Teens talk about Steubenville Florida 2008

Posted: 06.16.08

Here is what some of the teens who attended the inaugural Steubenville Florida youth conference told the Florida Catholic about what they experienced.

Brad Knox, 16, one of 110 youths who came from Gainesville: “I have found a new understanding of my Catholic faith.”

His friend Neal Hackett, 18: “I am impressed that so many older people want to put Jesus into the lives of youths.”

Allison Murray, 15, a member of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral: “I realize now that by receiving more grace, I can take Jesus with me.”

Lexi Klym, 15, from St. Ignatius Parish in Tarpon Springs: “We got to know God better. It was a true revelation.”

Sergio Rios, 16, from Lord of Divine Mercy Parish in Brownsville, Texas: “I am getting to know Jesus better, and now I want to help my friends back home to see him as well as I do.”

Joe Elliott, 17, belongs to St. Joseph Parish in West St. Paul, Minn: “I feel that I am getting closer to God, that I am knowing him better.”

Charlie Keis, 17, from Assumption Parish in Richfield, Minn., one of 60 young people who came from that state: “I grew a lot closer to God, in my relationship to him.”

Gabriel Singleton, 15, of St. Rita Parish in Harahan, Louisiana: “The greatest thing I got was spiritual strength and courage.”

Rachel Solino, 15, from the same Louisiana parish: “I feel more self-acceptance of who I am in my life. A peace has come over me.”

Compiled by Florida Catholic correspondent Bennet Bolton.