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What People Are Saying
Once again I saw s break down their barriers and be open to Christ. I greatly appreciated the extra focus on confession throughout the weekend. Several of my teens were able to feel they have started on a new path. » Read More— Youth Minister
The energy of all the teens was crazy awesome and inspiring. The speakers were funny and knowledgeable. The love of Chirst and the presense of the Holy Spirit was so evident there. » Read More— Youth Minister
All I wanted was for God to show me that He loved me and He did, very clearly, at Saturday night Adoration during the procession. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced and I can't wait to become "Rooted in Christ" next year! » Read More— Teen
I had an amazing experience with God and he completely changed my outlook on how I was living my life. I think adoration on Saturday night is the most beautiful and probably intense thing I have ever experienced. – I thought everything was amazing!! Bei » Read More— Teen
I felt so relieved and free from all my sin. I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off of my shoulders. I felt the Holy Spirit in my soul. It was something I had never felt before in my life. » Read More— Teen
I didn't want to go. But after listening for about 12 hours of the conference, I realized that I had let life cover up my love for the Lord. Even though I was their as a support cast, the words washed over me and made me better! » Read More— Adult Leader
I loved everything about the conference, it was life changing, and it really was amazing. » Read More— Teen
The best part of my weekend was definitely the Eucharistic Adoration. I loved seeing so many people being so moved by the Eucharist! It was a beautiful experience! » Read More— Teen
This conference was awesome! It helped me open my eyes up to God more & now I want him in my life SO MUCH MORE!!! » Read More— Teen
I was a priest who attended this conference. The content was solid, orthodox and dynamic! » Read More— Priest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the participants join their group on Friday?
Franciscan LEAD staff will provide transportation to the conference site on Friday for all Franciscan LEAD participants, so they will be at the youth conference location upon your arrival at the conference on Friday afternoon. They must join their group by dinner on Friday because their meal plan begins with their group for the weekend conference.
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What is the cost of the week and what does this price include?
The Franciscan LEAD program cost is variable depending on the conference location attended. For exact Franciscan LEAD costs, please call the regional conference registration office or email franciscanlead@franciscan.edu (be sure to mention the conference location for which you are requesting the cost). The cost includes training in discipleship and evangelization, resource book, official program t-shirt, and lodging/meals for the participant for the duration of the program. This cost does not include the registration fee for the conference weekend or transportation to and from the site. Full or partial payment options may be available through sponsorship by parish youth group.
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What happens over the course of the week?
The week is rooted in the truths of Scripture, the Catechism, the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, and the lives of the saints. Each day of training will consist of workshops on discipleship including how to develop a prayer life, overcoming sin through the Sacraments, and other practical tools for developing their Catholic faith. The week will also include evangelization training on being an effective witness through topics such as how to share their personal testimony, servant leadership, how to answer difficult faith questions, and being an authentic witness.
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Can youth be considered for Franciscan LEAD if they have never attended a Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference?
Yes. Applicants do not need to have attended a Steubenville Youth Conference to apply for Franciscan LEAD.
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Who should apply for Franciscan LEAD?
Franciscan LEAD is for youth who are passionate about their Catholic faith, active in their youth group, and ready to step up to the next level of leadership through evangelization and discipleship training.
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What is the age requirement for applying?
Youth can apply for Franciscan LEAD for the summer after their freshman year in high school through the summer after their senior year in high school.
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What is Franciscan LEAD?
Franciscan LEAD is a five-day, Christ-centered, sacrament-soaked, prayer-fueled immersion in Catholic teachings on Leadership, Evangelization, And Discipleship inspired by the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi. The philosophy of Franciscan LEAD is to teach authentic, lasting leadership that flows from intimacy with Christ, so we first seek to engage youth in a personal relationship with Christ and then give them the tools to share their faith with others.
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What is the Franciscan LEAD acceptance process?
After the application has been reviewed, the conference office will send the youth and the referral person an email detailing whether or not the youth is accepted. No payment for Franciscan LEAD is received until after the applicant is accepted. Once the applicant is accepted, all travel and payment information will be emailed to both the youth and referral person.
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What are High School Youth Conferences?
These conferences are specialized to address the resources and needs of today’s Catholic youth, organized on a regional level. With an exciting lineup of speakers, musicians, and presenters, the High School Youth Conferences will challenge Catholic youth to stand firm in their faith, rely upon the awesome power of Jesus Christ who is their guide, friend, and Savior, and to show that faith to the world.
» Read More The Sacraments are the highlight of the weekend. Teens will join in two dynamic Eucharistic Liturgies during the weekend and will be given numerous opportunities to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are also powerful times of Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration. Many youth have come to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit through this weekend.
If your teens are beginning their walk with Christ, needing strength to continue the journey, or just ready to rejoice in the many blessings He has given, then this is the conference for you!
How are travel arrangements made?
Once the participant is accepted to the program, they are responsible for arranging their own travel to the site on Monday and notifying the Steubenville Youth Conference registration office of their travel plans after acceptance. Please do not make travel arrangements until after the applicant is accepted. If a participant will be flying into the local airport on Monday, we will arrange pickup for the youth. We will not arrange transportation back to the airport on Sunday following the conference weekend.
» Read More Group Leaders
John Beaulieu, Director of Youth Outreach at Franciscan University shares these videos to help Group Leaders and chaperones get the most from the Youth Conference Experience. These videos are meant to help you prepare practically and spiritually for you to help your teens and be available to them before, during, and after the conference weekend.
Group Leader's Roles at a Steubenville Youth Conference
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Spiritual Response & Prayer with Teens
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
