Steubenville Week 1: Volunteer Mass

The stage is set. Our volunteers have arrived. The time has come!

At a Votive Mass of St. Joseph offered by Bishop Rice of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, we were reminded that the purpose of this conference is to bring young people closer to Christ. During Mass, we prayed that everything that happens at the conference helps the teens, youth ministers, chaperones, speaking team, and volunteers to have a deeper faith. The truth is, that doesn’t just happen – it takes effort. It is a gift to have so many wonderful volunteers who understand this challenge and are willing to serve.

In Scripture, we are often reminded that God is present in the details of our lives. The teens who are coming this weekend (actually, all of us) are searching, wondering where God is in our lives. Sometimes, that searching can lead us to a desert place that feels empty.

But, we aren’t alone. There is an answer in our searching. The answer is the Person of Jesus Christ. The emptiness we feel, that void we all have, can only be filled by God.

And all of my life You have been faithful
And all of my life You have been so, so good.
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God!

As we sang those words at Mass, it was a powerful testament to God’s presence and love for us, especially after a year of uncertainty and change.

“Our task this weekend is to proclaim that God is the answer.” – Bishop Rice

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us!

Listen to the song here: Goodness of God, Bethel Music

Written by Melissa Hunter