meet our speakers
Fr. Timothy Anastos
A priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Father Anastos typically works with college students navigating the challenges of life. He is currently serving as a National Eucharistic Preacher, leading people to a life-changing encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. He is also an Instagram Influencer with his series “Reel Homilies,” that unpacks the Sunday Gospel readings through the lenses of Church tradition, pop culture, and self-improvement.
Noelle Garcia
Noelle Garcia is a Catholic recording artist and speaker, wife, and mom to five kids. She travels the country sharing the faith through witness, Scripture, catechesis, and music. For over ten years Noelle has shared her ministry at events such as Steubenville Youth Conferences, the National Catholic Youth Conference, LA Congress, and many others.
Pam Stenzel
Spent her entire adult life working with women experiencing crisis pregnancies, advocating for LIFE and helping students make the best choice and save sex for marriage. Pam’s personal story, being conceived in rape and yet adopted and loved, gave her the passion to speak on the value of every human life as well as walk alongside women in crisis and bring them help and hope. Pam’s life mission is to always point to the value of every single person, created in God’s image, with a plan and a purpose. Every person deserves the dignity and respect bestowed upon them by their Creator first, every life has value because we are all children of God.
Currently, Pam Serves as the Client Services Director for Community Pregnancy Clinics operating 5 clinics and 2 mobile clinics across Southwest and Central Florida. (supportcpci.com)
Fr. Joseph Lugalambi
Adjunct Instructor of Theology at Ave Maria University
Education: B.A., Sacred Theology, Pontifica Universitas Gregoriana; M.A., Theology, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary/Kenrick School of Theology; Ph.D., Systematic Theology, Ave Maria University
Epic Music Ministires
EPIC the Band is a young and vibrant group of artists based in Miami, Florida who have dedicated their lives to spreading God’s Word and Love through music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend?
Any high school student from rising freshman (8th graders going into 9th grade in the fall) to graduating seniors.
What is it all about?
A weekend full of dynamic talks, moving music, prayer, adoration, Mass and the opportunity to make some incredible friends!
Where is it at?
Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, FL 34142 (20 miles east of Naples Florida) Parking available at: 5287 Dolan St, Ave Maria, FL 34142 Follow the signs for check in. Check out our directions page for more information.
Why should I come?
It is an awesome opportunity to come to know God in a more personal way and be able to spread the joy of being a Catholic with others.
How much does it cost?
$190 per person (adults and students).
This includes lodging, meals, plus a VERY COOL t-shirt!
Who is going?
High school students from across the state of Florida and more!
Contact your parish or youth minister to attend with your group.
To register individually or for more information,
call (239) 348-4725 or email: aveconferences@gmail.com
What do I need to bring?
Toiletries, bedding/sleeping bag, pillow, towel, comfortable and modest clothes. The beds are extra long twin beds so flat sheets or sleeping bags work best. Bring warm blankets the rooms can get cold! It’s like camping indoors!
What are the room arrangements?
Students and chaperones will stay in our dorms on campus. Each room will have its own separate shower and bathroom. Chaperones will stay in a separate room but near the students they are with. We ask that you have chaperones for each gender you are bringing. Other considerations-some spending money ($20), bug spray, sunscreen, water bottle, rosary, bible, journal, a pen, and lots of sleep because we won’t be doing much of that here!
Check in
Arrival and check is Friday 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm at Sebastian Hall on the AMU Campus. See the directions page for more information.
Mass will begin the conference at 3:45 p.m. in the Ave Maria Parish Church.
Check Out
Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the dorms. Rooms should be empty, all garbage removed and dropped off in designated areas when checking out.
PLEASE RETURN YOUR ROOM KEYS TO THE BOXES PROVIDED
How to Register
(if you are attending as a youth group, talk to your youth leader for instructions for your group)
Fill out the registration form online or call us and we can register you on the phone.
Download and fill out Liability Form.
Don’t forget a copy of each participant’s health insurance card!
The cost can be paid online, by check or credit card.
We prefer one check or credit card payment per group.Chaperone’s will need the chaperone form completed by your pastor and must have received the Safe Environment certification or your diocese equivalent to work with minors.