Priests, Deacons, Seminarians Retreat - Steubenville Conferences

Priests, Deacons, Seminarians Retreat

Steubenville, OH

June 23 - 27, 2025

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Be Renewed for Your Mission

Take a break from your busy schedule and just be with Jesus. For 50 years, Steubenville Conferences have offered a retreat for clergy to recharge and reconnect with their brothers in faith. You’ll experience rest and peace, so you can return to your mission with a renewed heart.

Connect, Belong, and Grow Together

At the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat, you’ll join a community of like-minded men where you can reconnect, recharge, and rest, all while enjoying Franciscan University’s campus in Steubenville, Ohio.

  • Evening Socials – Unwind and connect with others in a relaxed, joyful setting.

  • Shared Mealtimes – Enjoy great conversations over great food.

  • Special Events – Enjoy unique moments that make each conference unforgettable.

You belong here.

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Meet the Team

John Paul Von Arx

John Paul Von Arx seeks to share his faith and love for country music in venues all across America and has been performing professionally for the last nine years.

Father John Riccardo

Fr. John was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996. In 2019, after 23 years in parish ministry, he founded Acts XXIX to proclaim the gospel in an attractive and compelling way and to equip clergy and lay leaders for the age in which God has chosen us to live. Fr. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Gregorian University, and the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

Albert Faraj

A husband, father, and grandfather, Albert has been active in parish life throughout his entire adult life. He brings over 30 years of experience in leadership in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings. His expertise includes developing leadership teams, vision and strategy, and operationalizing transformation. His work has spanned multiple continents. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

Mary Guilfoyle

A wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary is a former parish Director of Evangelization and Discipleship. She has equipped more than 100 parishes in prayerfully discerning how to best care for those in the pews, and reach the fallen away and the lost. She's passionate about helping disciples form small group communities in order to live more authentically human lives. Mary is a graduate of Washburn University.

Rick Popp

A husband and father, Rick is a recognized authority in leadership with over 30 years experience as a consultant and HR executive. As an active part of the leadership team, he equips bishops, pastors, leaders, and their teams for Mission. Rick is a graduate of Northern Michigan University.

Registration

Regular: $305
Seminarian: FREE (includes registration, housing, and meals)
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Add-ons

Housing: $330/person
Meal Plan: $190/person
See registration page for more details.

Testimonials

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“I was tired and empty in many ways when I came on Monday. Upon leaving on Friday, I was refreshed and energized. I experienced Jesus’ love again.”

Fr. John P.

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“Every year this retreat provides me with much needed inspiration and healing for my life and ministry.  The fellowship with brother priests and deacons alone would make it worth it. Yet, we get so much more!”

Deacon Craig A.

FAQs

When does registration open?

You can register for an Adult Conference on December 04, 2024.

Can diaconate candidates—men currently in the formation program who have not yet been ordained as deacons—attend the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat before ordination?

Yes, diaconate candidates—men currently in the formation program who have not yet been ordained as deacons—are welcome to attend the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Retreat at any stage of their formation. After registration, they must provide a letter from their diocese confirming their enrollment in the program, a letter of good standing, and their anticipated ordination date. This can be emailed to conferences@franciscan.edu with the registrant’s name, phone number, and email after registration.