Krystal Montgomery
This past weekend, 25 of our parish family’s high school students and seven chaperones traveled to Rochester, Minnesota, to participate in the Steubenville Youth Conference. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity we had to step away from the busyness of everyday life to encounter Jesus Christ in a deeper and more personal way. Steubenville conferences have long been a source of spiritual renewal for countless young Catholics, and this year’s conference continued that tradition through inspiring speakers, dynamic worship, the celebration of the Sacraments, Eucharistic Adoration, and the joy of gathering with thousands of other Catholic teens from across the region.
This year’s theme, “Worthy,” spoke directly to one of the greatest challenges facing young people today. In a world that often measures worth by popularity, accomplishments, appearance, or success, our students were reminded that their value does not come from what they achieve or how others perceive them. Instead, they heard the life-giving truth of the Gospel: every person is created in the image and likeness of God, loved into existence by the Father, and redeemed through the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Their worth is not something they must earn—it is a gift that flows from God’s unending love.
Throughout the weekend, our students encountered this message in powerful ways. Through witness talks, the celebration of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and quiet moments (yes, even with 2,100 people in the arena!) before Jesus in Adoration, they were invited to open their hearts to God’s mercy, healing, and unconditional love. Many experienced moments of profound prayer, meaningful conversations, and a renewed awareness of God’s presence in their lives. We pray that these encounters continue to bear fruit long after the conference has ended.
We are especially grateful for the prayers of our parish community, whose spiritual support accompanied our students throughout the weekend. Your prayers were a reminder that our young people are part of a parish family that believes in them, encourages them, and desires to see them grow in faith. We also thank our dedicated chaperones, whose generosity, witness, and care made this experience possible.
As our students return to the rhythms of summer and prepare for the coming school year, we ask that you continue to pray for them. May the seeds planted during this weekend continue to grow through daily prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and lives rooted in Christ. May they have the courage to remember that they are truly worthy—not because of anything they have accomplished, but because they are beloved sons and daughters of God. And may their renewed faith inspire all of us to embrace our own identity in Christ and to share His love with those we meet each day.