May 20, 2009

Youths invited to experience life-changing Steubenville conference

By John Gleason

A dynamic, faith-enriching weekend that strives to deepen one’s relationship with Christ is planned for this year’s Steubenville of the Rockies conference, organizers said.

The popular event is at a new venue this year to accommodate a bigger crowd. Registration is currently under way.

Steubenville of the Rockies will be held July 17-19 at the Colorado Convention Center.   More than 2,100 youths took part in the event last year which, according to Chris Stefanick, director of the archdiocese’s Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry Office, is the reason for the move to larger facilities. 

“Last year we had hundreds on the waiting list,” Stefanick said.  “We simply didn’t fit at the convention hotel anymore.  Now because of the economy, we run the chance of seeing the same number of people as last year, but the new venue gives us the potential to grow even more.”

Stefanick said that in past years groups have come from all over the United States and Canada. One of the most frequent comments he hears from the young people is what a powerful, life-changing weekend the conference is.

“I think one scene that speaks the loudest about the success of the conference is the sight of nearly 1,500 kids lined up to go to confession,” he said. “That is a powerful statement.”

Theme for this year’s event is “Above All,” which is taken from the scriptural verse: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty. For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all” (1Chr 29:11).

Now in its 12th year, Steubenville of the Rockies is designed to challenge Catholic youths to get to know God as a living presence in their lives and to be empowered to rise above all challenges to be his witnesses in the world.

In addition to Stefanick, guest speakers at the event include Father Jim Crisman, director of priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Denver; Catholic motivational speaker Tammy Evevard; and Jason and Crystalina Evert, full-time apologists for Catholic Answers, the nation’s largest Catholic lay-run apostolate for apologetics and evangelization. 

Entertainment will be provided by APEX, which bills itself as the only Christian vaudeville evangelist act in the country; and musician Paul Hood.  Other activities include small group discussion, workshops, men’s and women’s sessions. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered and Mass will be celebrated .

“We want everyone to come away with a new appreciation of the beauty of being Catholic that comes with knowing that Jesus is alive and well,” Stefanick said. “That (the Risen Christ) isn’t just a topic that we study in Sunday school.” 

Registration for Steubenville of the Rockies is $155 per person; housing not included.  Recommendation on accommodations and detailed information regarding the conference can be found online at archden.org or by calling the Youth Office at 303-715-3178.

Stefanick said this year’s event promises to be profound, life-changing and a lot of fun. He described the conference as an experience where thousand’s of young people come to share a joyful weekend that gives life its meaning.

“If you want to go, contact your parish to see if a group can be organized,” Stefanick said.  “If it can’t, call our office and we’ll get you in touch with a parish that will be going.”

Steubenville of the Rockies

What:Youth conference
When: July 17-19
Where:Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver
Cost: $155 per person
To register: call 303-715-3178 or visit archden.org and click on “Steubenville” link.