a lot. ~ Ashlyn LeBlanc

Personally, I think this was a great experience. I met new friends and the workers were great. The morning session was pretty good. I liked it because it woke you up and free time was the best time to socialize. The sacrament of reconciliation was a rewarding experience that made me closer to God. The night session was good and I liked the Mass on Sunday. ~ Joshua Mierzejewski

I liked this retreat because I became close with God. I never thought I could be that close with anyone including God. This was an amazing experience. I had a lot of fun. ~ Lauren Milosch

I would say that my first impression was wrong. I thought that it would be bad, but it was fun. I loved the chaperones and the rest of the students. It was nice to see high school kids at a Catholic College. I want to come back and probably would. This was the best weekend of my life and I can’t wait to come back next year. I hope that it is just as fun. ~ Steven Prohaska

This retreat was amazing. The staff was great. Every song made me feel closer to God and made me grow strong. The retreat showed me a new side of my faith and how fun it can be if you open your heart. I know that I am closer to God now and will always be if I continue to pray and show my love to Him. I love God and I know He loves me too. ~ Sonya Roehrig

This retreat was the best ever! I have been looking forward to being able to come to Steubenville because my sisters and Mom have been coming for years. I expected to have fun, grow in my faith and to be changed forever; I was not disappointed at all. I loved that we started singing on the bus ride down. The talks were very inspiring on Saturday. The Eucharistic Adoration Saturday night was very powerful and moving. I felt so loved and cherished by Jesus; that He would die on a cross and turn bread and wine into His body and blood for me just blows my mind and overwhelms my heart. Mass on Sunday morning seemed different to me than before, because I received the same Jesus through the Eucharist that I had praised the night before. This experience was very positive! I am looking forward to coming again next year! Now, I am even more rooted in Jesus. ~ Anne Roelant

I had lots and lots and lots of fun at Steubenville. I liked the Eucharistic Adoration. I liked the songs very much and hand motions. For my first time, I miss it already and I want to go back. ~ Patrick Roelant

I have learned a lot of important things on my trip to Steubenville this year. I have learned about the importance of values and how I can use them in my life now and later. I really liked the music, singers, and speakers that attended this conference and made it that much more special and fun. I had a great first year with memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to returning next year. ~ Tyler Siebeneck

Personally, I really enjoyed the retreat even though I wasn’t very excited. I really wasn’t looking forward to a “camping experience”. Now I see that I really had fun. I’ve made friends and had a great religious experience. I really liked how we were all Catholic and understood each other. Adoration was also amazing and it really opened me up to God. I plan to return next year and maybe tell and invite my friends to Steubenville. It has caused me to want to be more active in my religion. I hope others have that same wanting or desire. God has touched me differently here and definitely grabbed my attention. I am greatly more aware of what I must do in my faith. ~ Colin Szajner

My weekend started out with a bit of bad luck. For starters, I cut my leg; then I broke my awesome, superstar sunglasses, and to add to my series of clumsy events I rolled my ankle and had to limp basically the whole weekend. I was not enjoying my time the first day, but then came Saturday along with the wonderfully spiritual Eucharistic Adoration. In the first few minutes nothing really happened, but as I looked around I saw all my brothers and sisters feeling God in different ways. I began to cry with joy for their experience of the Holy Spirit. My mind turned to those I know that don’t know or want to know the Lord. My tears turned to tears of sorrow for the sadness of their souls. As Jesus came closer to me, my thoughts and prayers turned to my soul and my tears turned hopeful. I guess you could say the weekend was a spiritual success, for I ended up renewed and transformed. I guess it could also be said that my soul was bipolar for a weekend. ~ Julie Atwood

This was my second year at Steubenville. I enjoyed my experience this year even more than last time. My favorite part was adoration. I enjoyed the talks given by Tammy Evevard and Christopher Stefanick. I really enjoyed how he told us the ways to pray once we were at home. He said ACTS to pray: 1. Adoration 2. Reconciliation 3. Thanksgiving 4. Supplication ( asking for things) The Eucharistic Adoration was my favorite part of the weekend. I think that it is because I was open to God. I could feel the Holy Spirit within me and I have never been as happy as when the monstrance carrying Jesus’ body was near me. I had a wonderful, amazing time. I can’t wait to be back at “Steubie” again next year. ~ Andrea Bodary

Steubenville was a very inspiring, moving, life-changing, and life-saving experience for me this year. Last year was wonderful but this year I got more out of Steubenville. I had fallen into a deep rut in my spiritual life that I thought I would be in for a long time. When I heard the speaker talking about confession, God’s forgiveness, and how the priest was not there to judge me in confession, I realized that I wasn’t afraid to tell God how I was ashamed of my sins and name them. I was afraid to tell the priest for fear of being judged and criticized and that was the reason I had avoided confession for four months. As I got in the chapel, sliding from pew to pew, getting closer to the moment I would have to open up, I prayed fervently to God for strength to go through with it and confess all!! I was granted that gift, and also had a wonderful priest who was compassionate and understanding. The moment the priest said I absolve you of your sins, I was filled with joy and sin had lost its power over me. I went into that chapel afraid and weak but I came out strong, reaffirmed in my faith and with Jesus on my side. I now plan to attend confession two or more times a month because it is an amazing sacrament. During Eucharistic Adoration, I shed tears remembering my sins that Christ suffered for; but then I was reassured by God that He loves me and spent the rest of the time in happiness and basking in His love. ~ William Bogedain

This is my third year coming to Steubenville. At first I did not want to come, I thought it was going to be the same as the previous years. I was wrong. It might have been one of the best yet. I am going to take soooo much home from all this. All of the talks were great and I really enjoyed them. Every year I come here, I learn something new. This year I learned God is very forgiving and everything I do I should do for Him. My favorite experience from this year would have to be going to the Steubenville Mass. The Mass is very uplifting here and I wish I could take it home with me. This whole thing is a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to become closer to God, attend a Steubenville retreat. ~ Margaret Boggs

I was surprised by what I went through emotionally. I didn’t expect the conference to be so powerful and moving. I met a lot of new people and got a lot closer to those I already knew. My favorite parts about this conference were the Eucharistic Adoration on the second night and Chris’s speech on Friday. The Eucharistic Adoration was so emotional and I felt connected to God. I had tears in my eyes and it was comforting to look around and see a lot of other people crying too. It made me feel comfortable and also showed me that other people were getting as much out of this as me. Chris’s talk on Friday was really powerful and seemed to pertain to what I am going through and what is important to me right now in my life. I am very glad I decided to come to Steubenville. I met many new people, felt myself grow closer to God and I learned more about myself. My faith has never been stronger and I’ve never felt more connected to God and other Catholics. I have more self respect now and I have a new outlook on life and what is important. ~ I will wear my tiara. ~ Hannah Bohland

