Unbound: Heart of the Father

At Unbound: Heart of the Father Ministries, our calling is to equip the church with insights, practical guidelines, teaching, and resources so that the broken and lost can encounter Jesus in the darkest area of their soul. Our desire is for people to experience liberation in Jesus Christ and walk in the freedom of knowing they are children of the eternal Father.

https://www.heartofthefather.com/

 

Online Prayer Ministry

From across the nation, teams from the Unbound Network —and even a team from Scotland—will offer online prayer during adoration led by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, at Jesus 2020.

Prayer teams will serve from 4:15pm-6:15pm EST, and each prayer session will last approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Although these sessions are for individual prayer needs and not Unbound prayer per se, the Unbound Network brings the gift and grace of its prayer teams’ significant training, formation, and ability to pray alongside people confidentially in a posture of faith and love.

Tap here for an Online Prayer Ministry Session

 

Prerecorded Workshops

View the Prerecorded Talks

Bring Baptism in the Holy Spirit to the whole Church

Father Boniface Hicks, OSB – Jesus, Splendor of the Father: Charismatic Prayer

Christian prayer is incarnational and trinitarian.  That is to say that it involves our whole human nature, and it is always relational.  Like our relationships with other human beings, we relate with God through our emotions, thoughts, words, and actions.  As with our human relationships, our intimacy with God deepens through vulnerability, and our union with Him goes beyond words and images.  Charismatic prayer fits naturally and neatly into this bigger picture of Christian prayer.  In this talk, Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, will explain how the charismatic gifts join the broader tradition of Christian prayer.

Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC – Jesus, Author of Life: History of the Renewal

“Lord, Renew Your wonders in this our day, as by a new Pentecost….” In miraculous and astounding ways, God heard and answered this prayer of the Church during the 20th Century. What is the correlation between Pope Leo XIII and Pentecostalism? How did spirit-filled Christians contribute to the beginnings of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal? What does February of 1967 have to do with me? Speaking from The Ark and The Dove Worldwide, Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC, will lead us on a journey through the origins and history of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, leading us to renew our commitment to spread this grace throughout the world, proclaiming Jesus Christ is Lord!

Peter Mallampalli – Jesus, Mighty God, Signal Fire at Duquesne

Jesus is not a “one and done” kind of God. Instead, He continually renews the face of the earth. In 1967, God used a retreat weekend for Duquesne University students to start a spiritual fire that spread to millions of people around the world. Fifty years later, that grace returned to Duquesne in a special way to light the path again! Prior to entering seminary, Peter Mallampalli studied at Duquesne for two years, so he knows the story well. As he shares it, may our faith be strengthened by hearing of God’s generous gift and His continuing faithfulness in blessing the good work that he began many years ago.


Build Unity in the Body of Christ

Matt Lozano – Jesus, God of Peace: Choosing Love and Unity in a Time of Division

How do we strive for unity in the body of Christ when the divisions around us threaten to separate us? Matt Lozano of Heart of the Father Ministries shares about the importance of Christian unity and ways to preserve and strengthen it, despite disagreements and conflicts.

Matt Maher – Jesus, King of Glory: Embracing Ecumenism 

A nine time-GRAMMY® nominee and three-time GMA Dove Award winner, singer/songwriter Matt Maher is well known for songs such as his Top 5 CCLI song “Lord, I Need You” and the chart-topping radio single “Because He Lives (Amen).” Penning numerous songs recorded by Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Matt Redman, Hillsong, Casting Crowns, Meredith Andrews, Jesus Culture, Jars of Clay, and Passion, Matt will share his own ecumenical experience and challenge us to a posture of listening and humility as we embrace ecumenism in our own lives. 


Serve the Poor

Lauren Koath – Jesus, Sun of Justice: Drawing Closer to God in Serving the Poor

In her work with Vagabond Missions, Lauren Koath has seen firsthand the effects of spiritual and physical poverty in the inner city. Her work has allowed her to connect with the poor in spirit to bring the hope and joy of the Gospel into the streets of Pittsburgh. Lauren will reflect on her time as an inner-city missionary and challenge us to seek, find, and share the incredible love of the Holy Spirit among and for the poor.

