Confessions
We do our best to schedule confessors during each conference, but lines may be long when confession is available. If you are unable to receive the sacrament during a conference, you are encouraged to go to confession at your home parish.
Faculties for Priests
The Diocese of Steubenville has granted faculties to hear confessions and concelebrate Masses for all priest guests who hold faculties and are in good standing in their home diocese and have submitted a Letter of Good Standing to the Conference Office. A copy of the letter is on file in the Christ the King Chapel office.
Workshop Session 7: Thursday, 8:00 am – 9:15am
1. Fidelity to God and Humanity: How the Human Sciences Can Inform Religious Education Dr. Joseph White (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)
The new Directory for Catechesis calls us to be faithful both to God and to humanity as we form others in faith and points out how “faithfulness to humanity” means understanding what human sciences like education, human development, and psychology teach us about how people think, grow, and learn. In this session, we’ll talk about how to use what we know about the human person to make our catechesis more engaging and effective.
2. Catechesis in the Period of Purification and Enlightenment (RCIA2) Lori Smith (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)
Details to come
3. Following God’s Pedagogy: Principles for Children’s Catechesis Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP (JCWC, Gentile Gallery)
God has a unique way of speaking to children and revealing to them the mysteries of his kingdom. In this workshop, participants will discover the genius of the Hebraic/Montessori-based catechetical approach called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Many of the catechetical principles which animate the CGS pedagogy can be applied to any catechetical setting, thereby providing practical measures for authentic catechetical renewal.
4. Young Joyful Missionary Disciples: A New Framework for Youth and Young Adult Ministry Dr. Bob Rice (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)
Details to come
5. Effective Ways to Grow Parish and School Leaders Toward the Church’s Discipleship Vision with the Catechetical Institute (DO) Dr. Mark Ginter (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)
After working five years in the field with 115 partner dioceses from throughout the world and over 37,000 learners on FranciscanAtHome.com, the CI Partnership Team has identified best practices for effective ways to grow parish and school leaders. These best practices are not merely theoretical, but they are based on real data about the Church’s efforts at disciple-making through the CI Approach. We hope that some practitioners from partner dioceses will attend this workshop and share their experiences with all.
6. Our Life in Christ: The Basics of Catholic Morality (CT2 / YM2) Dr. Eric Westby (Egan Hall, 113)
This workshop offers a summary outline of the basic principles of Catholic morality and how our moral life is rooted not merely in a code of ethics or a set of rules, but profoundly in the Person of Jesus. It discusses some of the major moral issues we face in our society today and equips all who teach the faith, whether youth ministers, catechists, Catholic school teachers, and so on, with the tools to establish a sure foundation for right moral thinking.
7. The Ancient School of Alexandria: What Can We Learn for Our Catechesis and Evangelization Dr. Petroc Willey (Egan Hall, 213)
Ancient Alexandria, in Egypt, was the setting of the first significant catechetical institute in the Church’s history. It was a dynamic presence in the Church from the late second century until the early fifth century. It prepared catechumens for baptism and teachers of the faith for work in evangelization and building a Christian culture. This workshop examines what we can learn from it for our ministry today.
8. The Deposit of Faith: An Introduction to the Catechism (HLT) Dr. Marlon de la Torre (Cosmas and Damian, 206)
The content of this presentation will explore the relationship between the kerygma and the Creed as revealed through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There will be an emphasis on how the Word of God serves as the foundation for the Catechism and its application as a living and breathing instrument of the Catholic faith. Finally, we will investigate the identity and nature of the Deposit of Faith-Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
9. Discernment of Spirits (RT) Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP (CTK)
How can we discover and follow the will of God for us? This session will explore how both Scripture and Tradition offer us guidance on discerning the work of the Spirit in our minds, hearts, and lives. From St. Paul to St. Ignatius to St. Catherine, we will learn from the wisdom of those whose lives were Spirit-led how to discern God’s will and embrace it joyfully.
10. Undivided Love; We are Worth the Fight: St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem Gina Bauer (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)
“The hour is coming, in fact has come.” St John Paul believed in women. In his Apostolic letter on the Dignity and Vocation of Women, he summons the women of the church to take the place that God has prepared for them, encouraging them to be more responsible for their high calling in God, lest humanity fall. Women are being called to inspire and influence human change, as the grace is given to them, through the power of God the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs humanity to its supreme calling!