This conference was great. Adoration was my favorite part. I really felt that God touched me during that time. I feel closer to God because I attended this conference. I plan to attend next summer. ~ Olivia Boos

Steubenville was an interesting new experience for me. On Friday when we arrived, I was timid and wanted to go home but I saw all the chaperones and my friends having fun. I said, “Whatever!” After hearing the band and speakers, I started to think that this is pretty cool. On Saturday, we started out early with breakfast, talks, music, more talks, confession, and lunch. We ended the evening with adoration. I woke up to my brother’s alarm playing Metallica on Sunday. Actually, I’m pretty sure that everyone in the building could hear it. We had a few talks, Sunday Mass ended the weekend with worship. ~ Ben Close

This for me was one of the closest encounters with God that I have ever had. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to strengthen their faith or even just become a better person. This was without a doubt the most life changing experience I’ve ever had. ~ Daniel Close

This conference has helped me to realize that Jesus wants to be a part of my whole life not just on Sundays and I want Him to be in my whole life, too. I love all the singing and how we just didn’t sing, but praised God with our singing, dancing and joy. I’m looking forward to attending next year. ~ Josh Cotter

This was a very fun weekend. Not only was I with my friends, I was also with Christ. It was very touching to be with Him constantly these three whole days. Also, I am encouraged to bring this faith and spirit home to others. I hope more people can come and experience this like I did! ~ Carly Gennoe

I liked this trip because it brought me closer to God and Jesus. It helped me to trust in Him more than I had before. ~ Samantha Guth

This is definitely an unforgettable experience. This is my second year coming and I think it gets better each year. The speakers and holy people are amazing and they have great stories. This is a growing and learning experience. It makes me think about how I should use my life according to God’s direction. I’m so excited for next year. This conference has definitely opened my eyes. ~ Anne-Marie Jones

I think this Steubenville experience was even better than last year. The best part was the Saturday night Eucharistic adoration. I felt God’s presence in this place. I plan on attending again next year. ~Stephen Kennedy I had an amazing time on this trip! The adoration was very touching and brought me much closer to God.  I made a lot of new friends and my best friend is Blaise.  I will definitely come back next year! I hope that each time I attend I become even closer with God! JESUS ROCKS! Rolling down the big hill was fun. ~ Alexis Kupovits On my trip to Steubenville, I felt that the Holy Spirit touched me and it felt good. During the adoration, I got nonstop shivers when I was singing. BEAR!! * Man tent!! I thought this year was a very successful year. I thought volleyball was fun.  I felt that God was there listening and that we are all blessed. I can’t wait for next year. God bless! ~ Peter Lefere

This weekend was my second time going to Steubenville. Last year the experience was unbelievable and it was a pathway that led me to God’s love. God forgave me for my sins last year and this year He gave me the pathway to help forgive others as well as strengthen my faith. God showed me I am loved. I deserve to have a man who will respect me. I am a princess before God and should be treated that way. I don’t need to demeanor myself sexually, intellectually, or in any other way to feel wanted and loved. I know when those feelings start to bubble up inside of me with the devil whispering in my ear, “You are nothing. You are worthless. You are not loved.” I can shout out, “I am loved! God loves me. I am a princess before God because He is the King of Kings and I am His daughter!” God is love and He shows us in so many ways that He is! Through God’s intercession with Father Solanus, I am alive right now. I am healthy. What better way to repay that love than by giving Him my heart, my soul, my love! Steubenville with all its speakers, priests, and people gave me the tools and guidance to help me strengthen my faith and preserve it; to keep it going strong when I am in my weakest hour. They help me pray! The environment is out standing and I will be back. Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then your doing shall be no miracle but You shall be a miracle. Excerpt from ‘Life’ by Father Solanus ~ Jessica Langton

I thought that my trip to Steubenville was really cool. It was my first time going, so I didn’t know what to expect. When we first got there, I thought it was a pretty cool campus. I knew it was going to involve sessions about religion and God, but I didn’t know exactly how we were going to go about it. I quickly found out that a lot of people that were there were very open and excited about their faith. There was music and dancing and even shouting. As the weekend went on, I felt more comfortable with singing, raising my hands and things like that. When everyone is doing it and no one is judging you, you feel a lot better about being open with your faith. The different speakers you get to listen to are all so awesome. They gave a good lesson while being really funny and nice. They really helped me understand some aspects of my faith and that helped my faith grow stronger. Having an open heart was the best thing for everyone to do. Adoration is a really moving experience also. I liked all the music they played during it and how open everyone was. Small group time was also cool because you got to share your feelings with others. All in all, Steubenville was a geat trip for me. It helped me grow in my faith and have a lot of fun too. Everyone that is interested in going should go to experience it, even if you aren’t very loud or expressive about your faith, the trip can still help you grow. It’s an awesome experience! ~ Zack Mercurio

This year I didn’t really want to go to Steubenville, and I thought it was too late to turn everything in. Pam, my youth group leader, insisted I go and helped in getting everything ready for me. As the weekend got closer and closer, I got more and more excited. I was so ready to just get out of the house for awhile. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, I’ve never done something like this before. The first night after adoration, I wasn’t feeling too great. I’ve never been good at religious stuff and I ended up crying that night. Saturday night was different. During the adoration when they were coming around with the body, I felt Jesus there. I’ve never felt that way before. I was so happy and for the first time ever, I was praying like my life depended on it. I kneeled the entire time, and there were tears running down my face. Finally, I felt that Jesus loved me and I love Him too. ~ Megan Miazgowicz

This weekend at Steubenville has been a life changing experience. For the last few years, I’ve doubted God’s existence. On Saturday night during adoration things changed. I felt like God was sitting there next to me and just hugging me. I broke down and I started crying. I finally knew that God is real and that He loves me unconditionally. Sunday, I started to participate in Church and I felt the Holy Spirit move me and many of the problems in my life started to make sense. I offered myself to God there. I Found God this weekend and I’m happy to have Him back in my life. ~ Lauren Prohaska

This experience was very inspirational. People who want to believe in God or strengthen their relationship with God should go to this. It was a very fun weekend and I can’t wait till next year. Patrick really inspired me to open up and talk in small groups. Him, Bear & Pam were the best, they made me laugh so much. I truly can’t wait till next year. This program really made my summer the best summer I’ve ever had. ~ Amanda Revesz

