Steubenville 2011

On Friday, our group leaves for Steubenville, OH, where we will meet up with 2000+ other teenagers for a weekend of dynamic talks, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and hot nights in non-air conditioned dorms.

This year's theme is "Rooted," and it echoes the theme for World Youth Day, which will be happening in Spain next month.

Colossians 2:6-7 is the source of inspiration.  It reads, "As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Here is what Franciscan University has to say about the theme:

"We live in a culture that easily seeks identity in the things of this world, which are sending us messages of appealing false, half-truths and counterfeits that seem to promise joy in this life. With this year's theme, Rooted, we will emphasize that true identity is in Christ.  To authentically live the abundant life that God calls us to,  it is very important to remain “rooted and built up in Him” as a daily journey of receiving God’s Truth. The image of roots denotes strength, stability, and growth.  The Sacraments and prayer are a living and effective source of strengthening our roots for the Christian journey ahead."