Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithful to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary through her appearances on the American continent in 1531, serves the spiritual needs of those who suffer poverty in body and soul. It is a place of ceaseless prayer for the corporal and spiritual welfare of God’s children, especially those in most need.

A Gift of Providence

Pilgrims come to the Shrine Church to receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance and to participate in Holy Mass. Through her beautiful image behind the altar, Our Lady of Guadalupe continues her vocation and mission of bringing Christ to us and bringing us to Christ.

In November of 1995, then-Bishop Raymond Leo Burke met with a small group of people to discuss his ideas for a Marian shrine.​

Through what many attribute to divine providence, a beautiful site of approximately 70 acres was gifted by the Robert Swing family. It was the desire of the late Mr. & Mrs. Swing that the tract of land which they had cared for so well might one day become a place that would draw people closer to God.

University of St. Thomas

University of St. Thomas: All for the Common Good

At St. Thomas we believe diversity, equity and inclusion are indispensable to academic excellence and the holistic development of our students. Our university community includes and welcomes ALL people.

With eight schools and colleges, St. Thomas offers a comprehensive university with undergraduate and graduate options.

With one campus along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, a second campus in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and a third campus in Rome, St. Thomas offers an urban experience with lots of greenery thrown in. But you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. So come to campus and see it all for yourself.

Our two-year college, Dougherty Family College, is for students who want to obtain a four-year college degree. They receive financial, academic and professional support on the way to their goals.

All students can participate in Study Abroad, Research, and Internship opportunities, and access the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, which helps spread the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation across campus.

Contact Us!

Connor Flanagan

Connor Flanagan is a pop/hip-hop artist passionate about encouraging others to step into God’s dream for their life. In a world where people are crippled by fear, scared of the unknown, and longing for purpose; Connor desires for his career to serve as a witness of what can happen when you don’t settle for what the world offers, and instead allow God to breathe life into your gifts. Pulling from influences such as Macklemore, Mat Kearney & TobyMac, Connor’s acoustic roots plus love for hip-hop have allowed him to create a unique sound that is accessible by any audience. From driving anthems to acoustic pop, Connor’s ability to bring his songs to life on stage is what sets him apart. From booking and promoting his own album release tour, to opening for acts such as Kari Jobe & David Crowder, Connor is committed to crafting a live experience that communicates both hope & encouragement to all those in attendance.

Connor Flanagan

Dress Guidelines

Partnership for Youth requests that all participants adhere to the following guidelines regarding modest dress.
Please note that it is the responsibility of group leaders and chaperones to address these guidelines with their teens. Conference staff and volunteers will not personally address modesty with participants unless there is a gross violation.

Please avoid the following:
*Shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than 5 inches above the knee while standing, or that are tight, drawing attention to the shape of the body.
*Shirts that reveal midriff or are low cut from the neck area.
*Leggings, yoga pants and tights, unless paired with a long loose fit ting tunic or dress.
*Rolling up of skirts or shorts at the leg or waistband.
*Pants or shorts that say to the point where they reveal one’s undergarments.
*Clothing that may appear to have an anti-Christian message or with writings that include crude language, promotion of alcohol or drug use, or suggestive material of a crude or a sexual nature.
*”Free Hugs” signs and shirts.

Additionally:
*Shoes must be worn at all time.
*During all Liturgies and prayers, out of respect, every male must remove any headwear. This includes all hats, visors, headbands, bandanas, etc.
*Individuals serving in any capacity during the liturgical celebrations are asked to wear long pants or a long skirt and an appropriate shirt.
*Dancing that appears inappropriate or vulgar will not be permitted.

Saturday Joliet

8:00-9:00 am

Registration


9:00am

General Session
Keynote


11:20am- 12:40pm

Lunch
–   Reconciliation
–   Marketplace Open
–   Small Groups


12:40-1:50pm

General Session
Keynote


1:50-2:40pm

Eucharistic Adoration


2:40-3:40pm

Recharge
–   Reconciliation
–   Marketplace Open
–   Small Groups


3:40-5:00pm

General Session
Closing Mass

Bishop Ronald Hicks

Bishop Ron Hicks was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. He served at several parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago before serving as regional director at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in El Salvador. He was Dean of Formation at Mundelein Seminary before he was appointed Vicar General, then auxiliary bishop. He was named bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in 2020.

Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary

Schoenstatt’s goal is the moral and spiritual renewal of society. We want to help bring about the Kingdom of the Father on earth by forming personalities and communities firmly rooted in Christian principles and values.

Mary is our way to this goal. Through the covenant of love with her, we want to create and foster a Marian culture in our world – a culture of Marian love for God, Marian faithfulness, Marian nobility, Marian freedom and generosity, Marian purity. We want to give the world a Marian face.

As a secular institute, we have a special mission to be the arm of the Church in the world. We want to influence and shape all levels of society and all aspects of human life with a Christian spirit. By our being and actions, and as instruments of the Blessed Mother, we want to bring the message of God’s love to every corner of the world.

Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is here to help. We offer the Catholic faith formation, financial protection, and family resources that can help you grow as a father, husband, and leader. With the Knights, you can become the man you want to be – and your family needs.

Website

Damascus

Damascus is a community of missionaries who are passionate about bringing revival to the Catholic Church. The polls and the pews tell the story of a crisis of faith, where over 80% of young people are leaving the church within 10 years of their confirmation. In response, we believe that God is inviting us to partner with Him in reversing the trends and rewriting the story towards renewed hope and life in Him. We believe that when a generation of people are awakened to God’s love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and equipped with the tools to live a life on mission, it will change the world.

Since the inception of Catholic Youth Summer Camp in 2001, we have seen thousands of lives transformed through encounters with the living God. In 2016, the Lord blessed us with 500 acres in Centerburg, OH and we began to build a campus to serve the youth of the Church. We dreamed big, but God dreamed bigger.

What started with a handful of missionaries serving 1,000 youth a year, has grown to now be 250+ missionaries serving over 20,000 each year through 3 summer camp locations and year-round ministry to parishes, schools, families, and dioceses across the country. As we boldly move forward to take the Gospel across this nation, we know that this is just the beginning of a movement to reclaim a lost generation for Jesus!

Damascus

GET TO KNOW US

Scapegoat

“The saints did not all begin well, but they ended well.” – St. John Vianney

Scapegoat is a new endeavor started by two friends who were inspired to bring new life to the Catholic design world. We started making products that were designed to inspire. Not only will you have a brand spankin’ new patch, you will also have a daily reminder of your future call to Sainthood.

Part of what Scapegoat hopes to accomplish, is to rediscover what it really means to be a “radical” Catholic. To us, that means one thing – Sainthood. Everything we make reminds and inspires us to start each day with a “yes” to God and the adventures He has in store for each of us.

Why “Scapegoat”? In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus tells us about the Jewish practice of a Chief Priest symbolically placing the sins of the people on a goat and sending it out into the wild. In the New Testament, Jesus takes on this role by taking our sin on His shoulders and dying for our eternal salvation.

We try to communicate this Truth in every product that we create. Jesus is the ultimate Scapegoat. He is the only way to freedom from Sin and a peace that only He can give. We must live our lives in a way that reflects this reality.

Scapegoat

Real Presence Radio

Real Presence Radio (RPR) is a lay apostolate Catholic talk radio network in the US with 27 signals in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota Wisconsin and Wyoming. RPR is dedicated to sharing the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Website

 

Campus Rules and Behavior Expectations

General Campus Rules 

Chaperones must know where their teens are at all times. 

No drugs or alcohol. If any are found, the participant/group can be subject to immediate expulsion. 

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.

Property Damage

The responsible party will pay for full repair/replacement costs. 

Young Children and Infants

Infants and children are generally not permitted into the youth conference due to high decibel sound levels. In addition, Group Leaders and adult chaperones must keep as their top priority oversight of their youth. 


Dress Code/Language 

All participants, including adults, are expected to dress appropriately in modest attire. 

Clothing must cover all undergarments and midriffs.    