This is my second year returning to Steubenville and this year was even greater than last year. During the talks the speakers were emotional and passionate about their subject. When they were speaking about the saints and other courageous people, I felt like I could tear up right then and there. The most powerful experience I had here was the Eucharistic procession of the Blessed Sacrament. During this time, I could not stop crying. It was the best that I have felt in a long time and it was powerful. I gave up all my troubles and all the things I have been facing alone. All of them were given up to the Lord. This has helped me so much to come closer to the Lord in my prayers and in my praise. I want to thank everyone that made this possible and I would love to see more people come and experience this amazing journey. It’s helped me with so many things. I’m sure this could help you as well. Thank you and God Bless. Matt has my vote for favorite chaperone. ~ Scott Charles Reaume

My experience at Steubenville was once again very life-changing. As most people say, adoration was the best part and that’s where all the action takes place. The ride there was long but it was okay because I knew how much fun was to come. At the beginning of adoration, I didn’t feel anything. I opened my eyes and saw someone else crying. I told the Lord I am opening my heart and I want You to fill it with Your Love. He entered and the tears came. It is fulfilling to see our Lord and Savior coming around to us in the monstrance. The next day at Mass I felt completely different. I felt renewed. We had some new chaperones and they were all nice. I was glad to meet the new seminarian chaperones – Matt, Chris, Patrick, but my favorite chaperone was still Chris (Bear) Beran. ~ Ben Roelant

I really enjoyed my trip to Steubenville. There was so much love everywhere and it felt really good. I could really feel that Jesus was with us during the adoration. I loved all of the music and singing. Steubenville was a bunch of fun this year and I can’t wait to go next year. ~ Renee Salenbien

I left last year’s conference already excited to come to this year’s. I was not at all disappointed in anything that happened. The theme ‘Rooted’ was really powerful to me. I love the host’s, Bob Lesnefsky’s, analogy of comparing it to weeds. Big weeds can come up out of the ground at the slightest tug because its roots are small. It took all it’s time into making itself big; it wasn’t well ‘rooted’, while the small weeds always come back each year. You have to dig them out of the ground because they’re so well ‘rooted’. All the talks the speaker gave were amazing. I especially enjoyed Chris Stefanick’s talks. Every word he said I felt was meant for me. He did the talk for returning attendees; in that talk he devoted a part of it to achieving sainthood. He gave five easy steps to achieving it; 1) want it 2) prayer 3) community 4) get rid of your junk 5) mission (going out to people). I found that so amazing. Only five steps to get you part of the way to heaven. Tammy Evevard did the women’s talk, which was INCREDIBLE. One story she told really hit my heart. Eucharistic Adoration on Saturday night was the highlight of my weekend. When it started, I was immediately on fire with Jesus. When Jesus passed by me in the procession, I was struck with awe. I felt so filled with the Holy Spirit. It was so incredible seeing everyone on fire with love for God. Just as last year, I was excited for this year, this year I am excited for next year. There’s a fourteen person tie for favorite chaperone. ~ Katie Tibai

Coming on this trip for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it would be a time for me to pray and get to know God and others better. I knew it would be a time for me to delve into my faith more. I knew it would be a time of self-recognition and forgiveness. This experience was all that and more! I began to understand Jesus’ love for me and everyone else, and that love is the most powerful thing I have ever experienced. Adoration on Saturday night was probably one of the best hours of my life. To know that Jesus is truly right there next to you is indescribable! I never wanted to leave that room. The whole room was just filled with the Holy Spirit and it was amazing! I felt so close to God at that moment. It was like a small piece of Heaven was present in that room. When I first came here and saw all the people raising their hands to God in praise, I just didn’t think I would be one of those people. Ten minutes into adoration, I had both hands reaching out to Jesus in the monstrance. It was such an overwhelming power of love that I can’t describe. My second favorite part of this whole experience was reconciliation. Going and telling the priest everything was such a relieving feeling. Overall, this whole experience has made me grow as a Catholic and understand it more, my faith. Knowing Jesus’ love for me was amazing and makes me want to become ROOTED in Him forever. ~ Jenna Bergmooser

As you can tell by my slip-up of the year…time flies. God, I admit, was not a huge part of my life. Yes, I was born Catholic, my parents always take us to Mass but I was just going through the motions. It’s hard to say but I never was able to put my trust in God. My life has been kind of hard, it’s not terrible, but I was struggling. This is my first Steubenville retreat (I’m a Steubie newbie) and everything changed. I feel like I’ve been picked up and shaken around. The whole retreat has just been absolutely fantastic. I’ll keep this short when in actuality, I could write a novel, but some moments that really spoke to me where: confessions, starting there. I would in the past skip over some of the sins that the priest could judge me on. Before I went, a boy told his story about how he did that too. One day he told everything and he changed. I tried that and it worked. For once, I actually felt cleansed. Another really great experience was when a speaker (Tammy Evevard) was talking, at the end she had us open our hands (which I never tried before because I didn’t understand the point of it), close our eyes and give our heart up to our Lord, pretend we ere wearing a ball gown with a crown because we’re beloved and give ourselves up to God. I opened up. I felt the hypothetical door in my heart become unlocked. Finally, I have to talk about adoration. This was when my door was opened to Jesus. It was the best feeling I have ever felt. At the beginning, I was a bit skeptical. I never really felt much at Friday’s adoration. At the beginning of Saturday’s adoration, people were already bawling, arms open and I was just confused. I wasn’t feeling anything. Then I felt it. This great love and sense of calm came over me. I had this feeling of how everything is going to be okay (which I really needed because I was worried/doubtful/unsure about a lot of things). It was a magical moment that I wished would never end. Overall, I’m changed. I realized what I was doing wrong and I’m willing to change it. The hard part is learning to stay like this. I don’t want to loose what I got from this and that is my biggest fear. If I make sure to stay away from sin, pray (which I finally learned to do AND to listen, too) I have realized the greatness of Mass, stay beloved in God’s eyes, I’ll be able to do that, and of course, go to Steubenville again which I OF COURSE WILL!! Advice to Steubie newbie’s: make sure your mom gets the right size t-shirts!!! ~ Sabrina Braunlich

This is my second year going to Steubenville and I liked it so much better. This was such an amazing experience for me. I would encourage everyone to go. As always, my favorite part was the adoration of the Lord. You don’t have to worry about anyone making fun of you while you are praising the Lord. During adoration, everyone is singing and breaking down into tears. I can not even begin to describe what it feels like to be surrounded by everyone who cares about the same things you do. When the Lord gets carried around in the monstrance, it is so amazing to know that He is actually present and loves you so much. It’s indescribable. During this retreat, everyone was always in such a good mood. It is such a peaceful and relaxing experience. This year I got three of my friends to go to Steubenville and by Sunday, none of us were ready to leave. This retreat has been such a life changing experience and I thank everyone that I was able to share it with. ~ Brigette Close

