St. John Bosco Conference - Steubenville Conferences

Strength for the Mission Ahead

The St. John Bosco Conference is a place to renew your spirit in Christ and be equipped with proven tools for ministry. Join fellow catechists, teachers, youth ministers, and leaders as they come together to deepen their faith, sharpen their skills, and be re-energized for the mission of sharing the Gospel.

Grow in Skill, Faith, and Fellowship

Here you’ll discover how to lead with heart, serve with clarity, and walk alongside others who share your calling.

Learn with purpose: Choose from tracks and workshops designed for catechetical, youth, and school ministry.
Strengthen your method: Develop strategies to teach with clarity, creativity, and conviction.
Encounter Christ: Participate in liturgy, sacramental life, and prayer that deepen your own relationship with our Lord.
Share life in community: Connect over meals, evening socials, and meaningful conversations with fellow ministers.

You’ll leave the St. John Bosco Conference with fresh vision, grace-filled strength, and the confidence to guide others in faith.

Conference Ministry Team

Deacon Bob Rice

Deacon Bob Rice lives in the Diocese of Steubenville with his wife, Jennifer, and seven children. He is a professor of catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he teaches courses in Scripture, youth ministry, and music ministry. He travels around the country preaching about Jesus and has authored many books. Find out more about him at deaconbobrice.com.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. A prolific Catholic speaker, author, and host of multiple video series, he received his bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University, then earned his MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Before his election as president, he served Franciscan as vice president for Mission and Planning, then as director of the TOR’s Post-Novitiate Formation and the TOR’s Franciscan Pathways.

Father Matthew Gossett

Francis Cabildo

Francis Cabildo is a Catholic worship leader and minister serving as Director of Worship at Our Savior Parish and the USC Caruso Catholic Center, where he leads liturgical music and supports faith formation for parish and university communities. He holds a B.A. in Theology and has served in youth ministry, campus ministry, and missionary work. Francis and his wife, Nicole, have 5 children.

Gavin Ashenden

Jim Beckman

Jim Beckman serves as the president of Impact Center, an apostolate dedicated to ministering to ministers and leadership development in the Catholic Church. A graduate of both Franciscan University and the Augustine Institute, Jim has served in various roles of leadership for national, regional, and local ministry over the years. He is a dynamic and passionate speaker and has a great love for the Catholic faith and for discipleship. He has built solid and thriving ministry programs in numerous parishes and dioceses. Jim also serves in a contract role with FOCUS, helping foster greater Church engagement and strategic partnerships. He and his wife, Meg, live in Littleton, Colorado,with their five children.

Mary Ann Weisinger-Puig

Bishop Joseph Williams

Pricing

Registration & Fees

Registration: $410

Housing: $225-$490

Meals: $144

Testimonials

“This conference gave me the extra push I needed to step up and be bolder in my ministry! It’s so beautiful to be strengthened by the sacraments, mentored by the amazing speakers, and uplifted by the other participants who are running towards the same goal. This conference is a must for anyone in ministry.”

Maggie S.

“The St. John Bosco Conference was exactly what I needed as someone involved with Youth Ministry in my parish. The sessions provided were both engaging and informative, with a balance in doctrinal and spiritual formation. I left the conference feeling renewed and energized for my role in the New Evangelization!”

Christina L.

Get Updates

Stay up to date on the latest news and information for the St. John Bosco Conference.

Schedule

Noon-8:00pm

Conference Check-In

Christ the Teacher: #128

3:30-4:30pm

Travelers’ Mass

Fieldhouse

4:30-7:00pm

Dinner

Antonian Hall

7:15-9:00am

GENERAL SESSION 1

FAQs

When does registration open?

The date for registration for 2026 is coming soon.

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:
- Email: conferences@franciscan.edu

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