Workshop Session 6: Wednesday, 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
1. Recruiting, Training, and Forming Volunteers II (PCL1) Dr. Martha Drennan (Cosmas and Damian, Pugliese Auditorium)
Details to come
2. Philosophical Foundations of Catechesis (PCL2 / CT1) Dr. Ron Bolster (Cosmas and Damian, Room 300)
Details to come
3. Pastoral Components of the Christian Initiation Process: From Initial Motivation to Firm Conviction to a Catholic Worldview (RCIA1) Patty Norris (St. Joseph Center, Classroom B)
Pastoring is a key component of the RCIA process. This workshop addresses this aspect which is both extremely personal and very practical. How do we address all the different needs and circumstances that are present in each new inquirer and how does the Church guide us in this respect? These areas and more will be addressed.
4. Discernment Process for Participant’s Readiness for the Rites (RCIA2) Lori Smith (St. Joseph Center, Classroom A)
Please request talk description from Bill Keimig for the RCIA Track description of this workshop.
5. Holy Spirit, Converter of Hearts (CT2 / YM2) Fr. Jay Mello (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)
Beginning with Pentecost, we will look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in particular the role of the Holy Spirit in the new evangelization and the work of the Church today. The Holy Spirit empowers us as disciples to have the important and sometimes difficult conversations about the faith with the people in our lives. Jesus promised us that the Spirit would guide us and give us the words when in these situations.
6. The Evangelist’s Toolbelt: Practical Skills Needed to Evangelize (YA) Marcel LeJeune (JCWC: Gentile Gallery)
How do we evangelize? What are the best tools that a Catholic evangelist should use? What are the strategies and tactics that work in helping transform modern people? What does conversion look like? How can we reach those far from God? Get practical, everyday tools and tips about what actually works outside of just running another video program at your parish for the same folks who always show up for everything. Find out how to reach the lost, help lead others to Jesus, and evangelize others.
7. Theology of the Body for Teens (YM1) Gina Bauer (Egan Hall, 213))
Details to come
8. Virtuous Leadership – Patience, Perseverance, Graciousness, Humility (HLT) Paco Gavrilides (Cosmas and Damian, 206)
Details to come
9. Planning and Execution in a Diocesan Setting (DO) Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)
Effective strategic planning is critical for achieving the results that we desire. But how do we create a realistic plan that can be executed with the resources that we are given? How do we prioritize our projects so that our best resources and time are going to the most important things? How can we be reasonably sure that our plan is God’s will? Join us for this workshop where we will tackle these questions and more as we engage in ministry in our time.
10. Integrated Family Catechesis: Multiple Models for Honoring the Role of Parents as First Witnesses of the Faith Dr. Joseph White (Egan Hall, 113)
An ever-present question in parish and school religious education is how to move beyond a child-only focus to a model of formation that supports parents as the first and most important catechists. While no single approach is ideal for every parish or school, some best practices have arisen for forming families and equipping parents in this God-given vocation. In this session, we’ll discuss various models that integrate parents and family life in religious education in effective and meaningful ways.
11. Sexual Identity Disorders Dr. Andrew Sodergren (FFH)
Details to come
Service Project for Casa Maria
Service Project for Casa Maria
Copper Ballroom
We hope to build 1000 PB&J Sandwich lunches for all the people Casa Maria serves! We need you, come join!
Meals / Concessions
Meals will be served in Exhibit Hall A for Blue & Green Wristbands.
Meals will be served in Copper Ballroom for Red & Yellow Wristbands.
Meals include only one serving per participant; please do not get back in line for seconds.
Please follow the lines and directions of the volunteers for a smooth meal flow. Once you have picked up your meal, you can eat it at the tables nearby or anywhere around the Convention Center.
Concessions will be open in Exhibit Hall A with food available for purchase on Friday evening from 9:30-11:00pm and on Saturday from 1:30-4:00pm.
Participants with food allergies or dietary restrictions that were submitted via digital paperwork before the deadline will receive tickets at check-in to redeem at the dietary restrictions table where they will receive their modified meal.
WHAT IS A STEUBENVILLE CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR?
We are all called to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Being an Ambassador is one of the best ways you can live out the call of St. Francis to “Go, rebuild the Church.”
What we offer:
- Hands-on support and encouragement
- Resources and materials to assist you along the way
- Accountability and one-on-one coaching
What we ask:
- That you remain prayerful and discern God’s call for you in this role.
- Step out in faith to invite those from your faith, family, and local community to join you at our conferences.
- Sit back and let God do the rest!
The Steubenville Conference Ambassador program is completely FREE to participate in.
Watch this 3-minute video that provides a brief overview of the program. <<Click here >>
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN AMBASSADOR?
For the Ambassador, some benefits include:
- The joy of knowing that you are serving the Lord and bringing your brothers and sisters in Christ to a renewed encounter with the love of Jesus.
- Access to resources and hands-on coaching to help you spread the word and support you every step of the way.
