Power & Purpose Conference - Steubenville Conferences

Find Freedom in the Spirit

Let Jesus renew your heart and refresh your spirit. At the Power and Purpose Conference, experience the peace and power of the Holy Spirit as you hear from inspiring speakers, join in worship, and gather as a community. Find the healing, hope, and joy to live in true freedom.

Connect, Belong, and Grow Together

At the Power and Purpose Conference, you’ll join a vibrant community where you can build lasting friendships and experience the joy of Catholic fellowship on 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.
Young Adult Activities (18-35) – Find community with other young adults at an evening block party and a dedicated meal with a speaker—plus enjoy a special registration rate, just for you.

You belong here.

Meet the Team

David Calavitta

David Calavitta is a passionate Catholic in love with Christ and his Church. He’s also very much in love with his wife, Brittany, and their two sons. In addition to his speaking ministry, he currently serves as the director of Creative and Marketing for Life Teen International.

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.

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic from Miami. She has degrees in theology and psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Augustine Institute.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. A member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular, he was ordained a priest in 1996. Fr. Dave is the creator of The Wild Goose video series on the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a video series on conversion. The well-known Catholic speaker and author has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021), hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN, and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope.

Pete Burak

Pete Burak is Vice-President of Renewal Ministries. He is a 2010 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has a master’s degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Pete is a frequent speaker on discipleship and evangelization, and he is the co-director of Pine Hills Boys Camp. He is a monthly columnist for Faith Magazine, and the host of The Hour and Spirit-filled Leadership podcasts. Pete and his wife Cait have four children.

Dr. Mary Healy

Dr. Mary Healy is professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and an international speaker. She is a general editor of Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other books include The Spiritual Gifts Handbook and Healing. Dr. Healy serves as chair of the Theological Commission of CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service) in Rome. She was appointed by Pope Francis as one of the first three women ever to serve on the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

Father Johnathan St. Andre

John Beaulieu

Registration

Regular: $235
Young Adult (18-35): $170
Religious/Deacons: $145
Priests: Free registration

Add-ons

Housing Options: $120-$310/person
Meal Plan: $91/person
See registration page for more details.

Testimonials

“It will change your perspective on your family, your faith life, your church, your work, how you receive the gifts of god, how you give your gifts to your community, the way you are activated in your faith. It all starts here, at least it did for me."

Dave K.

“These conferences are so awesome. I just weep in the presence of the Holy Spirit! And it’s not just during the praise and worship; it’s during the homilies, talks, and workshops! We are truly fed for the journey with timely information, and I come away filled, renewed, and with lasting friendships.”

Barb H.

“Attending this conference truly changed my life. It increased my desire for more time in daily prayer and it strengthened and boosted my faith in a wonderful way that I never dreamed possible. I have a renewed peace and joy in my heart and soul and a much greater love for the Holy Spirit!”

LouAnn L.

Ambassadors Media Kit

FAQs

When does registration open?

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

Can teenagers come to an adult conference?

Yes, teenagers between 13 and 17 years old are welcome to attend our Adult Conferences when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. However, please note the following:

Housing: Teens are not permitted to stay in on-campus housing and must arrange separate housing accommodations with their parent/guardian off-campus. If you need recommendations for off-campus housing, feel free to contact us.
Liability Waiver: A completed Adult Conference Youth Liability Form must be brought to check-in.
Discounted Rate: We offer a discounted registration rate for teenagers. To take advantage of this discount, please contact us before registering:
- Phone: (740) 283-6315
- Email: conferences@franciscan.edu

We’re happy to help ensure your teen’s participation is a meaningful and seamless experience!