From the Steubenville Conferences Team

Dear Friend, 

We are so glad you chose to join us for a Steubenville Conference this summer! 

Since the very first priests’ conference at Franciscan University in 1975, the Steubenville Conferences have grown to provide spiritual renewal each year to tens of thousands of high school youth, young adults, catechists, religious educators, priests, deacons, seminarians, religious men and women, and laity. 

This summer alone, we are offering four adult and four youth conferences on Franciscan University’s campus, and 13 regional youth conferences across North America. The University continues to expand its outreach.  

On May 17, 2022, Franciscan Center for Evangelization & Renewal became the new location for the Catechetical Institute, the Catechetical Review, the School of Spiritual Direction, and Steubenville Conferences. The motto of Franciscan Center is, Afire with the Spirit to enkindle, accompany and transform. We are always led by the Holy Spirit in every outreach initiative. We endeavor to create the best environment to encounter Christ and nurture growth and accompaniment for each person on their faith journey. We also form and equip joyful disciples to share the Good News of Jesus Christ! 

We hope your time with us draws you closer to Jesus and to each other in community. Know that you are always in our prayers—during the conference and beyond! Thank you again for joining us. 

The Steubenville Conferences Office 

From Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

Peace and blessings! 

Maybe this is your first Steubenville Conference. Maybe this is your 21st. Either way, I’m excited to welcome you—or welcome you back—to Franciscan University’s campus. God is going to do great things during each of the conferences, and I’m so glad you will be present to experience it. 

Every summer since my ordination, I’ve been a speaker for Steubenville Conferences. I’ve lost count, but my best guess is that I’ve been to over 100 conferences. So, I’d like to offer some advice for both the first timers and seasoned veterans like me. 

First, let go of all your plans and expectations. Give God permission to do whatever he wants to do. That said, there are some things I am certain will happen. Your spiritual life will be enriched, and you will worship with a community of other Catholics from all around the country who will inspire you. 

Second, take advantage of this conference as a time for prayer, fellowship, and refreshment. Be open to how Jesus wants to talk with you. He will surprise you if you let him. 

Also, have confidence. Have confidence that God has you here for a reason, that he is already at work in your life. God is good. He loves you, and you can trust in him. 

Thank you for joining us this summer. I hope to see you again next year for the 50th anniversary of Steubenville Conferences! 

Peace,

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
President
Franciscan University of Steubenville