Friday I came expecting the same thing considering that I am a 2 year veteran. Someone this year, actually some two people, changed my routine. I got on the bus and Julia and Bear invited me to help sing. The last two years I have been humming more than singing. I got up and helped sing. It did not end there. Patrick asked me to start with a prayer. He asked me to step out of my comfort zone for God, so I opened up more. Patrick was a great support to my weekend whether he knew it or not. From the conversations to the ever smiling face, he was where I saw Jesus a lot this weekend. I hope we can rope him into coming next year! Bear, I hope you come next year too! ~Blaise Eby

This was the first time I have attended Steubenville. I am so glad my friends shared such great things about Steubenville. They were absolutely right. Everything was great. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the women’s talk. The speaker, Tammy Evevard, was amazing. She was empowering and went straight to the point, which I loved. Tammy made me realize everyone is beautiful and how important we all are. It made me feel really good.

The adoration made me feel really good too. I loved being that close to Jesus. It was truly an amazing experience. I definitely have a different view of adoration now. I have a different view of Jesus too. This has been a great experience for me. I deepened my faith and love of Jesus. I hope to continue to deepen my faith and learn from this experience. I am already looking forward to next year to deepen and strengthen my faith life even more. ~ Alivia LeBlanc

Getting the opportunity to come to Steubenville this year was great. I actually had the opportunity to go last year, but I honestly felt I wasn’t going to like it or it was just a waste of three days in my summer. This year, my friends from SMCC started talking about this trip and they all wanted me to come along. I was sort of scared to go so I said I’d think about it. One friend approached me and said that it truly is a life changing experience. I thought this coming from a close friend, maybe she was right. So I decided, why not. I was going to Steubenville with all my friends. We got on the bus and I was nervous out of my mind! I could not help think about what it was going to be like when I got there. On the way there, I thought maybe this would be a chance to repair my relationship with God. I thought to myself, “ I think I’m really going to love this.” When we got there, all I could say was WOW. I loved it more than I thought I would! The first night is when we had adoration. For the first time in a very long time, I felt God’s presence within me. It was such an emotional experience. The second day we were split guys and girls. We had a speaker that inspired me so much. She told us that we are beautiful, precious, important, and great in every way possible and that we should never feel alone. That night at adoration was the MOST MOVING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! When the monstrance came right in front of me, I felt so humble. I knew then that God truly wanted me to be happy. The third day it all tied together and I realized that one point they have been trying to get across to us this whole time is Jesus wants nothing more than for us then to be happy and choose to join Him in His Kingdom on day. This was my first year at Steubenville and I definitely will be back next year. ~ Carolyn Gessner

This is my second year and I had another awesome experience! Adoration was definitely my favorite part. I felt so close to Jesus and so comforted by Him! My favorite speaker was Chris Stefanick. He was really good and fun. He made a lot of sense. This whole experience has made me grow deep in my faith and I’m gonna do the best I can to stay this way even when I get home. ~ Sarah Liedel

Before this trip, I was at a point in my life where I felt like nothing was going right. My mom and I always went to Church and I thought I prayed regularly to God. I would ask God why certain things happened and for help, but it never seemed like there was an answer to my prayers. My friends suggested that I should go to Steubenville. They said it was so much fun and such a great experience. Truthfully, I was a little nervous to go, but at the same time, I wanted to become closer to God. The bus ride to Steubenville really warmed me up to be open to God. It was really the first time I got to sing to God outside of church. When we said the Rosary, it made me realize that I need to start saying the Rosary with my family. When we first went into the Fieldhouse, there were people giving us high fives and screaming. Right then I thought what the heck did I get myself in to? But throughout that first night, something overcame me. Between the songs and the speakers’ words, I found myself crying. It was that night that I realized God truly loves me and He will be there for me. Before the trip, I never truly thought that God could love me after the sins I committed. This year I was really sick and none of the prescriptions were helping me. I was so scared and I would always ask Jesus, why me? It was that night that I also realized for the first time that I shouldn’t have asked why me but instead I should have thought, why not me? If Jesus died on the cross out of love for me, then I should have bared through the pain for Jesus. My religion teacher always told me the Bible verse, “I can do all things, through God who strengthens me.” but I never took time to fully understand its meaning. The second day the speaker talked about how we need deep roots to be able to withstand a storm. I thought I was doing good “growing deep roots” because I never drank, smoke, or did drugs but I finally became aware that I hadn’t said that my relationship with God was strong. At that moment, I knew I had to change things in my life and make time to pray to God instead of just on Sundays/Saturdays. The second day I also went to reconciliation. There aren’t words powerful enough to describe how I was changed. Before I would edit my confession lists and I was always afraid that the priest would judge me. This time I didn’t hold anything back. The priest told me something that I always felt but I never told any one. He understood how much I was hurting on the inside, and told me that God love me and that He knows I am truly a good person; but like everyone who falters at times. I began crying for how sorry I was, but also for how relieved and free I felt. We split into girl and guy groups for some talks. The speaker for the girls was so powerful and moving. She told us that we are special and that we are all God’s princesses. She told us that we need to stop trying to follow the public’s image of how we should be because God created us just how He wanted us to be. This really hit me hard because I always have struggled with how I look and how I want to look. This was moving and I finally felt happy with who I am inside and outside. Finally, we went to Eucharistic Adoration. I will never forget how I felt or the emotions that overcame me. I felt something overcome me and I could only kneel when Jesus was truly present. I cried over the happiness and the closeness of Jesus. I truly felt the Holy Spirit come to me and give me strength and guidance. I felt so full of God. There was not one moment that I wished I wasn’t at Steubenville. I can’t explain how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to witness how loving and powerful God is. I will never forget how positive this experience was for me. I could say a million thank yous, but it still wouldn’t be enough. I can not wait for next year! Thank you! ~ Samantha Mills

