Category: xxxDefending the Faith

Defending the Faith

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Saturday

6:30 am – 8:00 am

Sacrament of Reconciliation   (JPII Library)

6:30 am – 8:30 am

Breakfast  (Antonian Hall)

8:00 am – Noon

Registration Open (JCWC: Conference Information Desk)

7:00 am

Doors Open  (FFH)

7:40 am – 8:00 am

Rosary  

8:00 am – 8:15 am

Gathering Music  

8:15 am – Noon

MORNING SESSION

Keynote: “The Ark, the Barque, and the Importance of Joy” –Curtis Martin

Keynote: “Scripture and the Heart” –Shane Owens

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: Fr. Carter Griffin

Noon – 2:00 pm

Lunch  (Antonian Hall)

12:15 – 1:15 pm

Pilgrimages Information Session (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)

*If you would like to attend this session and have a meal plan, sign up at the Pilgrimages Table to have your meal delivered to the Aerobics Room. If you do not have a meal plan, you can purchase lunch for $10

Noon – 2:00 pm

Prayer Teams Available 

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation  (JPII Library)

1:00 – 1:30 pm

Information Session: Elevated Parish Missions -Martin Watjen (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)

1:00 – 1:50 pm

“Life and Legacy Planning Seminar” -Jim Thaler (JCWC: Leo Room) 

*3/4

1:15 – 1:45 pm

Speaker Meet and Greet/Book Signing (Outside the JCWC Bookstore)

1:30 pm

Doors Open (Workshop Venues)

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm

 WORKSHOPS

    • “Meeting the Protestant Response: How to Answer Common Catholic Questions” -Karlo Broussard
      • FFH
    • “The Gospel Truth: How Can We Know What Christ Taught?” -Gary Michuta
      • FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor
    • “Abraham: Father of Faith and Works” -Steve Ray
      • CODA: Pugliese Auditorium
    • “The Bible and the Itinerary of the Christian Life” -Shane Owens
      • JCWC: Gentile Gallery

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 pm – 5:30 pm

Young Adult Social and Talk – “Discovering Your Vocation and Personal Mission” – Sarah and Andrew Swafford (FFH Courtyard and JCWC: Gentile Gallery)

*Pre-registration is required; open to ages 18-30. Drinks and snacks provided

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm

WORKSHOPS

    • “Bless the Reign Down in Africa: A New Look at the Church’s Ancient History” -Mike Aquilina
      • (FFH: Performance Room, 2nd Floor)
    • “A Biblical Worldview and a Catholic Imaginative Vision” –Curtis Martin
      • (FFH: Aerobics Room, 2nd Floor)
    • “Between Joints and Marrow: How to Talk About Difficult Teachings with Family and Friends” -Fr. Carter Griffin
      • (FFH)

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Dinner (Antonian Hall)

    • Blue: 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
    • Red: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

5:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Prayer Ministry Available (JCWC: Fireside Lounge)

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation  (JPII Library)

5:45 pm

Doors Open (FFH)

6:45 pm – 7:00 pm

Gathering Music  

 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

EVENING SESSION

Praise and Worship

Keynote: “Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Beauty, Truth, and Power of God’s Word” –Dr. Scott Hahn

Eucharistic Holy Hour

*Prayer Ministry will be available during the Holy Hour

10:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation  (JPII Library)

10:00 pm – 11:15 pm 

Social (FFH Courtyard)

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Midwest Theological Forum

Midwest Theological Forum is a non-profit organization that organizes programs and activities for priests and seminarians, and also publishes books and resources at the service of the Church.


Since our first publication, the Daily Roman Missal, we have published titles in the areas of Liturgy, Theology, Philosophy, Canon Law, Catholic Religious Education, and Catholic Spirituality. Among our most popular books are the Daily Roman Missal, Handbook of Prayers, The Didache Series, Missale Romanum, Didache Bible, The Book of the Gospels, the Roman Missal, and The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

www.theologicalforum.org

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Sunday

6:30 am – 8:00 am 

      Sacrament of Reconciliation (JPII Library)

6:30 am – 8:30 am 

Breakfast  (Antonian Hall)

7:30 am

Doors Open (FFH)

7:55 am – 8:15 am

Rosary  

8:15 am – 8:30 am

Gathering Music  

8:30 am – Noon

MORNING SESSION

Keynote: “From Anabaptist to Catholic: My Journey Home” –Ben Reinhard

Keynote: “Making a Home for the Word” –Kimberly Hahn

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR

Noon – 2:00 pm

Lunch  (Antonian Hall)

Until 2:00 pm 

Residence Hall Checkout

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Friday

Grounded in the Word of God

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” -Hebrews 4:12

Note: Times are subject to slight changes.