Father Anthony Ouellette – Jesus, Good Shepherd: Hierarchical Support of the Renewal 

Leadership and its structures for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the United States grew and developed in a variety of ways since its birth, including diocesan, covenant community, ministry, ethnic, and liaison. The CHARIS initiative and its structuring as part of the Roman Curia affirms that this current of grace is for the whole of the Catholic Church. Father Anthony Ouellette examines how we, in our current positions of leadership and structure, respond, adapt, and collaborate to make this grace available for all in the Church. 

 

Renewal Ministries

Renewal Ministries strengthens and equips Catholics for evangelization and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit by helping them know the personal love of God in Jesus and grow in holiness.

We proclaim Christ through a weekly television program, two daily radio programs, mission work in more than 35 countries, social media outreach, parish missions, seminars and conferences, books and articles, id’s outreach to young adults, Be Love Revolution’s outreach to young women, Zion’s outreach to young men, and more.

https://www.renewalministries.net/

 

Live Keynotes & Discussion Panel

View the Jesus 2020 Livestream

A recording of each keynote will be available to watch on demand approximately 15 mins after the session ends. 

Friday Keynote:
JESUS!! – Father Dave Pivonka

2020 is a year that all of us will remember . . . probably forever. It has perhaps been one of the most difficult and strange years of our whole lifetime. But we must never forget the powerful reality that JESUS is still LORD, even of 2020! And it’s not despite the difficulties, but actually because of them and through them!

Jesus is Lord, He is King, He is sovereign–over the pandemic, over all the chaos and uncertainty. With God, there is always more. More zeal. More chances to start anew. More Jesus!

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, will speak on how Jesus, the King of Kings, calls us beyond a life that is insular, tired, and boring. Instead, He anoints us with the Holy Spirit and with fire, then sends us out in power to a world thirsting for the Gospel.


Saturday Session 1 Keynote:
For Such a Time as This -Peter Herbeck/Mary Bielski

Have you stopped to consider why? Why has everything that has taken place happened? Why are we here, right now, in this unique time in history? The words from the book of Esther ring true for us, “For such a time as this.” Perhaps we were born for such a time as this?

God has planned all along that in this very difficult time in history we would be here, that we would be alive right now and would be called to be beacons of hope and love in the midst of a hurting and broken world. God has put us here on this earth at this time for a reason, and each of us needs to reconnect with our fundamental calling and mission.

Peter Herbeck and Mary Bielski will help us understand that mission and more firmly respond to the call Jesus has placed on our lives.


Saturday Session 2 Video:
The CHARIS Commission -Bishop Peter Smith

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has taken a step forward into the heart of the Church with the recent formation of CHARIS, at the direction of Pope Francis. CHARIS is designed to assist the vision and voice of the renewal as we seek to do the Lord’s work in bringing the baptism in the Holy Spirit to the whole Church!

Bishop Peter Smith, of the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, is an appointed representative of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life as a member of the CHARIS leadership team. In this presentation, he will clearly explain the structure and organization of this new organization and its exciting mission to support and guide the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in its ministry to “Bring-Build-Serve” the body of Christ throughout the world.


Saturday Session 2 Keynote:
Dry Bones –Dr. Scott Hahn

In the book of Ezekiel, the Lord tells His prophet to look out over a valley of dry bones. As Ezekiel watches, the bones come back together and take on flesh, but he sees that there is no breath in them. Something very important is missing.

In this talk, Dr. Scott Hahn will offer a powerful theological reflection and personal witness and share how the Lord fulfilled His promise to Ezekiel that, “I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live.”


Saturday Discussion Panel:
CHARIS Bring-Build-Serve!

How has and is Jesus leading and empowering us to bring baptism in the Holy Spirit to the whole Church, build unity in the body of Christ, and serve the poor? In this discussion we will unpack the practical ways to step into the action of the CHARIS Commission to Bring-Build-Serve.

