Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville launched its 50th summer of Steubenville Conferences with the "Glory: Women’s Gathering" from June 6-8. The event drew over 500 women from across North America, aiming to help them reconnect with their spiritual identity and deepen their faith.

The conference was organized in collaboration with Life Restoration Ministries and its co-founder Heather Khym, who is also known for co-hosting the "Abiding Together" podcast. Notable speakers included Khym herself; Michelle Benzinger, another co-host of the podcast; Debbie Herbeck, founder of Pine Hills Girls’ Camp and Be Love Revolution; Sarah Kaczmarek, director at Encounter Ministries; and Monica Richards, a missionary and director at Damascus. Musician Sarah Kroger Quaglia led worship sessions.

Activities during the weekend were designed to foster spiritual renewal through community interaction, worship services, personal testimonies, and encounters with the Holy Spirit. Attendees participated in daily Mass, eucharistic adoration, keynote speeches, worship music sessions, breakout discussions, prayer ministry activities, and explored a new Catholic marketplace.

Kaczmarek emphasized building a closer relationship with Christ by stating: “He goes first,” referring to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Herbeck encouraged attendees to reflect on covenant love by saying: “You are here as the bride.”

Benzinger noted that women today are particularly weary and stressed. She urged women to gather more frequently for mutual support in faith. “There is something just so powerful when women gather,” she remarked.

Richards spoke about unity among women: “The power of unity among you is so significant.” Khym expressed her gratitude for leading such an impactful event: “We experienced an incredible outpouring of God’s presence.”

This "Glory" Conference is part of a broader lineup that includes other adult conferences and youth events hosted by Franciscan University or partnered dioceses across North America as part of their 50-year tradition. Upcoming adult conferences feature various speakers including Noelle Mering, Dr. Scott Hahn, Father Dave Pivonka TOR, Dr. Mary Healy, Deacon Bob Rice, Karlo Broussard, Dr. John Bergsma, Father John Riccardo, Dr. Shane Owens, Kimberly Hahn, Katie Prejean McGrady among others.

The youth conferences will include four events at Franciscan University itself along with additional gatherings throughout the United States and Canada.

For more information on these conferences visit www.steubenvilleconferences.com.