Young people pray during a summer youth conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, June 20. "Witness" was the common theme of 19 weekend conferences for youths in the U.S. and Canada sponsored by the Franciscan University. An estimated 40,000 teens were expected to attend the conferences, which continue through Aug. 3. (CNS photo/Emily Fogarty, courtesy of Franciscan University)

“This weekend changed my life,” said Kassie Mallory of Sylvania St. Joseph. “I was moved especially because of adoration and reconciliation. I can start over.”

Following the theme of “Witness,” teens were encouraged to witness their Catholic faith to a world that lacks hope. Workshops included “Prayer: The Heart of Witness,” “How to Be and Share Christ at Home” and “Vocation: Discerning God’s Call to Live as a Witness.” Speakers talked about purity, saying “yes” to God and “no” to self-gratification and how the sacraments can aide in one’s daily life.

“They told us how we can hold onto our faith,” said 16-year- old Mary Ellen Mouch from Sylvania. “I really feel like I can keep going from this weekend, through the sacrament of [the Eucharist] Mass, praying the rosary and spending time with God.”

“I’m going to try to keep this theme,” said 13-year-old Kayla Anderson from Toledo. “Being a witness, one moment at a time, because then it’s easier to stay focused on my faith.”

One student knew this weekend helped him as he begins his college career. “For me, God was telling me that I’m home,” said Kevin McCartney from Swanton. “I’m coming to Franciscan University in the fall and this weekend, I knew this is where I’m meant to be.”