Hosts: John Beaulieu & Alicia Hartle

Panelists: Matt Lozano, Lauren Koath, Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC, and Peter Mallampalli


Saturday Session 3 Keynote:
There’s More! – Jim Beckman

What are your dreams, the big goals you have set for yourself? There’s more for you. How’s your spiritual life going? Have you experienced the love of God? There’s even more! Ever feel like you are unworthy, or that you somehow have crossed that line where the mercy of God might run out for you? There is infinitely more! He is superabundant! Our God is not a God of limitations. And there is no end to His mercy, His grace, His power and His love for us.

And more importantly, there’s more that WE can give to access what God is offering to us. It’s a fundamental principle of the spiritual life: God can never be outdone in generosity. If you think you have even begun to receive all that God wants to give, think again; there’s more!

Jim Beckman will lead us in a powerful reflection to help us see the places in our hearts we still need to give to Jesus in order to experience His transforming love and become bold conduits of His mercy to others.


View the Night of Hope Livestream

Night of Hope Keynote:
Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit: Our Model of Receptivity and Fruitfulness –Mary Bielski

We look to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Spouse of the Holy Spirit as an intimate and powerful model of what it looks like to say “yes” to God with humility and docility, and without reservation. Being open and receptive to God takes courage, but the fruit of Mary’s yes was Jesus Christ’s entry into the world. Are you open to receiving the Holy Spirit? What will be the fruit of your response to the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to go where He sends you? Are you willing to be the person He has created you to be?

The time of eucharistic adoration, prayer, and empowerment that follows this talk will focus on the fact that now is the time to step out in hope and faith, now is the time to say “yes” to the Holy Spirit, and now is the time to deeply believe that God is worthy of trust and that Jesus truly is Lord!

Magnificat

Magnificat exists to evangelize and to encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The ministry is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.

The essence of Magnificat is the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.

Magnificat emanates from a desire to share with Catholic women the fruit experienced through the Roman Catholic Church and Charismatic Renewal. It is a response to what Jesus says: “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” Matthew 10:8

https://magnificat-ministry.net/

 

Impact Center

Impact Center renews personal spirituality, the core of every human being, and the place of encounter with God’s life, power, and healing, which is the source that forms identity. When you know who you are, you know better why you’re here–your mission.

Impact Center serves parish staff, youth ministers, catechists, formation leaders, married couples, and parents. Be renewed, come to know who you are, and set the world on fire!

We help raise up leaders and focus their energies on key principles for impactful ministry. Through retreats, training, mentoring, and valuable resources to raise the bar for evangelization and mission in parish and diocesan settings.

Website: https://impactcenter.com/

 

Partner: Adore Ministries


Encounter Texas is hosted by Adore Ministries in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth and Steubenville Conferences.
Steubenville Conferences are an outreach of Franciscan University.


Tell the people everything about this life.

We are a community of Catholic lay missionaries, single men and women, married couples, and families, called by our Baptism to mission. We seek to love and walk with our neighbors, sharing the Gospel joyfully, living our faith, and growing in loving relationship with God and each other. We dedicate our lives to the Gospel and strive to live a life of simplicity, authenticity, and loving investment in communal life.

Sunday | NYC

6:45-8:45am

Breakfast – Open Dining

(Assigned Dining Halls)


8:00-8:45 am

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center)

 Marketplace Open


8:30am

Arena Open 


9:00am-Noon

Morning Session

Keynote: Restore Culture 

Celebration of Holy Mass


Noon

Steubenville NYC Ends

Saturday

6:30-8:30am

Breakfast – Open Dining

(Assigned Dining Halls)


8:00am

Arena/Marketplace Open


8:00-8:30 am

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center) 


8:30-10:45am

Morning Session

Celebration of Holy Mass


11:00am-Noon

Women’s Session: Femininity Restored 

(Arena) 

Men’s Lunch

(Assigned Dining Halls) 

Men’s Small Groups 


12:30-2:15pm

Men’s Session: Masculinity Restored 

(Arena) 

Women’s Lunch 

(Assigned Dining Halls) 

Women’s Reconciliation 

(D’Angelo Center) 