- Perks and benefits for continuing to grow your group, including expedited check-in, reserved seating, and more!
For those in your group, some benefits include:
- A renewal of joy and faith
- Authentic fellowship
- Fostering community as you and your group journey through the conference together.
Many prayer groups, fellowship groups, and Discipleship Quads have been born out of the Steubenville Conference experience. The grace received at one of our conferences has helped set entire parishes on fire for God.
Meals
If you have purchased a meal plan, your name badge will be necessary for admission into all meals. If you have not purchased a meal plan, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be purchased in Antonian Hall for $9, $12, and $15, respectively. Otherwise, please consider visiting Cupertino’s Café or the Pub (both located in the J.C. Williams Center) or the retailers at Franciscan on the Square (near the University’s entrance) for food and beverages. See “Cafe and Campus Store Hours” under the “Information” button for the hours of operations for the Cupertino’s Café and the Pub.
- Meal Location Information
- If you have been with us in the past, you would know that we have had very long lines for food throughout this conference. To alleviate these long lines, we have added a second location for food service. If you have a meal plan, your two options for lunch and dinner throughout the weekend are the Cafeteria or the Tent.
- At the Cafeteria, we have staggered entrance times to alleviate long lines there. These times are posted on signs throughout campus. We will also have push notifications identifying these times. Please honor these times based on the sticker that is on your nametag (blue and yellow). These times only apply to lunch and dinner at the cafeteria. The tent will not have staggered times, and the mealtimes for the tent are the same as the cafeteria.
- If you do not have a meal plan and want to eat on campus, you can only purchase food at the retail locations on campus and at the Tent. Only those with meal plans can eat at the cafeteria.
- For those that are waiting for their time to go to dinner, we would encourage you to visit our bookstore which includes titles from many of the presenters this weekend or to visit the Port Chapel area which includes the Tomb of the Unborn Child, Our Lady of Guadalupe image, Stations of the Cross and Marian Grotto.
Apostolate for Family Consecration
| The Apostolate for Family Consecration® (AFC) supports and challenges Catholic families to grow in holiness, grow in truth, and grow together so that they can become fully alive in Christ. We offer Catholic family vacations, retreats, and resources to lead families to an encounter with Jesus and form them in the truths of our Catholic Faith.The AFC is a private association of Christ’s faithful founded in 1975 by Jerry and Servant of God Gwen Coniker. |
Media
Members of the media, please contact John Romanowsky in the Marketing and Communications Department at 740-284-5893 or jromanowsky@franciscan.edu before conducting interviews or publishing reports. No commercial use of conference activities may be made without authorization.
Daily E-Spirations
Start every day off right! Have a daily dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox every morning: whether it be an inspirational quote from holy men and women or from Sacred Scripture. Receive the link to the daily Mass readings, too!
Franciscan University Online
Franciscan courses and degree programs for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, fully accredited and passionately Catholic.
Learn globally.
Act locally.
Walk faithfully.
https://online.franciscan.edu/
Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
| To spread the Flame of Love grace obtained for us by our Blessed Mother for our time. |
Priests
We sincerely thank you for your service and for your beautiful testimony. We honestly could not have successful conferences without your diligent work.
Priests are asked to assist with the sacraments throughout the weekend whenever there are able. There will be sign ups on Friday evening. Please help us by signing up for as many time slots as you can in order to serve as many youth as possible.
Reconciliation: You will be asked to volunteer your time to hear confessions throughout the weekend. Please bring your own alb and stole, as we may not have enough to accommodate everyone.
Concelebrating Mass: All vesting for Mass will take place in the racquetball court, located in Finnegan Fieldhouse. You will be able to store your vestments there if you would like. If you need access to the room, please ask at Guest Services (located on the top floor of the J.C. Williams Center) and our staff will be able to assist you.
Please bring your own alb and stole, as we may not have enough to accommodate everyone.
Evacuation Plan
In case of an emergency, please listen to our staff and security personnel and follow their directions.
Throughout the conference weekend, conference staff will be monitoring the weather.
In the case of a declared weather WARNING in Jefferson County, an emergency will automatically be declared. The evacuation procedures (whether during a session or otherwise) will be immediately implemented.
Health & Safety
COVID-19 Protocols & Policies
COVID-19 protocols and policies can be found at steubenvilleconferences.com/covid.
Guest Services | Registration
Guest Assistance
Our staff and student workers are eager to help you and can be identified with applicable attire. For general conference questions, please ask someone wearing a staff shirt or call 740-283-6801. For nighttime on-campus needs, contact your Housing Host. Student hosts are available on the main floor of each residence hall.
