Youth Rally and Conferences

  9th Grade Catholic Youth Rally 2008

Reflections from the Catholic Youth Rally

"Steubenville was extremely fun and eye-opening this year.  The presenters all had very interesting stories and it was easy to relate to them.  I met some cool people as well who I believe will help me stay closer to God this next year.  There is no way to put this experience in words; it was truly a life-changing weekend."

"I am coming away with a new sense of my religion.  Through prayer and adoration I feel that my connection with God is strengthening.  Also, I have found joy and happiness in His forgiveness to our sins."

"It was encouraging to see how excited so many youth became while praising God."

"I am taking away from this retreat a new focus and a new way to pray.  Instead of trying to struggle and deal with the many problems I have, i am going to trust in the Holy Spirit and transfer the weight of the burden onto its shoulders."

"This was my second conference.  My first year was such a Jesus high. I know this year I'm walking away with more than a Jesus high....I'm walking away with Jesus."

"This weekend taught me a lot, but if I had to choose, the most important lesson would be love.  I learned that by opening myself up and surrendering my will to God, great things can happen."  I really appreciated spending time with the teens.  They're awesome and I can't wait to go with them again next year."

Thirty years ago, 500 youth and young adults gathered in Steubenville, Ohio for the very first youth conference. This past summer, over 30,000 teens participated in  fifteen youth conference in eight different states.

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a vibrant Catholic college built upon Jesus Christ – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Rooted in Franciscan tradition, we accept the call given to St. Francis to, “Go and rebuild My Church.” This is done not only through our campus life, but also through our Youth Outreach Office, which serves the wider Church. Our focus is on bringing high school students into a life changing relationship with God and serving those who serve them. The Youth Outreach Office presents the following vision and mission statements. They have been prayerfully created to continue to give direction to our work.

VISION STATEMENT

Inviting youth into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through a call to embrace the heart and mission of the Church.

MISSION STATEMENT

Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Youth Outreach Office (YOO) exists to evangelize youth primarily through large conferences and events. Charisms of these events include evangelical preaching, inspired witnessing, and anointed worship – all aimed at awakening the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. At the heart of the conference weekend are the sacraments, through which youth can experience the Father’s loving mercy, forgiveness, and healing compassion. This experience will enable them to respond to the mission of rebuilding the Church and carrying Christ’s love to the world. Franciscan University is also committed to providing resources for teens and youth ministers that will aid in their spiritual life as well as ministry.

Partnership for Youth

Established by John Crudele in 2002, teemed up with the Steubenville Conferences to offer the youth conference in the MN area. Partnership for Youth is a non-profit organization dedicated to guiding youth to a full life in Christ.  Partnership for Youth is governed by a Board of Directors with input from a Board of Advisors, and works to create unique opportunities for youth to grow in fellowship, community, and their Christian faith. Partnership for Youth’s  goal to form youth in the beautiful and rich truths of the Catholic faith. By offering spiritual events, we help to evangelize Catholic teens and support the youth ministers that work with them.