Bikini tops, low cut tops, mini skirts, yoga pants and short shorts are unacceptable. 

Inappropriate and profane attire are not to be worn at any time during the conference.   

Shirts and shoes are to be worn at all times.    

Foul and abusive language will not be permitted. 

Group Leaders and adult chaperones are expected to communicate these expectations to their youth beforehand and to enforce the dress code at the conference.    


Discipline/Disclaimers 

All conference participants are expected to follow the direction of the Conference Staff and Security, in addition to posted signage.  Any instances of insubordination will be subject to appropriate discipline. 

Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Conference Office reserve the right to handle disciplinary situations in a way that best serves the overall conference, including the right to deny entrance to, or request the ejection of, any group or individual who does not comply with the regulations and policies of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s High School Youth Conferences. Should this happen, no refund will be given. 

For security reasons, Franciscan University of Steubenville reserves the right to check all bags/luggage/containers and confiscate any of the aforementioned items that are brought to our High School Youth Conferences. 


Misconduct 

The following are misconduct issues that will not be tolerated at High School Youth Conferences:   

  • Use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances or drug paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law.  
  • Public intoxication, or use, possession, sale, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and by University regulations.
  • Possession or use of firearms, explosives, other weapons, incendiary devices, firecrackers or dangerous chemicals on University premises. 

Reporting an Incident 

If you witness a youth or adult chaperone violating any policy in regard to Child Protection or Franciscan University of Steubenville’s guidelines, you are required to report it immediately to a member of the Campus Security or Conference Staff. 

Campus Security can be reached at: 740-283-6333. 


Safe Environment 

In order to ensure the safety of all our youth and remain in compliance with the policies established by the Diocese of Steubenville and Franciscan University of Steubenville, all adult chaperones are required to provide proof of their Safe Environment Training.  

Every adult chaperone must also be background checked to the specifications of his/her home diocese. Proof of these specifications must be presented to the Conference Office via the Adult Chaperone Verification Form at the time of checkin for the conference.  

Priests must submit a “Letter of Good Standing. directly to the diocese of Steubenville who will then review this information and dispense faculties as applicableAll information pertaining to faculties will be on file with the University Chapel Office. 


Session Expectations 

Refrain from running and/or participating in crowd surfing.

Inflatable items brought into the Fieldhouse should be no larger than a standard basketball. Inflatable objects larger than this will be confiscated and not returned. Additionally, any inflatable that lands on the stage will be confiscated and discarded.

Do not go on the stage unless invited by the host or a speaker.

Flash photography is not permitted during the liturgy per the Diocese of Steubenville. 

Videotaping is not permitted during any sessions. 

Refrain from standing on, folding, or moving chairs. 

Keep the aisles clear. 

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.

 

Confessions

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.

 

Learn More

For over 40 years, the Steubenville Conferences, an outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville, have been helping people develop the relationship with God that they desire.

We want to help you figure out which conference best fits your own needs, so that you can live the abundant life that God wants for you.

To request more information, tap here!

The LEAD Experience

The Franciscan LEAD Experience

Franciscan LEAD is a five-day, Christ-centered, sacrament-soaked, prayer- fueled immersion in Catholic teachings on leadership, evangelization, and discipleship inspired by the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi. Our leadership philosophy is based on the foundation that youth leadership flows from a personal relationship with Christ. Therefore, we first give teens the tools to grow closer in their relationship with Jesus and then give them the essentials for servant leadership and evangelization.

Each day of training consists of workshops on discipleship including how to develop a prayer life, overcoming sin through the sacraments, and other practical tools for developing their Catholic faith. The week will also include evangelization training on being an effective witness through topics such as how to share their personal testimony, servant leadership, how to answer difficult faith questions, and being an authentic witness.


What people are saying about LEAD…

“LEAD completely changed my perspective and kickstarted far more spiritual flourishing than I could’ve imagined. I witnessed what it truly meant to live an authentic Christian life, made friendships that have continued to direct me to the heart of the Lord, and attended a college that allowed my relationship with him to advance far more rapidly than it would’ve anywhere else.” // Cody S.

