ORLANDO | More than 1,800 teens from across the country gathered at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando for Steubenville Florida 2025, hosted in collaboration with Life Teen, for a powerful weekend of worship, reflection, and transformation. The theme, “Consumed,” invited students to consider the ways the world tries to consume us—and how we are truly made to be consumed by the love of God.

Among those present were youth and leaders from St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park, St. Mary Magdalen in Altamonte Springs, St. Anthony’s in Lakeland, Holy Family in Orlando, Holy Name of Jesus in Indialantic, St. John the Evangelist in Viera, and Resurrection in Winter Garden.

The conference opened June 27 with high energy and deep reflection, calling youth to recognize the noise, distractions, and burdens they often carry. Through dynamic preaching, vibrant worship, and authentic testimony, teens were challenged to root their identity not in the world, but in Christ.

Saturday’s general session centered on consuming the Word of God, culminating in a reverent celebration of the Mass with Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Father Rufino Corona, TOR. Afterward, the youth were divided into men’s and women’s sessions—each exploring how to tame the wildfire of emotion, pressure, and fear that many carry daily. These sessions prepared hearts for one of the most profound moments of the weekend: Eucharistic Adoration.

As Jesus was placed on the altar, students slowly moved closer, many kneeling, weeping, and praying—desiring nothing more than to be near Him. Youth leader John Mark Kaldahl noted, “They weren’t rushing; they were resting. They didn’t want the moment to end.”

In the afternoon, students participated in Prayer Labs, including one on Lectio Divina (praying with Scripture) and another focused on developing a personal prayer life. These sessions helped teens build practical tools to sustain their faith beyond the weekend.

In a moving Saturday night keynote, students were asked, “What sea are you swimming in?”—a metaphor to consider how the world’s pressures can consume us. The speaker shared how Jesus, consumed by love, willingly became the sacrificial lamb so we might have new life. As the Eucharist was processed through the crowd during Adoration, students wept, prayed, and reached out toward Christ. Two youth from St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs shared they saw and felt Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time—and were overcome with peace.

Fellow attendee Gabriel noted, “I now understand why we worship. We are giving something to someone we can’t give enough to. It’s like that song, ‘If the stars were made to worship, so am I.’”

Simon added, “I liked the part that God answers with a yes, no, or not yet. We don’t always get the answers we expect, but God has the bigger picture! It gives me a sense of peace knowing I don’t have to worry—I just need to listen.”

St. John the Evangelist attendee, John, gave Adoration high praise saying it was better than playing video games. His fellow parishioner, Teresa noted spending time with her friends and Christ are important to her. “Steubenville is a very impactful and inspiring experience I believe every teen no matter of religion should do,” she said.

The presence of priests and religious throughout the weekend allowed hundreds of students to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation, often waiting in line for hours to unburden themselves and be consumed by God’s mercy. Bishop John Noonan joined briefly to witness the beauty of the weekend, encouraging and supporting the youth ministers, volunteers, and clergy who were walking alongside the young Church.

Diocese of Orlando Vocations Director, Father Zachary Parker and seminarians were present to speak with students about listening for God’s call. Many youth approached the vocations table, asking questions and seeking prayer about their future and God’s plan for their lives.

On Sunday, June 29, the conference closed with one final time of Adoration, commissioning students to carry God’s consuming love into their schools, homes, and communities. St. Mary Magdalen parishioner, Erin, shared her decision to begin Confirmation preparation after the weekend, saying, “I want to say yes to Jesus for the rest of my life.”

Describing her Steubenville experience, Amanda from St. John the Evangelist made an open invitation: “Steubenville is a place where you can discover a deeper path to God—whether you choose to open the door to Jesus or not, the invitation is always there,” she said.

Watch a reel of the Steubenville Conference here.

By Christopher Rivera, Special to the Florida Catholic, July 3, 2025