Some things that I enjoyed over this weekend was taking pictures with Chris and meeting new people. I enjoyed the music. The last thing I enjoyed the most was being close to God and becoming stronger in my faith. Over this weekend, Chris and I said on Friday “Let’s meet as many people as we can.” so we met a lot of people on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, Chris and I tried to get as many pictures with the people that we met. I enjoyed the music a lot because it was good and it really got me close to God. I enjoyed being close to God because it made me feel good about myself. I had my times over the weekend where I felt like God was just looking at me and accepting me. We were singing and at times I felt God with me, so I sang even louder, to show God I really wanted Him to accept me and this weekend He did. It was amazing. I am really glad that I went on this trip, I loved it. I thank God for having me go on this trip. I love God and He changed my life around this weekend. God bless. ~ Chris Niemi

This is the day that I was reborn; reborn in light, in love, in trust, but the most important for me, in faith. For a long time, I was lost in my life. I had so much pain and many issues that made me blind. All I could see was darkness. When I was blinded, every person around me could direct me in whatever direction they wanted. They could direct me towards good or evil, and I could do nothing because I was blind. I needed someone in order to go places. Some of the people were merciful to me, they took my hand and helped me to go to good places, places that made me feel comfortable. Some of the people were mean and they directed me towards wrong places. They made me cry and made me feel lost. I decided to walk my way alone. Walking so long through an unknown way, I got in a place that made me feel comfortable again. I wasn’t sure if I could feel secure, but that place made me feel warm and happy. In that place I started to pray spontaneously, and God started to talk back to me. I was scared because I wasn’t use to hearing God or sensing Him so close. He started to put light into my eyes and I no longer was blind. I could see His wonderful power. He taught me how to listen, see and pray. When I was on my knees praying, unexpectedly Jesus came to me. I was in tears. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. All that love that He gave to me when He died on the cross came again into my heart. I was feeling wonderfully good. This place is going to be forever in my memories because this was the day that I felt Christ raising me up with Him. Thanks, Steubenville! Please take advantage of every moment given. It is worth it. God has been faithful to us all and He always will be! ~ Elisa Quadros

For me, Steubenville is something I have been waiting for all year. As soon as I left last year, I wanted to go back right away and be surrounded by God’s love. I wanted to go back and experience the joy of being around teens who show their love for God without fear of being judged or looking stupid. When it finally came, I was getting excited. This year I knew most of the songs and was able to participate more. This year my relationship with God grew so much. I was more open to Him and some of my experiences helped me see how much God loves us, how much God loves me. Adoration was very emotional for me and I sensed God’s presence. I knew He was near when I was praying and knew He was listening. At the beginning of adoration and the end, I felt so at peace, more so than I have in a very long time. I wanted it to last, the whole experience, but time flew by like crazy. During small group time, it was nice to see how other people were dealing with similar problems and how they dealt with it. I felt loved. I loved it when my group prayed over me. Thank you group #2, you guys are awesome. I think one of the most amazing parts of my whole conference was the music. Today there are so many controversial and wrong messages in the music. It was so nice to listen to something empty of all that junk. The music makes the whole experience that much more awesome. You can hear God speaking to you through the lyrics and in return you get to praise God with all your heart and voice. As many people said, “God gave you your voice, give it back to Him.” The speakers and the host were beyond amazing this year. Their stories, personal experience, their passion for being at the conference, made me want to hear more. The theme was amazing this year. I think with the way the society is now, teens need the courage and strength to do the right things. Everything about the conference was to help us grow in love for God, so that we are able to be open to His help in order to do what is right. I think one thing that makes the experience even better is the group and chaperones. The enthusiasm for God from everyone makes you pumped to be here and dive into the experience that much more. The chaperones were awesome and were there when you needed them, when you needed someone to talk to or someone to pray for you, or just a smile. Thank you for everything you did for me. Don’t know how I would have survived without you guys. I needed this conference and was glad to experience it with my sister. Now, I will have someone who knows what I went through and understand my passion for God. I grew closer to God and I hope I will continue too even out of Steubenville. God has showed Himself to me this weekend, I felt His presence and don’t ever want to lose that. I can’t wait until next year to come back with the group and once again praise God with all our hearts. ~ Polina Roehring

I would have to say that this year’s Steubenville conference was absolutely amazing. I say that every year, but this retreat changes me at least a little bit every time. This was my third year going, so I knew basically what to expect. However, unexpected things happen constantly at Steubenville, especially during Eucharistic adoration. Adoration this year for me was very touching. I felt God’s love all around me, especially in the other people praising Him. I love seeing others connect to Jesus in such an awesome way and not be afraid to share their faith with other teens. I loved the peace and happiness that I experienced at the conference. I didn’t worry about other things going on in my life, but focused on what is most important. The weekend flew by so fast that Sunday seemed like Friday. When it was time to leave, I wasn’t ready to go at all. All in all, I felt that my roots grew a little deeper this year and I hope that they continue to grow even more. ~Megan Roelant

At first coming on this trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t sign up for this but someone else did and that someone was sad. Before this trip, I never really felt touched by God. I didn’t know anyone on this trip but my brother. The first day I was amazed by how friendly, loving and caring everyone on this trip was. I was also amazed by the presence of God everywhere. Ending the day with small groups was very powerful because in my life I’ve never gotten to open up to people about my faith in a fashion like that. Saturday without doubt, is one of my most life changing experiences. Jesus hit me in adoration like never before. I felt amazing, sad, crying, that I didn’t realize this before. Jesus loves us all. Now leaving, I pray that I and the whole group continue to remember and feel the same way they did on this trip and to remember that Jesus loves us all. ~ Karsten Szajner

WOW! This is my fourth time going to Steubenville and no words can describe how amazing it was. It has gone by so fast and now I can’t wait until next year. My favorite part of the weekend was definitely when we were singing praise. While looking around the room, I was blown away watching every single person in the Fieldhouse getting so into it. Adoration was beautiful as always. I had a great experience. I can not wait to return next year! Thank you to all of the chaperones because without you this weekend wouldn’t have happened. ~ Janie Atwood

The thing I most enjoyed about the conference was – in terms of worship – how uninhibited it was. I enjoyed the fact that people were able to express whatever emotions they wanted too. I am envious and that encourages adoration of Jesus. I particularly enjoyed the music because it highlighted the fact that God is not some grumpy old man sitting on a cloud, but that He wants us to enjoy life. If given the opportunity, I will definitely come back next year. ~ Keaton Bogle

This was the first time I visited Steubenville and it was a very moving experience. The Saturday evening adoration opened my heart and made me feel a very calm peace and joy. This whole weekend was amazing. I will be coming back next year to become even more rooted in my Catholic faith and come closer to our Lord. ~ Amy Gramza