“I am not exaggerating when I say that Franciscan LEAD has changed my life. God has truly anointed this program, and I have seen him do more radically glorious things through Franciscan LEAD than I have in any other ministry in which I have been involved. I will forever be grateful for the foundation of prayer and discipleship that Franciscan LEAD gave me and that it continues to build in others.” // Ana T.

“I went on Franciscan LEAD in high school, feeling incredibly nervous and out of place. All of my fears and nerves were put to rest by the greeting of one of the facilitators, who became one of my best friends and, as all good friends should, continues to point me to the throne of God. To this day, Franciscan LEAD is the best retreat in which I’ve ever participated.” // William D.

“Franciscan LEAD equipped me with the practical tools I needed to follow Christ in my everyday life. It helped me to cultivate an authentic prayer life, to root myself in the sacraments, and it taught me how to be a joyful witness of Christ’s love in the world. Franciscan LEAD was more than an incredible retreat moment during my high-school years – it was a movement that helped me grow into the disciple I am today.” // Lauren K.

 

Life Teen

EMPOWER PARISHES TO EVANGELIZE
We believe that when a teenager encounters Christ through the beauty of the Catholic faith, they will transform their parish, community, and culture. We’ve seen it happen time and time again.

The Life Teen movement consists of resources that provide solid Catholic teaching and youth ministry experiences for youth in middle school through high school so you can spend less time at your desk and more time ministering to teens.

The goal of Life Teen and Edge is to provide a safe and fun place for youth to find a solid Catholic community, get answers to their questions, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. We give you a playbook to create the youth ministry you’ve always wanted. Our resources empower you and your core team to evangelize teens into life-long disciples. And we’re not the new kids on the block. We’ve been supporting youth ministers like you for nearly four decades. We’ve learned some things along the way and want to share them with you.

Our resources are offered as a subscription so that parishes have the tools to address the needs of teenagers today – not five years ago.

Life Teen

Pink Salt Riot

Our mission here at Pink Salt Riot is to empower modern Christian women to reject the lies perpetuated by our culture and thoughts and instead live in the truth God has for us in His Word. We do this through lifestyle products that come alongside the women we serve to make the truth incarnate in their daily lives.

We focus on creating both awareness resources and lifestyle products – a two prong approach to wholeness that encompasses both your mental and physical life.

We need to know what lie we’re believing, we need to know what the truth is, we need to be empowered to fight those lies with the word of God, and we need to know how to be aware of our thought lives and how lies can resurface in nuanced ways. That all happens through education and awareness, which we provide through email and social media.

We need touchstones that help us carry the torch of truth forward into our daily life. That’s where physical products like are, jewelry, vinyl stickers, and other lifestyle goods come into the picture.

When you put these pieces together along with the community we have created around our brand, possibility of powerful transformation emerges.  All the ingredients are here for you.

Website

Romantic Catholic

Since 2005, Romantic Catholic T-shirts has been creating Catholic Apparel for the whole family to help everyone TEEVANGELIZE the world. The Message on a Tee is read over 3000 times. Let’s Start Teevangelizing today.

We are so blessed to be able to offer our gifts and talents to serve God, mainly with our lives but also with our business.

Website

Paradigm

We desire to awaken culture through truth.

Paradigm is all about life. It is the pattern we live by and the lens through which we see the world. Some see with a clear and pure lens, and others have a lens that is a little cloudy. Truth in our culture has become distorted. It has become something that is adaptable to each individual, depending on his or her desires and needs. However, the fact is that truth cannot be molded or changed. Truth has been foundational since the beginning of time. Our mission at Paradigm is to clean the lens that the world looks through – making truth clear and definitive once more.

We want this mission-based community to be full circle. Not only are you equipped with an evangelization opportunity, but Paradigm’s digital platforms can be a practical resource for those that are looking for the tangible tools to evangelize. We desire to set people on mission, to create opportunities, and to equip people to be Christ’s hands and feet wherever they’re at.

​”Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity…Truth must be the foundation stone, the cement to solidify the entire social edifice.” John Paul II

Website