This morning during Mass, Fr. Mike reminded us that even though our personal sins caused the death of Jesus, His death for our salvation is the best thing that could have ever happened.

Just like the story of Joseph in Genesis, God took the worst season in Joseph’s life to save many. Joseph’s brothers attempted to kill him out of jealousy, but decided to sell him into slavery instead. Shortly after he was sold into slavery, he was imprisoned. During his imprisonment, people became aware of his gifts of discernment, and he began working for the Pharaoh. During his time with Pharaoh, he navigated the country through a devastating famine. God used the worst thing that ever happened to Joseph and saved thousands of lives.

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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.

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This morning, we were blessed to have three of our shepherds here to celebrate Mass with us: Archbishop Carlson from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Bishop Rice from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and Bishop Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita.

Archbishop Carlson began his homily by reminding us that the God who has invited us here for the Eucharist is the same God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the saints. That same God most likely touched many of our hearts and souls this weekend. He also placed prayers and goals on our hearts, but we are not able to achieve those goals alone. We need each other. We need to be bold and inspire hope in one another by how we live our lives because none of us need to walk alone.

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This morning as we gathered for Mass, Fr. Chris Martin shared with us times in his life where he did not feel like he belonged. Many of his stories took place outside of the country. Being 6’4 he often stands out, but one story in particular was when he traveled to Calcutta, India to teach with the Missionaries of Charity. Fr. Martin likened the Sisters to the Marine Corp. of the Catholic Church. Every morning, the Sisters would go to the trash dump down the street and pick up the children that had been thrown away and would bring them back to their house to care for them. He was amazed by their amount of charity and love and he did not feel as if he belonged.

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They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and I think there’s some truth in that. But I can tell you for sure that it does take quite a crew of dedicated volunteers to put on a Steubenville youth conference!

Last weekend’s youth conference was staffed by 108 volunteers – and there are 112 volunteers staffing this weekend! When you consider that each volunteer is here in Springfield from at least 10 am Friday until at least 1 pm on Sunday, that means that over 6800 volunteer hours are put in each summer by amazing people devoted to making our conferences a positive experience for every teen and every adult who attends. And I couldn’t even begin to calculate how much time and energy and prayer that staff members of the Office of Youth Ministry and Franciscan University of Steubenville devote to these amazing events!

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