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SENT Ministries
SENT (Student Evangelization Networking Teams) Ministries connects parishes, schools, and dioceses with trained Franciscan University students who lead retreats that help young people encounter Christ and grow in faith. Through witness, prayer, and authentic relationships, these student missionaries invite teens to experience the joy of the Gospel and deepen their love for the Church.
If you are a current student who is interested in serving with SENT, please visit the Missions of Peace Office in the J.C. Williams Center.
How Our SENT Teams Serve You
Here’s how we partner with your parish, diocese, or school:
- You reach out to request a retreat and share your goals.
- A SENT Team of trained Franciscan University students is assigned to serve your group
- Together, we plan the retreat with your youth minister or team.
- We come to you and lead the retreat, helping your teens encounter Christ in a personal way.
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“SENT shaped me as an educator and leader by teaching me how to create space for belonging, faith, and growth. Serving young people strengthened my trust in God and showed me the power of simply planting seeds.”
— Gianna Dalton
Class of 2027
Education
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“Through SENT, the Lord taught me to embrace my identity and serve freely. I witnessed how God desires freedom for all of us to live with joy, courage, and the truth of the Gospel.”
— Marcel Ferrer
Class of 2028
Marketing; Theology and Music Ministry Minors
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“SENT transformed my college experience by helping me grow in selflessness, leadership, and faith. Serving as a Lead deepened my relationship with God and taught me how joyful mission and community can be.”
— Katie Robertson
Class of 2027
Philosophy
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“SENT showed me how God works powerfully even in short retreats. Letting go of control taught me to trust His providence, and serving alongside others formed friendships rooted in faith.”
— Mason Flieller
Class of 2028
Theology and Catechetics
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“SENT helped me recognize how God is working in every person. Through retreats and team life, I grew in humility, love, and joy while learning to see everyone as deeply loved by Christ.”
— Preston Jensen
Class of 2029
Theology and Philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
SENT Teams are trained and equipped to lead every part of your retreat experience. Each student missionary goes through formation and team training before being assigned to serve. Many of our students have attended Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conferences and led retreats in their home parishes.
Your SENT Team will work alongside your ministry leaders to:
- Give talks and share personal testimonies
- Lead small groups and faith discussions
- Run games and icebreakers
- Perform skits and dramas
- Engage in relational ministry with your teens
Teams can plan the entire retreat or adapt to your existing schedule. While we specialize in Confirmation retreats, we also serve at youth rallies, school retreats, Theology of the Body retreats, and more. Whatever your vision, our goal is to help your teens encounter Jesus Christ personally.
SENT Ministries partners with parishes, schools, and dioceses to design retreats that fit your community’s unique needs.
- We have a standard retreat format with 3-5 talks and relational ministry events. We can do middle school and high school ages and commonly add a talk or two to aid in Confirmation preparation. We can adjust to meet your group’s needs and the timing of the retreat.
To schedule a retreat or check available dates, please email [email protected].
One of our student interns will connect with you to discuss your group’s needs, share more about the ministry, and help confirm your retreat date.
Costs vary depending on the length of the retreat and travel requirements. Because every parish is different, details are discussed directly with the SENT team.
For a personalized quote or to talk through your parish’s needs, email [email protected].
- Travel time: If your retreat begins early and your parish is more than two hours from Franciscan University, we recommend that the team arrive the night before. This gives them time to settle in, prepare, and pray for your teens.
There’s no additional cost if the team arrives early, but you must provide lodging. - Food: Provide meals during the retreat
- Lodging: For multi-day retreats, lodging must be provided. Teams can bring sleeping bags and air mattresses, but will need two separate sleeping spaces—one for men and one for women.
For everyone’s safety and comfort, team members cannot sleep in the same room as the teens they’re serving.
In order to be eligible, your parish/diocese/school must:
- Be within our 5-hour driving limit.
- Provide accommodations listed in the above question (housing, meals, etc).
- Provide an accessible parish contact for retreat preparation and presence on the day of the retreat.
Connect with Our Team
Do you want to apply for a SENT Team or donate to help parishes, dioceses, or schools be able to have a SENT Retreat?