One aspect that really stood out to me compared to the other four years that I have gone to Steubenville was the overwhelming humbling feeling that I experienced during adoration Saturday night. I don’t really want to even call it a feeling, more of a thought that I hadn’t ever bothered to linger on for very long: the thought that only 10 feet away from me, Jesus Christ, the one who literally died for me, and me, personally, the one who millions of people worldwide base their faith upon, was truly and definitely present in the Eucharistic Sacrament. I wasn’t just looking at a statue or some picture. Jesus was really there. For me, that was a really humbling thing. ~ Tim Kennedy

I really enjoyed this weekend and had an amazing time. I met a lot of new people. I really loved the fact that we were able to party. Without even realizing it, you are worshipping God. In short, it was one of the best experiences I have been to in a long time. I really enjoyed the retreat. ~ Chris LaPlante

This was my third time at Steubenville and as I reflect I realize that there is something new to learn every time. This time at Steubenville I was reminded of the infinite loving power of God, and whatever you do in your life He will forgive you and welcome you with open arms. ~ Charles Roelant

This was my fourth time going to Steubenville for a summer youth conference. As always, I had an amazing time. Of all the times I attended the summer conferences, I have to say that this year was the best. Saturday night adoration was one of the greatest experiences of the trip. I felt God’s presence radiating from the monstrance as it passed by. The band also did a great job with the music. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to come and grow closer to God. All of the chaperones were my favorite. ~ Rose Roelant

The last time I went to Steubenville was four years ago. I did not really want to go, especially because of the feelings of betrayal I had when my brother, whose chaperoning was most of the reason I agreed to go, could not come. I had a closed mind for the longest time. I saw “crazy” people worshipping and embracing Jesus, (with whom I was customarily standoffish) and decided “Nope, that is not what I want to do.” I did not think what God wanted me to do. Finally, during Saturday’s Eucharistic Adoration, I felt God. It was amazing! All three persons of the Trinity were there, inviting me to open up. That experience changed my life. I am not saying that my life was that bad before or that I have not made mistakes since, but that retreat really did what confirmation should have done and would have , if I’d had an open heart and mind. It showed me that religion is not just something you do Jesus isn’t some guy you know and talk to from time to time. God is why we are here. Yeah, He created us, but more than that our existence is based in HIM. His love should be our sole goal, our reason for living… Needless to say, I started this weekend a lot better off spiritually than last time. I had been talked into going again by some friends who were genuinely excited about God, and shared in their enthusiasm like a candle lit by the light of its comrades. That light disappeared when we were separated into small groups on the bus. Through reflection, prayer, and seeing the beauty of God’s creation through the countryside we traveled, I was able to find my own light, the lasting light, one that I do not need others to see: God. A few hours and a couple games of Euchre later, I found myself at the Fieldhouse for Mass (Awesome!). Thus started what in my limited experience was easily the best retreat I have ever had. I was open to God, constantly opening more. The more I was filled, the more vacuum I saw I had, so the more I opened up and the more I was filled once again. Truly, (“I am the Truth”). Great (“…Should Love the Lord thy God above all things”). I have been searching for some serious life answers. What am I to do with the skills God gave me? Am I going to move? Am I to get married, pursue the priesthood, or remain single? This weekend gave me the answers I sought, the answer to everything: Believe in, Love and Trust Jesus. I am not yet sure what He wants me to do, where He wants me to go. I am sure in faith, and that is how I will discern His plan for me, revealed to my open heart in His good time. ~ Andrew Jones ~ Senior Class of 2011

WOW. That’s my first thought. I am leaving so happy and grateful. Many thoughts and feelings came to me while on this trip. I owe them all to God. It is amazing what He can do for and to us humans. I leave this trip inspired to vastly improve my prayer life and to do my best to keep my ears and heart open to the Lord. This time I was encouraged to praise God in the way I wanted to without hesitation; it was wonderful. I’m really glad that we were fortunate enough to have seminarians as chaperones. I truly enjoyed their presence. Seeing their love for Jesus come alive is awe inspiring. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the image of Bear dancing on stage to the music at Mass or Patrick’s always – glowing smile. Just looking at them, all of them makes me want to search as long as I have to for my calling. During Eucharistic Adoration, I cried out of sadness for the pain I have caused God, out of joy for His forgiveness, and out of pure love. While kneeling there, I could just see Jesus standing in place of the monstrance. He was holding His arms out crying to us, “I love you all!” It was beautiful. As He walked by me in procession, I held out my hand to Him and He gave my hand a squeeze. How beautiful that moment was. Thank you, Mom & Dad, for sending me. Thanks to the chaperones and to all the others who joined us on this awesome trip, for sharing this experience. Most importantly, thank you Jesus for sending your Spirit upon me. ~ Claire Langton ~ Senior Class of 2011

This year my Steubenville experience was a bit different. Every year I come to this retreat in a different place. It was the same thing this year. Through this year’s experiences, I got answers to what I needed to know. I have become closer to Jesus in a different way; different from the retreat and all others before. ~ Madeline Lefere ~ Senior Class of 2011

This was my fifth time going to Steubenville…and it never fails to enlighten me in a different way! My five years of Steubenville experiences has significantly enriched my faith. Roots that have already begun to grow in my faith have become stronger and continue to grow. I am beginning to see direction in my life and all other insecurities are in God’s hands. God is good! May His be the glory and honor forever! GET REAL! ~ Maria Liedel ~ Senior Class of 2011

I have always been very connected to God. Throughout my life, God has always been my friend but at Steubenville I came closer to God and He became much more than a friend. He became a best friend, a Father! God helped me to realize that He is my Father and loves me! Being adopted, sometimes there are struggles with a sense of belonging. This weekend I had an amazing emotional time of growth, closure, peace and happiness. It’s an awesome feeling to be surrounded by non-judgmental teens that all have a true passion and love for God. It’s truly been a life-changing weekend that I’ll carry with me forever. ~ Elizabeth Otto ~ Senior Class of 2011

My experience at Steubenville was great. I feel like I got closer to the Lord this weekend than I have ever been before. I hope and pray that my faith will continue to be this strong and continue to grow. I learned a lot more about my faith, the Lord and myself. ~ Erin Reaume ~ Senior Class of 2011

The Spirit was in everyone. Saturday night adoration was the night most people looked forward too. Yes, God is everywhere, in every one who believes in Him. That night, I felt God in me stronger than ever. Many had opened their hearts and allowed Jesus in. Praise God! If I could, I would send every person to the conference to experience God’s presence. ~ Julia Reaume ~ Senior Class of 2011

