Church of the Assumption

PO Box 9

Eden Valley, MN 55329

“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5

From His throne in heaven to the depths of your heart, these words of Jesus are an invitation for you to receive the new life that He alone can give. He is longing to elevate your life above the things of this world – to help you overcome fear, anxiety, confusion and doubt. He wants to break the things that hold you down and give you freedom from sin. He is calling you to follow Him and enter into a transforming experience with His love, grace, and mercy! He can make you new! This summer, join over 50,000 other Catholic teens at one of our 25 youth conferences and experience the joy of following Christ and being elevated by His love.

Dear parents,

Students will once again be traveling to the University of St. Thomas in St Paul, MN this summer to attend a Steubenville Conference.The conference is a weekend program for high school students, from incoming freshmen through just graduated seniors. It is authentically Catholic, an oasis from the clamor of the world, a place to connect with the God of the universe; it is inspirational, high energy, fun and funny. The 2017 Ministry Team includes Host Steve Angrisano, Worship Leaders “Sonar,” Speakers Nic Frank, Jason Evert, Rachel Leininger, & Father Joe Freedy, and a special performance by Connor Flanagan.

WHAT TEENS ARE SAYING

“The room came to life with Christ. I saw my faith in a new light. I began to realize what it means to be a Catholic teenager in this day and age, and what a true and beautiful gift it really is.”Youth Conference Participant

“The Steubenville Conference changed my heart. I realized the importance of growing my relationship with God on my own time, through prayer. That is what gives us strength to share our love for God with others.” Youth Conference Participant

WHAT A CONFERENCE WEEKEND LOOKS LIKE

Participants arrive with their groups and check-in mid-afternoon Friday. After dinner, the conference starts with a welcome from the Host, a short teaching about worship and the Keynote address. The evening concludes with simple Eucharistic Adoration followed by time for the participants to gather in their small groups and/or go to Confession.

Saturday begins with Mass and separate Men’s and Women’s sessions that typically focus on how to live a chaste life in the world today. Lunch starts the afternoon, followed by a Keynote address.

Dinner, small group time, and an opportunity for Confession begin Saturday evening. This is followed by the Keynote and, what is often described by teens and adults alike as the absolute highlight of the weekend, Eucharistic Holy Hour with formal procession throughout the entire arena. Again, at the conclusion, groups gather for their small group time and/or Confession.

Sunday morning starts with the Keynote address, which generally focuses on how to bring the things they have heard throughout the weekend into a personal and practical reality for their everyday life. The conference wraps-up with the closing Mass usually celebrated by the local Bishop.

The Steubenville Conference at St. Thomas University will take place the weekend of July 28-30. Registration needs to be completed by April, but the spots are limited, so the sooner, the better. Registration is done online at When you have completed registration, please print the liability form, sign it, and hand in to the faith formation office. If anyone is hesitant to register online, please contact me. I can help you register on the church’s computer.

The cost is $205 (includes conference, 5 meals, and dorm housing), but please don’t let the cost prevent you from signing up. The profit from the Youth Booth Fundraiser in the Valley Daze Food Court is earmarked to help defray the cost of Steubenville. I’ve also enclosed a sample letter to mail to sponsors and/or grandparents to help cover the cost. Please submit what you can when you turn in the liability form.

I will be promoting the Steubenville conference in the classes. Please share this letter with the family, prayerfully consider the opportunity, and then let me know via e-mail () or text (612-206-2746) if anyone from your household will be participating. Please respond either yes or no so I know you’ve received the invitation.

Thank you for your consideration,

Becky Haag

Faith Formation Director