Conference Schedule:

  • All general sessions will be held in Finnegan Fieldhouse (FFH).
  • JCWC indicates J.C. Williams Center; CODA indicates SS. Cosmas and Damian.
  • All participant meals will be served inside and outside of Antonian Hall
    • For those without a meal plan, individual meals are available for purchase for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
      • Lunch (Saturday only) and dinners purchased outside of Antonian Hall: $10
      • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner purchased in Antonian Hall: $9.41, $12.55, and $15.69, respectively

Noon – 8:00 pm

Registration and Housing Check In
(St. Joseph Center,  Seminar Room)

1:30 pm

Doors Open  (FFH)

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

EARLY BIRD SESSION
(Open to Applied Biblical Studies and Defending the Faith participants )

Keynote: “Reading the Bible from the Heart of the Church—Historically and Mystically” – Andrew Swafford

Keynote: The Catechism: A Systematic Presentation of Our Riches! – Jeff Cavins

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Travelers’ Mass

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Dinner (Antonian Hall)

    • Blue: 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
    • Red: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

*NEW* Young Adult Social at Franciscan Square (185 Franciscan Square- outdoor space)

*Pre-registration is required; open to ages 18-30. Food and Drinks available for purchase.

5:45pm

Doors Open  (FFH)

6:45 pm – 7:00 pm

Gathering Music 

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

EVENING SESSION

       Keynote: “Christian Realism: Scriptural Principles to Stay Grounded” –Fr. Carter Griffin

       Keynote: “Genesis: Foundational Gold Mine of Scripture” –Steve Ray

 10:00 pm – 11:15 pm

Social  (FFH Courtyard)

10:00 pm – 11:45 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation (JPII Library)

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Cafe & Bookstore Hours | Defending the Faith

Clear Creek Coffee
Located 2nd floor of the J.C. Williams Center

  • Friday
    • 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday
    • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday
    • 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Pub
Located 2nd floor of the J.C. Williams Center

  • Friday
    • 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    • 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    • Closed
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Steubenville Conferences Stores

JCWC Campus Store Hours (JCWC Lower Level)

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9:00AM-4:30PM

Wednesday: 9:00AM-4:30PM

Thursday: 9:00AM-6:00PM

Friday: 9:00AM-7:00PM

Saturday: 7:30AM-6:30PM

Sunday: 7:30AM-1:30PM

Steubenville Conferences Bookstore (JCWC)

*Operated by St. Paul Center

Friday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Saturday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM – 2:00PM

Steubenville Conferences Marketplace Hours (FFH Lobby)

*Operated by Catholic to the Max

Friday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Saturday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM – 2:00PM

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Steve Ray

Steve Ray is an intrepid traveler, expert on the Holy Land, popular Catholic apologist, documentary producer, Bible teacher and best-selling author. He appears on many TV and radio shows. Steve is one of the most fascinating and inspiring Catholic speakers around and is appropriately dubbed “Jerusalem Jones.” His popular film series The Footprints of God has inspired and enriched the faith of thousands around the world. Steve leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land and other biblical and Catholic sites. He has been married to Janet for 43 years and is the father of 4 and grandfather of 17.

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Shane Owens

An alumnus of Franciscan University, Dr. Shane Owens (MA ’13) returned to the Ohio Valley in 2023 as an assistant professor of theology. Dr. Owens has taught classes at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, the Dominican House of Studies, and The Catholic University of America, where he completed his doctorate in historical theology. The theological exegesis and ecclesiology of St. Augustine of Hippo is the primary focus of his scholarship. He has a forthcoming book with Emmaus Road Publishing on the spirituality of Augustine’s Confessions, Return to the Heart. Dr. Owens met his wife, Esther (Power ’14, MA ’15) at Franciscan. Together, they raise two children in the Steubenville area.

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Bishop Earl Fernandes

The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes was ordained and installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, on May 31, 2022. He previously served as pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Cincinnati. He was a member of the staff of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., and dean of the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West and an associate professor of moral theology. He holds a doctorate in moral theology. Bishop Fernandes is a member of over a dozen boards across the nation. He is an author, with articles in three collections of essays published by the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha. He has also given presentations around the country.

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Karlo Broussard

Karlo Broussard, a native of Southern Louisiana, left a promising musical career to devote himself full time to the work of Catholic apologetics. As a staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, he travels the country giving talks on apologetics, the Bible, theology, and philosophy. Karlo holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology and is working on his PhD in philosophy. He also worked for several years with nationally known author and philosopher Fr. Robert J. Spitzer at the Magis Center. Karlo is one of the most dynamic and gifted Catholic speakers on the circuit today, communicating with precision of thought, a genuine love for God, and an enthusiasm that inspires.

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Dr. Scott Hahn

Dr. Scott Hahn is the Father Michael Scanlan, TOR,  Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center, an apostolate dedicated to teaching Catholics to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. Dr. Hahn has been married to his wife, Kimberly, for 44 years. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. They also have one son ordained to the Diocese of Steubenville, Father Jeremiah Hahn. As the author and editor of over 50 popular and academic books, Dr. Hahn’s works include best-selling titles Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb’s Supper, and Hail, Holy Queen. His most recent title is Catholics in Exile; Biblical Wisdom for our Journey Home (Emmaus Road, 2023).

