Answer to: "So, what was this Steubenville thing you went on?"

(Sidenote: This was written on July 15th, so when I say past weekend and such, that's when it's from.)

Hi everyone. In my life, I feel like I have been called to help others get closer to God, however that may be. I may even be called to do this as my "job" later in life. Therefore, read what I have written below, and post your thoughts/questions. Thanks!

Just to start off, this is a basic description of what I was doing this past weekend. Why? Because no one knows what Steubenville really is. Another reason being that I feel called to share my faith with others, and I was told that now is the time to tell others about it. So, here we go...

First of all, Steubenville is the shortened name. Steubenville is actually just a city in Ohio. But Steubenville is actually a youth conference. The one I went to was titled "Steubenville Mid-America St. Louis", but there are so many other Steubenvilles around the country.

So, what does one do at Steubenville?

At Steubenville, you learn more about yourself, and about the Lord, in such intense and amazing ways. This happens because of many reasons. First, there are 2500 other teens there celebrating with you. Second, it is a place where you feel safe to share and reach out to God, because everyone else there will not make fun of you. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ in this world, and everyone there truly understands that. Also, many amazing events go on.

1. Eucharistic Adoration: Say what? This is where we need to go back to the basics of Catholicism to understand. As Roman Catholics, we believe in transubstantiation, or to make that big word simpler, the "bread and wine" are truly Jesus' body and blood, once a priest has consecrated (transformed for lack of a better word) it. That being said, eucharistic adoration is literally being in the same room as Jesus Christ. I mean, how powerful is that? At Steubenville, all 2500 people are worshipping the Lord together, right in front of him. The coolest part of this whole adoration thing? The fact that Christ is in the room really puts you in a different mindset, and people experience some pretty awesome and wacky things, such as speaking in different tongues, random laughing, and even resting in the Spirit (such an intense experience that one "faints" for lack of a better word). Now, how cool is that? One of my favorite things about Adoration is when Jesus is carried throughout the room by a priest. He literally comes within feet of you, and I find that so powerful and amazing.

2. Mass: Ah yes, Mass. One of my favorite times. You may be thinking, "I thought Mass is supposed to be boring." Not when you are sharing it with 2500 other people. It is so powerful to be singing as part of a 2500 person choir, with a couple dozen priests and seminarians there as well, all celebrating. Mass is also fun for me because we are celebrating the Last Supper. Even in Mass at my own church, it is hard to find it boring. Some may find it boring if they are not choosing to come, but feel forced to come. But once you are open to God, it is such a celebration.

3. Reconciliation (Confession): This, for me, is one of the most intense times. Many people find it scary, but it really is not. What is basically going on is this. You are telling the priest, and God, your sins. At the end of the entire thing, the priest forgives you of these sins. What an AMAZING feeling. It is so great to put it out in the open and have it off your chest. I always feel so good inside after this experience.

4. Praise and Worship: Praying, but to a whole new level. At Steubenville, there is an awesome band. We sing Christian songs at the top of our lungs, jump up and down, and make up dance moves. But the best part of it all is that it is a form of prayer. I once heard from someone that singing is like praying, but twice as valuable. Some people also find it more fun. The coolest thing about it at Steubenville? In St. Louis anyway, the auditorium has three decks, with 2500 other people in the room, and they are all singing. A fact came up on the screen at the conference that our singing was 6 decibels softer than a jet engine. Now that is what I call intense. As Fr. J., one of the priests said, "Now this is what I call church. We sing up to the rafters, and the rafters respond right back." That is truly what it is, and it is awesome.

So many other events go on, including inspiring talks by speakers, small group chats, and meeting many new people.


This is where it gets a little personal. I was called this weekend to be a witness to Christ, and this is how I feel I am called to do just that. By sharing it with you. I felt called this weekend to be a part of something greater, that is, teaching others about the Lord and all He has done. So, if you have any questions about anything, please just leave a comment. I will try my best to answer it. It could be anything you want.

(Sidenote: If anyone is interested in finding out more, not as in a question, but as in an action, such as coming to church with Amanda and I, either Mass or just praise and worship youth group stuff, let me know. I would be more than willing to help with your curiousity.)


So, ask me any questions you want, even if you want to question something about Catholicism, and I will look for an answer.


Your sister in Christ,

Emily


Adoration, in a sense. Notice the priest kneeling. A little hard to see, but
imagine the three-decked auditorium of people, everyone kneeling, behind the
stage. (pic from 2006)

This is a pic from this year's Steubenville. The priest, in this case Fr. J, brings Jesus around so that everyone can get
just that little bit closer to him. It's really neat and inspiring!!

This is the auditorium...see all three decks? Pretty INSANE.

Praise and worship, what it pretty much looks like from the audience.

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