STEUBENVILLE, OH—Franciscan University of Steubenville will celebrate 40 years of conferences this summer. Since the first gathering for Catholic priests in 1975, the University’s conferences have grown to provide spiritual renewal each summer to more than 52,000 priests, deacons, seminarians, youth, young adults, religious educators, and adults who attend conferences in 12 states and two Canadian provinces.

Franciscan University added two new conferences—one for adults and one for youth—to this summer’s schedule.

The new adult conference, the Power and Purpose Conference, is to be held June 5-7. With the theme “Full of Grace, Full of Life,” the conference offers a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and an experience of dynamic prayer, worship, and renewal with hundreds of other Catholics. Keynote speakers include Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, on “Discerning With the Spirit: Now Is the Time for Mercy,” Sister Ann Shields, SGL, on “Discipleship and the Call of the Holy Spirit to Those Who Will Listen,” and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers on “An Apocalyptic Awakening: The Message of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Our World.”

Partnering with Life Teen International, the newest youth conference, Steubenville NYC, will be held August 7-9 at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Speakers include His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, Father Joe Espaillat, Father John Parks, Paul George, Leah Darrow, Ike Ndolo, Mark Hart, and Paul J. Kim.

Join Franciscan University for one or more of these deeply Catholic events as we together seek to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) and become faithful and joy-filled witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

See videos and photos from the past summer conferences.

Adult Conferences

The Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat (photos from last year’s conference) will be held June 15-19, giving those who serve the Church in these ministries the opportunity to be renewed in both mind and spirit.

With the theme, “Father,” the retreat will feature 10 prominent speakers including Deacon Ralph Poyo on “Rise Up Fathers,” Dr. John Bergsma on “Jesus, Face of the Father,” Father Dan Heusel on “You Call Me Father,” Dr. Bob Schuchts on “Fighting for the Hearts of Our Children,” Mary Bielski on “Witness: Receiving the Love of the Father,” Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR, on “How Do I View Celibacy: Blessing or Burden?” and Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux on “You Are My Beloved Sons in Whom I Delight.”

The St. John Bosco Conference for Religious Educators (photos from last year’s conference) July 13-16, equips DREs, youth ministers, RCIA instructors, and other catechists to be effective teachers of the faith in the new evangelization. Keynote speakers include Bishop Daniel Conlon of Joliet, Illinois; Curtis Martin, president and founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students); Deacon Ralph Poyo, catechist and founder of the Ohio-based apostolate NEM (New Evangelization Ministries); and Dr. Petroc Willey, consulter for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in Rome and Franciscan University theology professor.

On July 21, the Journey Through Scripture training program begins, followed by the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, July 22-24, with the theme “The Joy of the Gospel: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.” This conference instructs Catholics on the Bible and how to effectively communicate and deepen their love for the truths of Sacred Scripture. The keynote speakers include Dr. Scott Hahn on “Epistle of Joy, Apostle of Joy: An Overview of Philippians,” Dr. Michael Barber on “Philippians 1: ‘To Live Is Christ,'” Dr. Brant Pitre on “Philippians 2: The Mind of Christ and the Secret of Joy,” Dr. Edward Sri on “Philippians 3: The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ Jesus,” Dr. John Bergsma on “Philippians 4: How to Have Joy—Advice From an Apostle,” and Kimberly Hahn on “The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength.”

The adult conference season will come to a close on July 24-26 with the Defending the Faith Conference, which focuses on the theme “Always Forward! Siempre Adelante!” This conference helps Catholics learn how to take the lead in the new evangelization and rebuild the faith through knowledge and witness.

The ministry team and presenters include Dr. Scott Hahn, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the diocese of Newark, New Jersey; Bishop Jeffrey Monforton of the Diocese of Steubenville; Mike Aquilina, Patrick Coffin, converts Ulf and Birgitta Ekman, Jennifer Fulwiler, Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, Kimberly Hahn, Dr. Peter Kreeft, Patrick Madrid, Matt Maher, Dr. Taylor Marshall, Emily Stimpson, and worship leader Bob Rice.

Franciscan University adult conferences empower and inspire attendees to share their love of Christ. This year, the University encourages past participants to invite a friend to experience the beauty of a Steubenville conference, and to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church. The past attendee and first-time attendee will each receive $20 off their registration.

Young Adult Conferences

The Young Adult Conferences, Encounter: Awakening a Generation, will expand upon the talks typically given at Franciscan University summer youth conferences while also addressing more mature spiritual themes of interest to people ages 19 to 29. The next Encounter Young Adult Conference on May 29-31 will take place in St. Charles, Missouri. A second, one-day Encounter Conference will be held on November 14 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Youth Conferences

Franciscan University expects a total of 50,000 teens to attend 21 summer Youth Conferences in 12 states and two Canadian provinces. (photos from last year’s conferences) This year’s theme “Limitless” is taken from John 10:10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”For the complete 2015 Youth Conference schedule, plus details about the speakers and musicians, and registration information, visit www.steubenvilleconferences.com/youth.

For further information about adult, young adult, and youth conferences, call 740-283-6315, email [email protected], or go to www.steubenvilleconferences.com.