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What People Are Saying

This conference was AMAZING! It changed my life. The priests were awesome along with all of the leaders and entertainment. I especially enjoyed Eucharistic Adoration! It was so powerful and moving. I loved meeting new people from New York, Maryland, India » Read More
— Teen
I've never felt so close to God in my entire life! The music... was so fun to dance to and got you to think and really connect with God!! » Read More
— Teen
One huge thing I learned that affects me is how we should Let HIS will be done and pray for strength to lovingly and willingly except his plans whether it be a big thing such as vocations, or just in our every day life. I firmly believe He will give us » Read More
— Teen
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
I noticed that I was participating in church events or volunteering all for me, and not for God. LEAD really opened my eyes to humility. » Read More
— Participant
I loved everything about the conference, it was life changing, and it really was amazing. » Read More
— Teen
I really feel like this retreat saved my life!!! » Read More
— Youth Minister
I developed a love for scripture, a very strong prayer life, and the skills to maintain it. » Read More
— Participant
The talks were engaging, relevant, and my youth really enjoyed them. Steubenville is an example of what's right with the Church. The Sacraments are central and it really showed at this conference. » Read More
— Youth Minister
The speakers and workshops were great, but the best part of the trip was definitely adoration. The music was better than I expected; so much that I can't stop singing them. » Read More
— Teen

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 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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How do youth apply for Franciscan LEAD?
The application for Franciscan LEAD is a two part online process – the youth application and the referral form. All youth applying for Franciscan LEAD will need an adult that knows them to fill out their referral. The referral person can be their youth minister, their priest, or any other adult that knows them well enough to answer questions about their faith life. The youth’s parent cannot be the referral person. The application process is detailed step by step here. All applications and referrals must be submitted through the online process. 
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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 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.

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!

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Will youth be considered if they apply for Franciscan LEAD a second year?
Yes, however youth must go through the entire application process again and priority will be given to new applicants.  Previous participation in Franciscan LEAD does not guarantee acceptance.
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Can a youth apply to Franciscan LEAD at a site different from where their group is going for the weekend conference?
No.  One of the values of Franciscan LEAD is participants use their newly acquired skills and insights to serve their fellow group members throughout the high school youth conference weekend. LEAD applicants are required to be registered at the same Franciscan University of Steubenville Summer Youth Conference as their group and can only apply for LEAD if they are already registered for the 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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Who facilitates the Franciscan LEAD week?
The program is led by a team of leaders who are experienced in youth ministry and have been specifically trained by Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Youth Outreach Office. Franciscan LEAD offers an 8 to 1 youth to leader ratio. 
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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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Summer Youth Conference Video Contest!

This summer, Franciscan University, in conjunction with our regional partners, is hosting the first ever summer youth conference video contest!  Every summer, you make a video of your trip to a  Steubenville Youth Conference.  This year, your creativity may really pay off.  We want every youth group to make a video that captures what made their conference experience so amazing.  The great news is that the youth group that wins the contest will receive $500 off their fees to a youth conference in 2012.  Yes, you read that correctly, the youth group that makes the winning video will win a $500 scholarship to the Franciscan University Summer Youth Conference of their choice in 2012.

But more importantly, we want to share your story, your experience with thousands of other teens through our facebook page and youtube channel.  We want to share all the amazing ways God touched your group.  Film your trip to the conference, the free time, any part that made your conference experience amazing.  You could make a commercial, a short documentary, a music video—be creative!  Make this a group project and let the creative teens in your youth group run with it.  And for goodness sake, have a lot of fun with it!

Video Contest Rules and Guidelines:

  1. One entry per youth group.  Video must be submitted by a registered group leader.
  2. Videos must be recorded in high definition.
  3. Your finished video must be received by Franciscan University no later than September 15, 2011 on a DVD along with the completed entry form.
  4. Your finished video must be no more than 1 minute in length, no exceptions.
  5. Your finished video must include at least 1 teen sharing about what Jesus did in their life during the conference.
  6. All videos submitted become the property of Franciscan University’s Youth Outreach and can be used at their discretion for promotional purposes.

Download Video Contest Entry Form

Download Video Contest Flier