1:15-2:15pm

Men’s Reconciliation 

(D’Angelo Center)  

Women’s Small Groups  


2:00pm

Session Doors Open

(Arena)


2:15-3:15pm

General Session

Keynote: Trust Restored   


3:15-5:15pm

Open Time: Recharge

Workshops: 

3:30-4:15

Restore the Conversation: Real Prayer 

(Arena) 

3:30-4:15

Youth Minister Gathering

(Little Theater)

4:30-5:15  

Restore Peace 

(Arena 

Small Groups 

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center)

Marketplace Open


5:15pm-7:15pm

Dinner

(See Grid)

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center)

Marketplace Open

Small Groups 


7:00pm

Arena Open


7:30-10:15pm 

Evening Session

Keynote:Restored in Jesus Christ

Eucharistic Holy Hour and Procession


10:15-11:00pm

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center)

Small Groups

Marketplace Open

Food Truck

(Res Village)


11:30pm

All Youth in Sleeping Areas


 

Dr. Benjamin Wiker

Dr. Benjamin Wiker is a professor of political science, director of the Human Life Studies Minor, and senior fellow at the Veritas Center for Ethics and Public Life at Franciscan University. He holds a BA in political philosophy from Furman University and an MA in religion and a PhD in theological ethics, both from Vanderbilt University. His 14 books include Worshipping the State and Politicizing the Bible (with Dr. Scott Hahn). Dr. Wiker is now writing and starring in a new EWTN series, Saints vs Scoundrels. He and his wife have seven children and two grandchildren. Learn more at benjaminwiker.com.

Friday

1:00-4:00pm 

Registration

(Montgoris Dining Hall)


4:00-5:00pm 

Travelers’ Mass

(St. Thomas More Church)


4:00-6:30pm 

Dinner

(Carnesecca Plaza or Assigned Dining Halls) 


6:15pm

Arena/Marketplace Open


6:45-9:15pm

Evening Session

Eucharistic Adoration 

Keynote: Vision Restored 


9:15-11:00pm

Reconciliation

(D’Angelo Center)

Small Groups

Marketplace Open

Food Trucks

(Res Village)


11:30pm

All Youth in Sleeping Areas

Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB

Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004 he has provided spiritual direction for many men and women, including married couples, seminarians, consecrated religious, and priests, even while completing his PhD in computer science at Penn State University. He became the programming manager and an on-air contributor for We Are One Body® Catholic radio in 2010 and has recorded thousands of radio programs on theology and the spiritual life. Father Boniface has extensive experience as a retreat master for laity, consecrated religious, and priests. He became the director of Spiritual Formation for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2016 and has offered courses there on spiritual direction. Together with Father Thomas Acklin, OSB, he is the author of Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, published by Emmaus Road Publishing.

Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB

Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004 he has provided spiritual direction for many men and women, including married couples, seminarians, consecrated religious, and priests, even while completing his PhD in computer science at Penn State University. He became the programming manager and an on-air contributor for We Are One Body® Catholic radio in 2010 and has recorded thousands of radio programs on theology and the spiritual life. Father Boniface has extensive experience as a retreat master for laity, consecrated religious, and priests. He became the director of Spiritual Formation for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2016 and has offered courses there on spiritual direction. Together with Father Thomas Acklin, OSB, he is the author of Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, published by Emmaus Road Publishing.

Sunday | Live

9:45 am  Eastern Time

Live Stream Begins

*Note: The live stream will begin at this time to allow you to test your connection. Programming will begin with the celebration of Holy Mass


10:15 am

Celebration of Holy Mass

Sunday Mass | Song List

Below is a list of songs that will be sung during Sunday Mass.

Stand in Your Love

When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken

‘Cause my fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love

Shame no longer has a place to hide
And I am not a captive to the lies
I’m not afraid to leave my past behind
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken

My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
Oh, I’m standing

There’s power that can break off every chain
There’s power that can empty out a grave
There’s resurrection power that can save
There’s power in Your name, power in Your name

My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love


Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heaven reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!

Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.


