For the first afternoon workshop, David Calavitta had a clear message – we are all part of the family of God. Each and every one of us was made by God, and we are therefore God’s children. As God’s children, we have intrinsic value and worth. We didn’t do anything to earn it. There is nothing we could ever do that would rid us of that value. God is the Creator and Father of all.

Continue reading

In the women’s session, Rachel Leininger shared that she believes in authentic friendship and that we as women are made in God’s image. As God is in community with the Trinity, women also need community with one another in holy friendship.

Rachel has had many different seasons of friendship in her life. When she was young, they were easy and uncomplicated. As she grew older, friendships began to encompass more “girl drama” as concern over popularity, relationships with boys, and competition began to infiltrate them.

Continue reading

Week 2 of Steubenville Mid-America has an awesome team! We are pleased to introduce you to our host, worship leader, team priest, and speakers who are all excited to be with us. Keep reading to find out more about them!

Chris Stefanick – Host

Chris is an acclaimed speaker, author, TV host, and Catholic curriculum creator. He has been able to reach millions via his reality tv show, radio segments, and online videos. He hopes to inspire everyone to live a contagious and bold faith. He is also the founder and President of Real Life Catholic, a non-profit which does outreach events to Catholic parishes. Chris is a proud husband to his wife Natalie and father of six.

For more from Chris, check out Twitter and his website!

Continue reading

Sunday morning started with Michael Gormley who reminded us that, this weekend, we have heard about how we need to live fearlessly for Jesus. Maybe that has empowered you. Maybe you are ready and convicted to make a change in your life. Or, maybe you are nervous to return to your homes and families, and you are unsure about what life will look like now. Whatever way you are feeling, it is ok.

No matter what is going on in your mind and heart, God planned for you to be here this weekend at the conference, and He has done something within you. Even if you are not aware of it, God is moving within you. You might be tempted to pretend that has not happened. You might want to put on a mask and ignore the change within you. But Jesus is calling you to greatness. You are not called to a life of mediocrity. You are called to change the world, and the only thing that can truly change the world is the love of Jesus.

Continue reading

For our second workshop of the day, Brian Greenfield presented an honest and vulnerable message about family. When everything goes as God intended, our families are havens of love, consistency, and healthy boundaries. Unfortunately, Brian’s family (and many of our own families) don’t always meet that call. It is in these times that we need to remember that God is our perfect example of holy, familial love.

Continue reading