37 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss SteubySTL
Whether you’re on the fence about coming, experiencing it for the first time, or a seasoned veteran, here are 37 reasons you don’t want to miss SteubySTL this summer!
Here’s The List:
1. Hang out with thousands of awesome people
That’s right. Literally thousands! Since our conference started in 1999, tens of thousands of teens just like you have had their hearts touched by SteubySTL. Here’s a quick glimpse at the numbers:
2. Hear some amazing music
Did you know that our worship leader, Adam Bitter, releases his playlist before the weekend? Some say the best way to prepare for SteubySTL is to start jammin’ the day it’s released! It will not only get you pumped, but you’ll be able to sing along the moment Friday night starts.
3. God will have a message specifically for you
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages of discouragement, we all need to be reminded of the one, true voice that tells us we are valued and loved. When you take the time to stop and listen, you’ll be able to hear God’s voice and his message for you. You’ll be renewed, focused and equipped to begin again.
4. Fun environment
When was the last time you went to Mass or a church event and it looked like this?
5. Hear from different speakers
God has an amazing way of putting people in our lives who lead us closer to Him. Hearing from new, dynamic speakers each summer gives you a whole new perspective and you’ll walk away with a fresh outlook.
6. Hear from the same speakers
Sometimes it’s good to hear a familiar voice, especially if it’s someone you received good advice from in the past. Find out who will be speaking at SteubySTL this year.
7. The #journeytosteubystl and the journey back
You never know what you will experience on the bus ride to or from SteubySTL. Will anything awesome or funny happen during a pit stop? Will you go to Bass Pro or catch a flying role at Lamberts? We want to know all about it! Make sure you take pictures of these things, post them on Instagram, and use the hashtag #journeytosteubystl. You may win a contest!
8. Spend time with some good friends
Time with friends is an invaluable gift. It’s a bonus to just hang with friends for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!
9. Spend a weekend away from home
Friends, food, fun, and Jesus all wrapped up in a weekend away. Who could ask for more?
10. Get a chance to start over
All of us need a “do-over” from time to time. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Before we know it we’re spending less and less time with our Lord. SteubySTL gives you the chance to reconnect, restart and recharge!
11. Free hugs
Share the love, but beware of the “deluxe hugs” guy. #thefeels
12. Late-night conversations with friends
Mama always said “nothing good happens after 11:00 at night” …however the late night convos with Steuby roommates will be a highlight of your weekend. Just make sure you do get some sleep.
13. Hang out on a college campus
There’s just something exciting and fun about living on a college campus for the weekend. #freedom
14. Get your picture on the big screen
Want to get your picture on the big screen in the JQH Arena? Take a selfie, post it on Instagram, and use the hashtag #steubystlselfie. There’s a good chance at some point you will see yourself on the screen, magnified by 100 times! Here are a few fun examples:
15. Unlimited soft-serve ice cream
Hungry? We know! There’s nothing quite like the endless supply of soft-serve ice cream at SteubySTL. Of course, we suggest eating a healthy meal first, but there’s no better way to do dessert. Right? It may not incorporate all three food groups, but it sure keeps you well nourished all weekend.
16. Late-night pizza
“No Thanks – I’ve had enough pizza” …said no teen, EVER!
17. All-you-can-eat cereal
Sometimes, all you want is that bowl of the Captain Crunch cereal that your mom never buys. When you’re at SteubySTL, just about every kind of cereal imaginable flows like milk and honey (or milk and sugar)! It’s magically delicious.
18. Play soccer and Frisbee with friends
Is a pick-up game of soccer or Frisbee down the middle of campus your idea of a good time? Then you’re in luck. There’s plenty of down time for some healthy competition.
19. Unlimited Soda
The weekend is packed with some awesome talks, encounters with Christ and soda machines in the cafeteria. But seriously, drink water.
20. Girls and Guys sessions
Sometimes you just need a place to go belch and not feel judged….right ladies?
21. Beach balls
There’s nothing quite like hitting a plastic bag filled with the breath of a stranger around in an arena with 4,000 of your closest friends.
22. You get a cool t-shirt
Design a cool shirt for your group. Wear it on Saturday. The sea of colors in the arena is a pretty cool sight.