We Come to You

By Your body and blood,
By Your life and Your love; Renew us.
May Your sacrifice be forgiveness in me;
Heal us.

We come to You.
We come to You broken, hungry.
We come to You. We come to You.
Make us whole again.

In the body of Christ we are brought to new life;
Restore us. May the flesh that we eat and the blood that we drink save us.

We come to You. We come to You broken, hungry.

We come to You. We come to You. Make us whole again.

By Your love, by Your grace, we are one.


Great Are You Lord

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

And all the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only…


Beautiful Is Your Love

Beautiful Is Your Love – Josh Blakesley Band
Oh how beautiful is your love for me
Oh what joy is mine in this mystery
I will not fear the dark
Here in the presence of your heart
Oh how beautiful is your love

Oh how wonderful is your offering
Lamb laid down for me on compassion’s tree
How could I turn away
From the mercy of your face
Oh how wonderful is your love

Jesus, Jesus
Oh how beautiful is your love
Jesus, Jesus
Oh how beautiful is your love

So miraculous is your sacrifice
Body broken here that I might have life
Take everything I hold
Let me be yours alone
So miraculous is your love


Hope Comes Alive

Can you hear the silence breaking?
Every voice in one accord
Making way for the King of Glory
And everything He has in store
Lift up your voice and sing, and welcome royalty now

Can you feel the darkness tremble?
Host of heaven gathered round
Unified we stand in, raising up one glorious sound
Lift up your voice and sing, let’s welcome royalty now

This is where hope comes alive!
This is where love changes lives!
Where grateful hearts start to rise!
They rise! They rise!
This is where faith moves our feet!
Where broken things are redeemed!
Your presence is breath and life!
This is where hope comes alive!

Every breath is now an anthem
Every sound, one glorious song
Every word like incense rising
In the presence of our God!
Lift up your voice and sing, let’s welcome royalty

This is where hope comes alive!
This is where love changes lives!
Where grateful hearts start to rise!
They rise! They rise!
This is where faith moves our feet!
Where broken things are redeemed!
Your presence is breath and life!
This is where hope comes alive!

Dry bones stand up and move your feet
Dead hearts wake up and start to beat

This is is where hope comes alive!
This is where love changes lives!
Where grateful songs start to rise!
They rise! They rise!
This is where faith moves our feet!
Where broken things are redeemed!
Your presence is breath and life!
This is where hope comes alive!

Saturday | Live

12:30 pm  (Eastern Time)

Live Stream Begins

*Note: The live stream will begin at this time to allow you to test your connection. Programming will begin with the Steubenville Live Pre-show.


1:00 pm

Steubenville Live Pre-show


1:30-3:00 pm

Saturday Session  1

Welcome

Worship

Keynote: Hope Does Not Disappoint

Ministry Team Q & A


3:00-4:00 pm

Recharge/Break

Suggested Activities:

Small Groups

Confession

Meet the Ministry Team (3:15-3:45)

         Scavenger Hunt

Games and Outdoor Activities

Journaling


4:00-5:30 pm

Saturday Session 2

Ministry Team Game

Keynote: Hope in Prayer

Prayer Experience

Ministry Team Discussion


5:30-7:00 pm

Recharge/Dinner Break

         Small Groups

Confession

Scavenger Hunt

Games and Outdoor Activities

Journaling


6:45 pm
         Steubenville Live Pre-show


7:00-9:45 pm

Saturday Session 3

Gathering Music and Welcome

Worship

Keynote: Hope Alive

Eucharistic Adoration (approximately 8:30-9:30 pm)


 

9:45-10:00 pm

Steubenville Live Post-show 

Reflection & Discussion Questions

Reflection & Discussion Questions

These questions are provided to guide your reflections and discussions after each session and can be used in a small group or family setting.

If you are participating on your own and not able to join in discussion with others, try writing your reflections down in a journal to share with someone later.

A printable version of these questions can be found on pages 14-16 of the Steubenville Live Resource Guide.


