Hey everyone, my name is Kiki Rodriguez and I am a rising senior at Saint Vincents Academy and a member of the Saint Peters Lifeteen ministries. Last weekend, the members of Lifeteen traveled to Steubenville Atlanta for a youth conference. To say the least, Stuebenville was absolutely life changing. This year was my first year attending Steubenville. I had heard many stories about this trip from the other youth that had attended last year’s conference, but personally being there to 
experience it was completely surreal. From the moment that I walked through the doors of the Gwinette Center, the entire atmosphere changed to that of a loving and very spiritual feeling. The weekend began with a big mass including all of the youth involved in the conference. Followed by inspirational speakers and a great band. Everyone was given the opportunity to attend Adoration and Reconciliation everyday and each night ended with a praise and worship concert from the band, Ike Ndolo. Saturday, all of the members attended mass and spiritual workshops. That night, all members took part in Adoration, and that was quite the experience in and of itself. The band performing while the monstrance was being guided around the congregation was extremely powerful. Nearly everyone there was in tears and kneeling before the father. Some of the youth, including myself, physically felt the grace of God among them and a warm embrace or a soft hand on their shoulder while we gave our hearts up to Christ. Hearing the Words, “I believe in one God, the Father the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth” being said in unison with 3,000 of my brothers and sisters in Christ was just a reassurance of how amazing and beautiful God’s love can be. Having to leave after mass on Sunday was hard because I have never felt so close to God before in my life. I strongly encourage anyone who feels as if they would like to become closer to God or that needs that enlivenment that you are loved no matter what, should attend Steubenville with us next July. It really was a very unbelievable and prodigious journey, just take it from me. On behalf of the entire Lifeteen group here at St. Peters, we would like to thank Monsignor Costigan, Fr. Paul, and all of the parishioners that helped us to make this trip possible. We would not have been able to do this with out all of you. Thanks!!
Click here for fill 2015 Steubenville Gallery
