Steubenville West Could Change Your Life

By Carissa Krautscheid 
 
As I was looking forward to this year’s Steubenville West Conference, I came across a Facebook page for the annual event. I knew it was an old account because one of the most recent photographs that LifeTeen had posted was of me. Thirteen years ago. 

 
As the media administrator for the Diocese of Tucson, I was blessed to attend the 2023 Steubenville West Conference in Tucson this past week. I knew what a treasure it would be because I had already experienced the power of the Holy Spirit as a teen at this same conference.  
 
The conferences I attended over a decade ago were led by Matt Maher, Jackie Francois (long before she was married to Bobby Angel), Ike Ndolo, and – yes – Father Mike Schmitz. As a teenager encountered the passion and humor of Father Mike long before his famous Bible In a Year Podcast or his leadership of Ascension Presents. I like to think, “I liked Fr. Mike before liking Fr. Mike was cool!” 
 
Steubenville influenced many facets of my spirituality and my relationship with God. To this day, I still lean on takeaways from the women’s session: “I am a beloved daughter of God.” In times of doubt or challenge, I return to this statement of clarity that defines my identity as being rooted in Christ. I turn to my Father, knowing that I am His cherished and beloved daughter. 
 
Steubenville West was – quite simply – fun! The music, the lights, the energy – all directed toward and enlivened by a love of God. The conference is filled with moments of spiritual high, feelings and tingles and the Holy Spirit clearly present. While these were influential in my spiritual journey, I later learned not to rely on spiritual highs and feelings that God was near. God is also in the deep, in the silence and stillness of our lives. There, He awaits to encounter us in ways that are no less profound than the high energy found at conferences like Steubenville and Christian concerts.  
 

Friendships that last a lifetime 

Looking back at photos of my first conference in 2010 and then again in 2011, I see the same friends who still surround me to this day. Steubenville wasn’t the only reason we’ve stayed friends, but it is certainly one of the building blocks from which our friendships have flourished. Shared moments of profound realization and spiritual vulnerability combined with an intentional effort to continue unfolding together on the journey led to an entire lifetime of friendship. 
 
One such friend I see again and again is Christen. She and I have known each other since kindergarten and on through Girl Scouts, high school, and even college out of state. We were at each other’s weddings and still see each other almost every week at our Catholic young adult gatherings. Our stories are interwoven, and I have been blessed by Christen’s generous compassion for others.  

 

We are all called to discern our Vocations 

For those of you who have never attended Steubenville West, on the last day students are asked to stand if they have ever considered a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Thirteen years ago, I said yes and stood up in front of God and my peers.  I believe that every person is called to discern their vocation of holiness. In a sea of a thousand, I stood up strongly and I wasn’t alone. Countless other teens also answered the call, in a bold yet vulnerable way. 
 
What happened to those of us who stood up? To be honest, it varies. In my personal experience, no one reached out; no one offered to walk with me in discernment; no one asked questions. Perhaps they didn’t want to make me feel awkward or pigeon-holed into a specific path. But if several dozen of our teens are bold enough to stand up in front of their peers, then perhaps we could simply offer to walk with them on the journey. For me, there are no regrets. Today I am happily married to a faithful Catholic and my vocation is being a wife, and maybe someday a mother. I am serving God and will continue to do so.  
 
At Steubenville West, I realized that young Catholics are passionate about their faith, eager to learn more, and willing to stand up despite potential adversity. Now as a young adult, I continue to believe in the power of our young people. While much of the hard work of discernment is up to the individual, perhaps some who hear God's call just need a companion to walk with them on the journey toward Heaven.  
 
If you are a youth minister or perhaps your child attended the conference, please, follow up. Create no pressure, but talk about the event. What did they learn, what didn’t they like, who did they meet? The Catholic Church, especially the Diocese of Tucson, needs strong faithful youth to discern what God is saying to them. Walk with them on the journey and pray for grace. God is counting on us to help Him spread the good message.