Friday Session | Jesus Our Hope

  1. Invite your small group to spend a few minutes with their eyes closed, imagining the scene of the Gospel story and themselves as one of the apostles on the boat. Read it first to remind them what they heard in the talk. What did you see, smell, hear, taste, and/or touch? What was the sea like? What was the boat like? How did you feel? What did you do? What did Jesus look like? What did Jesus do?
  2. What two words would you use to describe your relationship with God right now?
  3. How have you seen Jesus working in your life during the past few months?
  4. What different types of reactions to stress and anxiety have you seen during the pandemic?
  5. Describe a “storm” you have experienced in your life. Did you experience Jesus’ presence? How?
  6. What’s a situation, fear, or anxiety in your life of that you’ll need to let go to be fully present to what God wants to say to you this weekend?
  7. How would you define hope? What does it mean to say that hope is a gift?
  8. Have you had an experience of losing hope or being let down by a person or a situation? Did that affect your understanding of God?
  9. In the Letter to the Hebrews, it says we have hope as an anchor. How does Jesus anchor us during difficult times? Where have you seen Jesus anchor you in your life?
  10. What is one thing you would like God to do in your life?

Saturday Session 1 | Hope Does Not Disappoint

  1. What is the difference between the hope the world offers and the hope Jesus offers?
  2. What are some things, people, situations, etc., in which you have placed your hope? Have you been disappointed?
  3. What does God promise us?
  4. How can you relate to Abraham? Have there been situations in your life where you have been called to trust?
  5. What is one practical thing you want to do to help you grow in trust and hope in God’s faithfulness?
  6. Is there someone in your life who has been an example of trust in God? How did they exemplify trust?
  7. What do you think Jesus would say to you when you are confused, uncertain, afraid, etc.? 

Saturday Session 2 | Hope in Prayer

  1. How do you typically like to pray?
  2. Do you find it hard to pray? Why?
  3. How can you turn to Jesus in prayer during fears, anxieties, challenging situations, etc.?
  4. Describe a time when prayer helped you in a difficult or uncertain situation. 
  5. Have you ever experienced peace or rest in your time of prayer? How would you describe that experience? What was it like?
  6. What was your experience of the prayer time after the talk?
  7. Did God say anything particular to you? Did anything stick out to you in the time of prayer?
  8. How can you incorporate what you learned in the talk into your everyday life?
  9. How do you want to grow in prayer in your daily life?
  10. How can you pray at home?

Saturday Session 3 | Hope Alive

  1. Invite your small group to spend a few minutes with their eyes closed, imagining the scene of the Gospel story and themselves as Peter. Read it first to remind them what they heard in the talk.
  2. What did you see, smell, hear, taste, and/or touch? What was the sea like? What did Jesus look like? How did you feel? What did you do? What did Jesus do?
  3. What would change in your life if you belonged to Jesus and started living more for him?
  4. Describe a time in your life where you can relate to Peter stepping out of the boat.
  5. Why might it be challenging to “step out of the boat” and follow Jesus? How can Jesus help you with those challenges?
  6. Jesus rebukes Peter for his little faith, yet Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. How do you think the rest of the apostles felt?
  7. What do you think is the relationship between faith and trust in this story?
  8. Hope longs for a future good that is difficult to attain. Supernatural hope longs to be united to God for all eternity and is impossible to attain without God’s grace. How does God’s grace work in your own life? How would you define grace and its work?
  9. Despair is a sin that opposes hope; it is the thought that your sins are greater than God’s mercy. What causes people to lose hope? Why do you think some people fall into despair? What can people do to overcome despair? (Note: We are not talking about depression, but despair.) 
  10. Describe a time in your life when a challenging situation or suffering ended up having a good outcome.
  11. What did God do in your heart tonight during eucharistic adoration? Did he speak anything specifically to you? (Note: Even if you didn’t feel anything, God is still working in our lives and calling us to an intimate relationship with him.
  12. Next time you are faced with fear, uncertainty, suffering, and/or anxiety, what will you do? How will you respond?
  13. What did you hear or experience this weekend that gives you hope? 

Tap here to download a printable version of these questions, found on pages 14-16 of the Steubenville Live Resource Guide.