LAKE WORTH BEACH | A group of 23 teenagers and seven chaperones from Sacred Heart Parish attended a Steubenville Youth Conference in Atlanta July 11-13.
The summer conferences for high school-age youth, sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, have been known to make an impact on service to the U.S. church in parishes, dioceses and national apostolates. According to OSV News, surveys in 2024 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate show 15% of seminarians to be ordained that year had attended a Steubenville youth conference and 14% of religious who made solemn professions of vows then also attended a conference.
Salome Mondelus, director of youth ministry at the parish, led the group from Lake Worth Beach to the Georgia conference, which had the theme “Consumed,” from Deuteronomy 4:24 (“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire”).
“Personally, I believe this theme was exactly what this generation needed,” she said. “It was a powerful reminder of God’s nature; his presence that purifies, transforms and brings peace. In a world where our children are constantly consumed by social media, technology, self-image, stress and daily pressures, this conference offered a sacred space for them to allow the Holy Spirit to consume their hearts instead, bringing clarity, healing and a deeper trust in God.
“It was a beautiful opportunity for them to unplug, reflect and be fully present with Christ, surrounded by thousands of other young people on the same journey of faith,” Mondelus said.
Following are edited excerpts from reflections written by four of the teens:
Marie N.J. Sylvestre
This was not my first Steubenville, but wow … it felt like the first time I truly felt it. The theme “Consumed” was not just a word we wore on our shirts; I lived it. I could feel the fire of God stirring in me, calling me deeper, consuming the fear, the heaviness, the doubt.
The talks were rich with so much truth, so much conviction. Every speaker poured out their hearts, and every word seemed to speak directly to mine. There was no fluff, no surface-level hype. It was raw, beautiful and holy.
And the worship? Do not even get me started. The music carried me. One song, “Glory Be” by Sarah Kroger, had me locked in, and it was like time paused for a second. I did not just sing; I prayed through that song. I wept, lifted my hands and let it all go.
Adoration that night was life-changing. I was emotional in a way I cannot even fully explain. I felt free. Something heavy I did not even realize I was carrying got lifted off. That night was the second time I have genuinely enjoyed adoration — not just sat through it or admired it from the outside but entered in, heart first.
To my sponsor, thank you sincerely. Without you, I would not have been able to go, grow and receive all God had for me this weekend. Your generosity opened a door for me to walk through and, on the other side, I found healing, joy and a deeper fire for Jesus.
Ann-Christy Saint-Val
The theme of this year’s conference was “Consumed,” and what amazed me most was that the verse theme, Deuteronomy 4:24, ended up being my hotel room number. It felt like a divine sign.
One of the keynote speakers said something that really stuck with me: “You’re playing with a deck of cards no one else has.” That message hit home and reminded me of how uniquely God created each of us.
The experience was exactly what my heart and soul needed. It opened my eyes in so many meaningful ways. I’d easily rate it a 10 out of 10. From the powerful worship sessions to the heartfelt talks and moments of quiet reflection, every part of the Steubenville conference helped me feel God’s presence in a new and personal way.
I truly believe every teen should have the opportunity to attend something like this. It’s more than just a conference; it’s a life-changing encounter with God. It helps you not only grow closer to him, but also discover more about who you are, your purpose and how deeply you are loved.
Jorge D. Escalante-Miguel
I’m going into my junior year of high school at South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach. Attending the Steubenville conference in Atlanta was my first experience at a Catholic youth conference and it was truly unforgettable. I was amazed to see so many young Catholics like me coming together to grow in faith and share this powerful experience. It was both beautiful and deeply meaningful for me.
One moment that really stood out was during the men’s session. I connected deeply with the speaker’s story, his struggles mirrored some of the same challenges I face in my own life. It gave me hope and reassurance that there is always a way through, and that healing is possible.
Stress is something I deal with regularly, especially when it comes to school and social life. But realizing I’m not alone — and that God is walking with me through it all — completely shifted my perspective.
Going forward, I want to strengthen my relationship with God by praying more and asking him for guidance in difficult moments. I also hope to be a source of encouragement for others who are struggling with stress, just like I was. I want to be that helping hand, the same way God has been there for me.
Minooka Bureau
I want to start off by thanking God for allowing me to go experience a Steubenville conference for the second time. The conference not only drew me closer to God but helped me figure out my identity and purpose.
Throughout the weekend, I was able to recognize my struggles and shortfalls not only as a Christian woman but overall. Steubenville had amazing speakers who focused on the issues teens face in today’s world. The words and affirmations of speaker Sarah Swafford made me feel seen and heard in a world full of hatred and misconceptions.
This year’s theme elevated my thinking of God and the Holy Spirit because it reminded me of his unconditional love and everlasting power. Connecting with the theme, Deuteronomy 4:24, reminds us of God’s true character.
For more information on Sacred Heart Parish, visit https://sacredheartchurchfamily.com/, call 561-582-4736 or follow on Facebook.