Registration Office
On opening day of each event, Registration Check In, located in the St. Joseph Center Seminar Room, is open from noon to 8:00 p.m. To contact the Registration Team, please call 740-283-6315 or email conferences@franciscan.edu. The Registration Office is closed on Sundays.
Smoking
The Ohio Smoke-Free Workplace Act prohibits smoking in all buildings/tents on the campus of Franciscan University and in areas adjacent to building entrances. Smoking is also prohibited outdoors within 30 feet of all building entrances and open windows where smoke may enter a building and in any other designated outdoor nonsmoking area. Please respect those around you by complying with these mandates. Ohio State Law also prohibits the purchase, possession, and use of tobacco products by anyone under the age of 21. Please help us by obeying this law.
Sale of Books and Other Items
The sale of any books, pamphlets, CDs, artwork, etc. is permitted only through the Franciscan University Campus Store. Please contact the Campus Store at 740-283-6271 for more information.
To learn more about the items available in the store, please visit its website at store.franciscan.edu/home or send questions to campusstore@franciscan.edu.
WIFI | Lost & Found
INTERNET – WiFi ACCESS
Access to the University’s wireless network, “BaronNet-Guest,” is available to all conference guests. If you experience any trouble, call Guest Services at 740-283-6801.
LOST AND FOUND
The Lost and Found is located at the J. C. Williams Center Information Desk throughout the scheduled conference. Items in Lost and Found must be claimed within two weeks of the close of the conference. After that time, the return of lost items is not guaranteed. If you realize after the conference that you have lost something, please call 740-283-3771.
Housing | Showers & Restrooms
Youth and Adult Chaperone Housing
Youth and chaperones will be housed in the same proximity, under the same roof, but will not be expected to share sleeping quarters (i.e. bedrooms). If your diocesan policy does not allow for youth and adults to be housed under the same roof, your group must stay off campus.
In the Evenings:
Your Housing Hosts are located on the first floor of your residence hall. They are available throughout the weekend should you need anything.
Lockdown
Make sure to take everything that you will need for the day with you when you leave for breakfast or the Morning Session, as all residence halls will be closed at 8:30 a.m. and will not open again until after the evening session.
You will not be permitted to enter the dorms during the day.
Expectations
Members of the opposite sex are not permitted in each other’s sleeping facilities.
Food in the residence halls is permitted, BUT please make sure to clean up after eating.
Do not move the furniture.
Leave a clear aisle from your door to your window for safety reasons. Additionally, do not open or otherwise touch the windows. No yelling out of or climbing through residence hall windows.
Everyone is to be in the dorms by midnight; do not leave the residence hall after this time.
Lights out is at 12:30 a.m.; Housing Hosts will announce this.
Please keep quiet after lights out. Group Leaders are responsible for the noise level of their youth.
No horseplay or excessive noise in residence hall restrooms.
No removing, damaging, or vandalizing signs or residence hall property.
Only main doors are to be used for entrance/exit throughout the weekend.
Close the curtains when changing.
Smoking and the use of candles is prohibited in all facilities.
Leave no trash behind; trash cans are available for your use during check out.
In order to abide more effectively by the Diocese of Steubenville’s Child Protection policies, all occupied rooms will be labeled with the Group Leader’s last name and the respective occupants, i.e. adult chaperone or youth. This will help us keep all participants safe and also help us find the respective Group Leaders and chaperones more quickly in case of emergency. All guests may shower in the provided bathrooms in the assigned residence halls. Please note: Restrooms are designated by “Adult Chaperone” and “Youth” respectively, in order to adhere to Safe Environment standards.
Priest Housing
Priests will be housed separately from all other conference guests. These units are air conditioned.
Showers & Restrooms
In the residence halls, all guests may shower in the provided bathrooms in the assigned residence halls. Please note, restrooms are designated by “Adult Chaperone” and “Youth” respectively, in order to adhere to Safe Environment standards.
Photography and Video
Video or audio recordings may NOT be made of liturgies, speakers, or music. This material is copyrighted and subject to all copyright laws. Flash photography is not allowed during liturgy in the Diocese of Steubenville. Portions of this conference are being photographed and recorded in video and audio format. By attending this conference, you give Franciscan University your consent to use these images and recordings without restriction in publications, advertisements, videos, websites, web-streaming video, and other uses.
Phones
Please silence your cell phones during ALL sessions. This includes Liturgy, Main Sessions, and Workshop Sessions. House phones (for internal use only) are located in the J.C. Williams Center at the Information Desk.
Parking
Our staff will help you find parking upon arrival. We ask that you not park in spaces reserved for service vehicles, residence directors, conference team members, or in marked fire lanes. Use of handicapped parking spaces requires proper license plates and/or hang tags.