July 31, 2025

Teens are ‘consumed’ by the love of Christ at Steubenville East

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – More than 1200 teenagers from the Northeast and beyond packed inside the MassMutual Center in Springfield, July 25-27 for the Steubenville East Catholic Youth Conference. This is the fourth year in a row that the conference has been held in Springfield. The theme was “Consumed,” based on Deuteronomy 4:24, “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire…”

“This weekend is amazing. We have so many blessings when you put Jesus in the middle,” said Bishop William D. Byrne, who offered the opening prayer on Friday evening, July 25. The bishop spent the weekend at the MassMutual Center, hearing confessions, participating in the games and visiting with teenagers with his famous dog, Zelie. He also celebrated the closing Mass, Sunday morning, July 27.

Life Teen partners with Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio to host the Steubenville Catholic Conferences held in different regions of the country each summer. The weekends include inspiring talks, praise and worship music, reconciliation, Mass and eucharistic adoration.

Each session was kicked off with music by singer/songwriter and worship leader Ricky Vazquez, who is signed to Integrity Music. He brought the teens to their feet with such songs as “Praise” and “I Thank God.” At times is appeared like there was a big dance party inside the arena.

“This is what we live for, especially to see our young people have so much hope, coming together, having a great time with Jesus in the middle,” Bishop Byrne added.

A total of 1290 participants, including chaperones were in attendance, with 189 teenagers from the Diocese of Springfield. Groups from as far away as Canada, Colorado and Pennsylvania made the trip.

“I like how there are bigger topics and bigger conversations everyone can relate to. I like how there is reconciliation. All the talks opened my eyes,” said Allison Sanchez, who attended with St. Jerome Parish in Holyoke.

Along with St. Jerome Parish, the Westfield Catholic Community, St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham, Holy Name Parish in Springfield, St. Elizabeth Parish in Ludlow, St. Stanislaus Basilica Parish in Chicopee, the Berkshire County Youth Group and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown sent youth to the conference.

“We really have fun and get to talk to other people,” said Alexis Diaz, who is also a member of St. Jerome Parish youth group. “We also get to take a moment to value Mass and adoration.”

In between talks, Mass and adoration, the teens had a chance to mingle in what was called the “Fun Zone,” on the second level of the MassMutual Center. Organizers set up basketball, karaoke, cornhole and other games.

The speakers included host Kris Frank, a graduate of Franciscan University; Father John Parks, Diocese of Phoenix, Az.; Catholic podcaster Michael Gormely; Franciscan Sister Karolyn Nunes, FSGM; and Catholic speaker Conall Hughes, also a graduate of Franciscan University.

The pinnacle of the weekend was Saturday evening’s eucharistic adoration when Father John Parks processed inside the arena with Blessed Sacrament. Ricky Vazquez played praise and worship music, as the entire crowd knelt down praying and singing.

“They had all the first timers stand up right before adoration. They had everyone pray over us and two of my friends, Lucas and Brandon, put their hands on my back, which I wasn’t expecting. And then they all prayed. I was crying happy tears. I was crying tears of joy,” said Jack Gilbert, who attended with the Westfield Catholic Community. Gilbert is a rising junior at St. Mary High School in Westfield and a member of the Diocesan Youth Team.

“The entire time during adoration I felt at peace. Like the Catholic church is where I need to be. This is what brings me peace and joy in my life. I need this. I love this,” he said.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.