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Gary Michuta

Gary Michuta is popular speaker, debater, and author of several books on Catholic apologetics and biblical studies such, as Why Catholic Bibles are Bigger, Making Sense of Mary, The Case for the Deuterocanon, Hostile Witnesses: How the Enemies of the Church Provide Christianity, and Revolt Against Reality: Fighting the Foes of Sanity and Truth-From the Serpent to the State. He is an instructor of apologetics for Home School Connections and the host of the radio show Hands On Apologetics on Virgin Most Powerful Radio.

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Dr. Andrew Swafford

Dr. Andrew Swafford is professor of theology at Benedictine College. He is co-author of A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships (with his wife, Sarah), and What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith (with Marcellino D’Ambrosio) and co-host of Ascension’s video series filmed in Rome under the same title. He is general editor and contributor to Ascension’s Great Adventure Catholic Bible and co-host and author of Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews. He is also an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife and their six children in Atchison, Kansas.

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Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin is the founder and CEO (Chief Evangelization Officer) of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Curtis holds a master’s degree in theology and is the author of the bestselling book Made for More. Curtis and his wife, Michaelann, live in Westminster, Colorado. They have nine children.

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Mike Aquilina

Mike Aquilina is executive vice president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is the author of more than 70 books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion. With Scott Hahn, he has hosted 11 long-running TV series on EWTN. He is also a contributing editor to Angelus News and series editor for the Reclaiming Catholic History series at Ave Maria Press. He does a podcast twice monthly for CatholicCulture.org. Mike and his wife, Terri, are parents to six and grandparents to six.

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Kimberly Hahn

Kimberly Hahn married Scott in 1979. They met at Grove City College, where she earned a BA in communication arts. While Scott studied to be a pastor, Kimberly earned an MA in theological studies in 1982. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. Kimberly became a Catholic in 1990 in Joliet, Illinois, after a difficult struggle during the four years following Scott’s entrance into the Catholic Church. Together they wrote Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. Kimberly also wrote Life-Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage, and a four-volume series on marriage and family life: Chosen and Cherished, Graced and Gifted, Beloved and Blessed, and Legacy of Love. Her podcast, “Beloved and Blessed,” reaches tens of thousands weekly.

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Dr. André Villeneuve

André Villeneuve is a Catholic biblical scholar and Assistant Professor in the Honors College at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. He holds an M.A. in theology and catechetics from Franciscan University in Steubenville (2005), a Ph.D. in Scripture from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2013), and an S.S.L. from the Pontifical Biblical Commission in Rome (2019). He has taught theology and Scripture at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, CO, and summer courses at Franciscan University. He is the author of Nuptial Symbolism in Second Temple Writings, the New Testament, and Rabbinic Literature. André is passionate about the Jewish roots of the Catholic faith, leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and fostering the reconciliation of Israel and the Church through the work of of Catholics for Israel (www.catholicsforisrael.com).

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Jeff Cavins

Jeff Cavins returned to the Catholic Church after serving as a Protestant minister for 12 years. He received his MA in theology from Franciscan University and was founding host of Life on the Rock on EWTN. Jeff created The Great Adventure Bible Studies using a system that enables students to understand the chronological flow of Scripture. He is the author of several books, including Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for Joyful Living and When You Suffer: Biblical Keys for Hope and Understanding, and he also leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Learn more at jeffcavins.com.

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Priestly Discernment Program – Franciscan University

Is God calling you to consider becoming a priest?

Discern a possible vocation to the priesthood and/or religious life with other young men and receive preparation for seminary! Young men in the Priestly Discernment Program (PDP) at Franciscan University of Steubenville gain a firm foundation in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Four Dimensions of Formation:

  1. Intellectual Formation
  2. Human Formation
  3. Spiritual Formation
  4. Pastoral Formation

Here at Franciscan, we add a fifth dimension, dedicated to Fraternal Formation, for the building up of community life and brotherhood.

Log on to our website or visit our Facebook page for more Information.
Website
Facebook

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Dcn. Bob Rice

Deacon Bob Rice lives in the Diocese of Steubenville with his wife, Jennifer, and seven children. He is a professor of catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he teaches courses on Scripture, youth ministry, and music ministry. He travels around the country preaching about Jesus and leading worship. He also does a weekly podcast with Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, called “They That Hope.” Learn more about him at deaconbobrice.com.

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Shuttle Schedule

Shuttles are provided by the conference Transportation Team. They are located at the Transportation Tent in Rosary Circle, outside the J. C. Williams Center.

Shuttles are provided to various locations across campus. They are also provided to/from the following area hotels:

In Steubenville, OH:

Best Western Plus (Inn at Franciscan Square), Wingate by Wyndham, Sleep Inn & Suites

In Weirton, WV:

Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites

Hotel shuttles will occur at the following times:

Opening day – 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (This time is also allotted for airport shuttles.)

Mid-conference – 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.; 9:30 p.m. until midnight

Closing day – 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

For shuttles at any other time, please go to the Transportation Tent or call the Transportation Team at (740) 317-4340 .