I had an amazing experience at the Steubenville Youth Conference this year. This was my fifth time attending a conference. The passion for Christ and excitement of living for Him is present each year. It is so refreshing to get away from the busyness of every day life and spend a weekend where everything you do is centered on Christ. Strengthening your relationship with HIM! The praise and worship music is very uplifting and having 1,500 teens raising their hands and jumping up and down on fire for Christ makes it all the better. Adoration is definitely the best part. It is so amazing to feel God’s abundant Love and experience His peace and happiness. ~ Mary Roelant ~ Senior Class of 2011

This was my 3rd year going until I become a chaperone that is! This has to be my favorite year (excluding my first, that is. Nothing beats the first experience.) I felt the Lord working within me and I knew (know) that HE LOVES ME! He loves all of us! How often do we forget that? How often do we forget to put our trust in God! The keynote speakers talked about that a lot and I believe that it was something we all needed to hear or at least I did. Chris Stefanick’s talk on how to become a saint really hit me. He said that we are ALL CALLED FOR GREATNESS! (How awesome is that!?) We are/were created to become saints! God wants us to be w/Him in heaven. Chris also told us that it won’t be easy. We have to work for it! We have to have discipline! God gives us the grace for sainthood, but we have to make it a reality! God Bless y’all! Join me in doing all we can to achieve GREATNESS! Love y’all! ~ Bethany Tibai ~ Senior Class of 2011

I was so blessed because this was my third year at the Steubenville conference. Adoration was always something I looked forward to on retreat. I engulf myself in the music and my surroundings and give myself completely to the Lord. The music was so uplifting and positive. When the monstrance was placed on the altar my heart was bursting with extreme love of the Lord. I spent the next few hours with my hands held high and a smile in my heart. My first two experiences were a time of healing. This time I completely fell head over heels in love with Christ. ~ Mackenzie Tomasik ~ Senior Class of 2011

Steubenville is always amazing. I have yet (and hope to never) be disappointed in my experience there. God works in such amazing ways. This year was no different. I definitely can’t get enough Steubie in my life. The thing I always need to remind myself is that it’s not Steubie that makes my experience great – it’s God. FUS (Franciscan University of Steubenville) just provides us an awesome opportunity to really sit down and devote a whole entire weekend to the Lord. I just hope and pray that we all have the will, desire, and discipline to bring it home with us. I know we can do this guys!  Thanks kids for letting me be a part of your spiritual growth. I love you all – God Bless! ~ Ashley Ackerman ~ Chaperone & one of six original High School Attendees

An awesome experience. The kids were great. It was high energy Catholicism that the teens embraced. There was a lot of music, clapping, and hand motions, along with straight forward talks based on the Catholic faith. It’s a great setting at Franciscan University of Steubenville. ~ Rich Ackerman ~ Chaperone

This was my second time down to Steubenville for their High School Youth Conferences as a chaperone. I had the same amount of fun, if not more, as last year. For me, the Lord knew how to work in my life and suffering this weekend. Friday night He gave me great peace and healed some of my wounds. I came know and really feel the love of the heavenly Father. Even as a twenty-three year old man, I shed some tears. The Lord really opened up the eyes of my heart. Having then been given that great peace, I was able to intercede and give myself totally to the Lord the rest of the weekend for all the kids. My prayers were answered and my heart was mended. I love seeing the Franciscan Friars T.O.R. and the Sisters T.O.R. and I definitely have to say that Franciscan University is one of my favorite places to be. I’d definitely go again and again and would encourage anyone to come along too. ~ Christopher Beran aka BEAR ~ Seminarian & Chaperone

John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, so that we may have eternal life. You can substitute the word “world” and insert each of our names in that place---that’s how much God loves each of us – that He would have sent His only Son – for each one of us. I found a quote hanging in the bathroom stall while I was doing the perfect will of God at that time. “Broken things are precious. We eat broken bread because we share in the death of our Lord and his broken life. Broken flowers give perfume. Broken incense is used in adoration. A broken ship saved Paul and many other passengers on their way to Rome. Sometimes the only way the Good Lord can get into some hearts is to break them.” – Fulton Sheen
One of my favorite parts of this weekend was the sharing in my small group on Friday & Sunday. You – youth participants are all amazing and you are all deeply loved. Thank you for allowing me to participate in these few precious moments in your life. You’re all gong to have awesome lives. Remember those of us who committed Sunday to 15 minutes of prayer a day. Remember to support one another and be there for each other in good times and in bad! God will always be there for each of us. Thank you so much! ~ Teresa Ackerman ~ One of two Original Chaperones who started attending this conference with Mark Roelant. Happy 10th anniversary!

Thank you everyone for letting me be a part of this awesome experience! The speakers were amazing and had a message for each of us. God is real and He loves us! Adoration was beautiful! So even if I’m not the favorite chaperone, I still love you all! See you next year! ~ Pam Cousino ~ Chaperone

I was amazed by this Steubenville High School Youth Conference. It was amazing to see so many youth, the future of the Church, worshipping Christ during Eucharistic Exposition. My experience was beyond words and I am sure in the upcoming weeks I will be able to recognize more in my life. I felt a closer connection, a worth from Christ. I saw myself prostrate in front of the altar on ordination day. This is a confirmation in my discernment of the Priesthood. I need to fully trust Christ in where He wants me to go in my life, my vocation. I felt the love the Father, and I grew closer to Him in this weekend. I grew in a greater love of the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the desire to lay down my life for Christ and His Church. Steubenville does a great job with these conferences. I hope to be able to come back in a few years, when my summer schedule allows, and God willing, as a priest. I enjoyed the music and the conference also. ~ Christopher Cullen ~ Seminarian & Chaperone

Another excellent weekend retreat in Steubenville! This was the first time I saw Christopher Stefanick, great presenter and awesome message. Overall, I think it was the best package of presenters yet. This year I did a lot of intercessory prayer during adoration. It was less a deeply personal experience (of the Holy Spirit) than the last years, but it was a strong communal presence of the Spirit. I was grateful for all our seminarians joining us and felt they added a lot to the group. I was especially touched by Fr. Nate’s witness in the tent! I was also moved by the spirituality of a number of the teens. What a great group of young men and women. It there was any bummer at all it was missing Tom Clark. (oh…and whoever ran the computer script for the songs). ~ Tony Elwood ~ Chaperone

