Oklahoma youth “on fire with their faith” at summer conferences

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – More than 700 students from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City joined thousands of other young Catholics this summer at the 2019 Steubenville STL Mid-America  youth conference.
 
“The friends you meet, the energy in the prayer and the music and experiencing God’s great love with 5,000 of your fellow teen Catholics is something you can’t get anywhere else,” said Jackie Nguyen, a 15-year-old who attended the Steubenville conference in Missouri with Saint Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City. “I’ve never danced, sang and cried so much in one weekend.”
 
Steubenville STL Mid-America is a three-day conference that takes place annually in July on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. The event is in partnership with the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and is one of many that occur around the United States. This year’s conference was attended by youth from several states, including Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa, Tennessee, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
 
This year’s conference grew to have the highest attendance in 20 years. The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City had a total of 745 teen participants at the conference this year.
 
“It was refreshing to see so many young people on fire with their faith and adoring Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament,” said Father William Novak, pastor of Saint Francis and vicar general of the archdiocese.
 
Youth from parishes in Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Shawnee, Mustang, Hollis, Ada, Norman, Harrah and Edmond attended Week 1 of the conference, July 12-14.
 
Week 2, July 19-21, was attended by youth from Ponca City, Enid, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Hennessey, Okarche and Bison.
 
This year’s theme at the conference was “Belong” and it emphasized the belonging of each and every one of God’s children into his kingdom.
 
“The theme of ‘Belong’ really spoke to me,” said Cherry Halford, a teen who attended the conference from Saint John in Edmond. “I had a great experience and I’m excited to go back next year.”
 
Eliana Gaytan, who attended from The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, agreed.
 
"God's clearest message to me was: ‘You are not alone.’ This is a message I have heard over and over; however, seeing 5,000 other people adore Christ and bring their hearts, fears, and desires to him affirmed this message and left me without any doubts."
 
Week 1 was hosted by Dan Harms, the worship hymns were led by Josh Blakesley, and clergy included Father Mike Schmitz. The speakers for that week were Katie Prejean McGrady, Noelle Garcia McHugh, and David Calavitta. Week 2 was hosted by Sister Miriam Heidland, the worship hymns were led by Kyle Huelsing, and clergy included Father Chris Martin. The speakers were Lisa Cotter, Nic Franc, and Brian Greenfield.
 
Carlos Carillo, a teen who attended with Sacred Heart explained, "Every speaker has a great sense of humor and they each give a different vibe and it makes the conference unique and special."
 
Topics included the role of social media, a relationship with God and belonging in the faith. Mass was celebrated Saturday and Sunday mornings. Attendees had an opportunity to attend confession throughout the weekend.
 
Adoration was the highlight for many attendees.
 
"Adoration was my favorite part. After adoration, I felt different. I felt happier and with more energy," said Kimberly Valenzuela, who attended the conference with Saint Eugene.
 
Next year, the theme for the Steubenville conference will be “Restored.” It is based on the verse, Psalms 80:3, “Restore us, O God of hosts; let thy face shine, that we may be saved.”
 
Teens who attended the conference this year already are eager to return.
 
“I want to go back every year, if possible, and I want to bring as many people with me to experience the Holy Spirit working in them,” Eliana Gaytan said.
 
For information about Steubenville conferences, to watch the livestream or to view sessions from previous conferences, go online to steubystl.com.
 
Miranda Renteria is a sophomore at Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School and an intern with the archdiocesan Office of Communications.