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Bold Faith in a Questioning World
In a world filled with questions and uncertainty, Catholics are called to give witness with courage and clarity. The Defending the Faith Conference equips you to know the truth of the Catholic faith, engage culture with confidence, and share the Gospel with love and conviction.
From Understanding to Witness
In a world filled with questions and uncertainty, Catholics are called to give witness with courage and clarity. The Defending the Faith Conference equips you to know the truth of the Catholic faith, engage culture with confidence, and share the Gospel with love and conviction.
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Worship together: Be renewed through the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and prayer.
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Draw from trusted voices: Hear from respected Catholic scholars and apologists who speak with clarity and conviction.
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Engage culture: Learn how to address today’s toughest questions with truth and charity.
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Grow in dialogue: Discover ways to listen well and respond to others with humility and love.
Join us for Defending the Faith Conference and be equipped to witness the truth with clarity, courage, and joy.
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Conference Ministry Team
John Paul Von Arx
John Paul Von Arx seeks to share his faith and love for country music in venues all across America and has been performing professionally for the last nine years.
Dr. Scott Hahn
Dr. Scott Hahn is the "Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor for Biblical Theology at Franciscan University". He is the founder and president of the St. Paul Center, an apostolate dedicated to teaching Catholics to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. Dr. Hahn has been married to Kimberly for 44 years. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. They also have one son ordained to the Diocese of Steubenville, Fr. Jeremiah Hahn. The author and editor of over 50 popular and academic books, Dr. Hahn's works include bestselling titles: Rome Sweet Home and The Lamb's Supper. His most recent title is Catholics in Exile; Biblical Wisdom for our Journey Home (Emmaus Road, 2023).
Kimberly Hahn
Kimberly Hahn wed Scott in 1979. They met at Grove City College, where she earned a B.A. in Communication Arts. While Scott studied to be a pastor, Kimberly earned an MA in Theological Studies in 1982. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. Kimberly became a Catholic in 1990 in Joliet, Illinois, after a difficult struggle during the four years following Scott’s entrance into the Catholic Church. Together they wrote Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. Kimberly also wrote Life-Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage, and a four-volume series on marriage and family life: Chosen and Cherished, Graced and Gifted, Beloved and Blessed, and Legacy of Love. Her podcast “Beloved and Blessed” reaches tens of thousands weekly.
Jeff Morrow
Shane Owens
An alumnus of Franciscan University (MA Theology, 2013), Dr. Shane Owens returned to the Ohio Valley in 2023 as an assistant professor of theology. Owens has taught classes at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Baton Rouge, LA), the Dominican House of Studies (Washington, DC), and the Catholic University of America, where he completed his doctorate in historical theology. The theological exegesis and ecclesiology of St. Augustine of Hippo is the primary focus of his scholarship. He has a forthcoming book with Emmaus Road Publishing on the spirituality of Augustine’s Confessions entitled, Return to the Heart. Owens met his wife, Esther (née Power, BA 2014, MA 2015) at Franciscan. Together, they raise two children in the Steubenville area.
Dr. Andrew Swafford
Gavin Ashenden
Father Carter Griffin
Father Roger Landry
Marcus Peters
Rob Corzine
Registration
General Registration: $235 Young Adult Registration: $185 Religious/Deacons Registration: $155 Priest Registration: FreePreregister Here
Testimonials
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“This conference gives me such hope for our future and helps me to know my faith more deeply and be less afraid to share it. The speakers are awesome, and I love the music; it lifts our prayer so beautifully! This conference makes me realize what a beautiful gift our Church is.”
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“Enlightening, rejuvenating, and deeply touching! I never knew that so many Catholics were so excited about their faith. I’ve got a long way to go, but at least now I know that I’m not alone.”
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:
- Phone: (740) 283-6315
- Email: conferences@franciscan.edu
We’re happy to help ensure your teen’s participation is a meaningful and seamless experience!