I found the entire Steubenville weekend to be an amazing gift from God. The faith of the teenagers was incredibly inspiring to me. I was thrilled that many of the teens were open to praying the liturgy of the hours and the rosary with the seminarians. I saw so many teens that were zealous for the Lord and were making the faith their own and living it earnestly! The fellow chaperones were very inspiring as well. They were all quite joyful about the beautiful ministry of assisting the retreatants to have a happy, healthy and holy retreat. Now about the “Steubenville” experience itself…well it was unforgettable! The praise of great fervency and exultation was a great gift from God to us I think…our hearts were stirred collectively to lovingly praise the Lord with a great fervor. Steubenville was a great manifestation of God’s love and mercy and I am very humbled and thankful for having been present for, and participate in, this beautiful weekend. Praised be Jesus Christ! ~ Patrick Gonyea ~ Seminarian & Chaperone

Steubenville Youth Conferences are a unique treasure in the Church. There are very few other youth conferences that are so authentically Catholic. As a treasure in the heart of the Church, the conferences are strongly Eucharistic. This is the element that allows for such authentic conversion and growth in young people. The conferences also feature top-notch speakers who are able to speak to teenagers in their own language while preserving all the truth and goodness of the Faith. The conferences are an affirmation that the Catholic Faith is a deep, profound and joyful, yes to the heart of every human person, especially our youth who live in such a difficult and post-Christian culture. ~ Matthew Hood ~ Seminarian & Chaperone

What an amazing weekend. Being a chaperone was more wonderful than I could ever imagine. To see the light in the faces of all the “young people” was inspiring. Watching the love that all the young people felt for Christ was truly uplifting. I was amazed. I was nervous I would not have enough experiences or answers for the students but God provided me with the courage to help me express my thoughts and feelings. It was a great weekend. Thanks be to God. ~ Theresa Jones ~ Chaperone & Previous High School Attendee

Praise be to God for another opportunity to attend a Steubenville Youth Conference. I am blessed with hope, joy and peace each time I participate as a chaperone. The energy, enthusiasm and faith I observe in the students lives me hope. I am filled with joy to be a part the exuberant praise & worship. The time of adoration and openness that is displayed by all gives us peace in the renewed sense of God’s awesome love and forgiveness for each one of us. I am inspired by the way our group has grown – in numbers and in their response and openness. Know that as we return home you will all be in my prayers – to remain “rooted” in Christ…and allow your “roots” to grow and spread deep, not be cut or pruned by the temptations of the world; so that you will continue to grow in your journey of life – to live the abundance that Jesus has planned for you! ~ Jeanne Roelant ~ Chaperone

This was a special weekend as a chaperone to see the Holy Spirit ablaze, touching the hearts and souls of our young adults. I am encouraged by the openness and prayerfulness of our future Church. I feel blessed to have witnessed an outpouring of God’s amazing love, blessings, graces, and healing. It never gets old seeing lives and hearts renewed and refreshed by our awesome God!! ~ Mark Roelant ~ 2nd original chaperone who started this with Teresa Ackerman 10 years ago. Happy 10th anniversary!!

As a first time attendee, I was amazed by the whole experience. It was very enriching to see everyone on fire for the Lord! Saturday night’s adoration was beyond words. The reoccurring message of not trying to do the same as everyone else helped me to know that wherever I am in my faith life and however I express it is okay. I’m an individual child of God created in His image and He loves me! This was very powerful to me because I thought I should behave or react a certain way. When I didn’t, I now know, it’s still all good. As a chaperone…what a thrill to be able to share this not only my children, but also with the youth, the future of our faith; I can only hope & pray that I may have had a positive influence on them as they had on me! GOD BLESS! ~ Susan Tibai ~ Chaperone

When Nancy Dietrich discovered I was planning to attend the Steubenville priests/deacons/seminarians conference which ended the same day the youth conference began, she encouraged me to consider staying for the youth conference and accompanying the Monroe vicariate group. I prayed about it, was led to say "yes"- what a major gift from Jesus! The last time I'd been to a Steubenville youth conference was when I was a youth in high school. At that conference, Jesus showed me that he would always be with me no matter what. I was excited because this time I could offer the precious gift of forgiveness of sins in Jesus' Name through the gift of the priesthood, having been ordained May 20th. Throughout the weekend, I heard many confessions and saw the Holy Spirit working in many hearts. Another huge blessing was to be able to concelebrate holy mass each day. The highlight was adoring Jesus in the Eucharist with everyone on Saturday night, and seeing the youth open their arms- and hearts- to our Eucharistic King. If only every Catholic could encounter Jesus in this way! As a priest, I get to lead people to this encounter for the rest of my life!! Wow. At the end of the conference, I was blessed to be able to "proclaim His marvelous deeds" and share with the Monroe group the story of how Jesus led me to the vocation of priesthood. I am excited for the future of our Church, knowing that so many youth from the Monroe vicariate and from all over said "YES" to Jesus at this conference, and I pray they continue to surrender their entire lives to Him EVERY day, and next year invite friends to this life-changing conference. ~ Fr. Nate Harburg ~ Diocese of Saginaw ~ Newly Ordained Priest ~ Graduate of Sacred Heart Major Seminary

What a joy I am filled with, as I am/was a witness to the loving, merciful, power of our God! It is amazing (this word was used numerous times by the attendees in their reflections) how Jesus is able to be all things to all men at the same time. St. Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians Chapter 9. Talk about the ability/gift to multi-task! While we were at Steubenville, Jesus was/is the healer of the body, mind, heart and soul. He is one who forgives, the restorer of relationships, filled with joy, compassion, and understanding. He knows where we have been and He is ready to welcome us back with open arms, arms that He stretched out on the cross for each one of us. He is patient, in that He was/is willing to wait as long as necessary for us to take that first step towards Him or to open our hearts just that small amount to allow Him in. Our kids, yours kids, did that. They allowed Him to enter in. Our heavenly Father manifested Himself through the power of His Holy Spirit and has done some great works! He did this because He is a good and mighty God. He is faithful to His word! Steubenville provided the safe haven which allowed the youth to be open. Your prayers for them provided the grace they needed to do His will. I thank you, the parents, for allowing me the opportunity to take your children to Steubenville for the weekend. I will continue to keep each of them in my heart and prayers. Hopefully and God willing, many of them will return next summer. To my Senior Class of 2011, how blest we were to have you in our midst. You have been a blessing not only to me but countless others, I am sure. You have leadership qualities and skills that will glorify Him when used according to His will. If you are inspired to return as chaperones, please let me know. You will get first precedence as chaperones, as all returning attendees will/do. You need to complete the VIRTUS training and should be 21 years of age at the time of the conference. Remember to keep each other in prayer and call on one another to keep those friendships in Christ going. May God bless and keep all of you in His loving embrace until He brings us together again. C U on FB STEUBENVILLE 2011! ~ Nancy Dietrich ~ Group Leader/Chaperone