23. You get to see how cool priests really are
Enough SAID.
24. You can evangelize your friends back at home
Use the hashtage #steubystl or share the content that comes from our social media team.
25. There’s a new theme every year
Every year, there’s a different theme for the conference. It’s the topic on which most of the talks are based and it changes every year. You can’t say, “I’ve already been to Steuby. I’m just going to hear the same things all over again.” The theme is different every year, so therefore the experience is different every year. There are no two Steubys that are alike. For more info on this year’s theme, visit the SteubySTL website.
26. You can spot your priest in the procession at Mass
We can’t say enough about the awesome men in black who come to SteubySTL. The procession at Mass is really cool, especially when you get to spot your own priest in the pack.
27. Make some new friends in the confession line
There are so many awesome opportunities to meet new friends at SteubySTL, but the line for confession is one of our favorites. You just never know of the great things God has in store for you: a new friend, a clean heart, and a whole new outlook on the days ahead.
28. Reconnect with people you met last year
SteubySTL is a great place for a reunion. Every summer you have the chance to reconnect, catch up, and spend time with those friends you don’t get the chance to see anywhere else.
29. Where else will you see these people?
You know how there are certain people you will only find at a sporting event? Like the extreme fan who paints his entire body the color of his favorite team? Well, SteubySTL has something similar going on. Here’s a list of 10 people you may find at SteubySTL?
30. Take a selfie with Pope Francis
Ok, so it’s not the real Pope Francis. But your friends on Instagram don’t have to know that!!!
31. Songs with “Oh” in them
When we say “songs with ‘oh’ in them,” we aren’t talking about O Come O Come Emmanuel (although we really like that song too)! We’re talking about songs like “With Everything” by Hillsong United. One of the trademarks of our worship leader, Adam Bitter, is he likes to sing songs with “oh” in them because it’s an easy word to sing really loud! When we get to the “Oh” section of one of these songs (i.e. 5 min and 40 seconds into the “With Everything” video) it’s so loud the roof almost comes down. You just have to be there to experience it!
32. Saturday night fun songs
Do you love the high energy you feel at a concert? You’ll feel it all weekend but especially on Saturday night. “Living on a Prayer” is just one of many awesome songs we’ll be jammin’ out to!
33. Attend the most energizing Mass ever
The Mass is the most amazing thing you can ever experience on this earth. It’s where you encounter Jesus in the Word and the Eucharist. At SteubySTL, Mass will be one of the most amazing things you will ever experience, and we can promise you that! The music, the homily, the energy of the congregation, and most importantly, the Eucharist will give you a whole new appreciation for the Mass and the Catholic faith.
34. Take a picture with Mama Bear
It’s a landmark. Snap a picture with your friends by the bear. If you’re lucky, you may get Mama Bear to speak up.
35. We have a cool store
Buy something if you want to. You’ll also have fun just checking out all the cool stuff we have to offer.
36. Pick up a good habit
Surround yourself with good people and pick up some good habits. Have you had the chance to spend time with a lot of religious sisters like Sr. Irene Regina? You’ll meet the most inspiring women at SteubySTL who have dedicated their lives to Christ. Many come to the conference every year to volunteer and the joy they exude will keep you coming back.
37. Experience the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist
Really, there’s only one way to experience true joy and real meaning in life. It can only happen through an authentic encounter with Jesus. I don’t know where you are spiritually at this moment. I also don’t know what your experience is with the Eucharist. I do know that Jesus desires for you to encounter Him through the Eucharist, and for Him to encounter you. At SteubySTL, you will have the opportunity to do this. Some people have had very profound experiences with this. Others walk away expecting more. My advice is to go to the conference without any expectations, and just let Jesus do His thing. Whether you “feel it” or not doesn’t matter. He will move in you in the way that He deems necessary. That is all that matters. Just be open to His will and take advantage of the unique experience you will have with Him at SteubySTL.
We Hope to See you There!
Seriously…don’t let anything hold you back from this amazing experience! We would love to see you at the conference this summer and we know you won’t regret it.
How to Register
Are you a high school youth leader? Would you like to see your teens have the faith experience of their lifetimes? Click the button below for event info and registration details:
Visit SteubySTL.comAngela Fiordelisi contributed to this post.
Leave a Comment