7 things I learned while working Steubenville Conferences

This summer I had a pretty awesome job. I worked Liturgical Ministries for Steubenville Conferences. Here are seven things I learned from this summer, in no particular order.

1. Priests are really cool.

We had the opportunity to meet a lot of priests and have a lot of meals with them after the million confession times we ushered for the various conferences. I met a lot of really holy, awesome, funny priests with interesting stories and an incredible love for serving the Church.

Even the ones that I already knew are pretty cool. That is, when they're not making fun of me. Okay fine, even then.

2. If your team decides to keep a quotebook, be careful about what leaves your mouth.

Some choice quotes from the quotebook that make absolutely no sense (or just sound really bad) out of context:

"I'm the closest thing to perfect since the Blessed Virgin."

"I just love you for your priesthood, Fr Pat."

"I wasn't born to feed myself."

3. There are many different shades of tired, and each of them are funny.

My personal favorite is toddler tired. 

"I don't want anyone to touch me, talk to me, or even look at me, but I want you to cater to my every whim."

4. When you have a choice between great conversations and sleep, choose great conversations.

As appealing as your bed might be after only 10 hours of sleep in the last two days, I promise you that sleep-deprived conversations that turn deep at the strangest turn are worth even less sleep.

5. Famous Catholic speakers are people too.

No matter how awestruck I might be at the fact that Jackie Francois is standing three feet away from me, it's ridiculous to be too intimidated to ask her for a picture. 

Thanks for that life lesson, Br. Chris.

6. Wearing a radio automatically makes you seem in charge.

If you're wearing a headset, you obviously know the answer to any and every question. Even if this isn't true, luckily the fact that your headset is connected to a radio means that the answer to whatever question is easily found.

7. Being able to witness God change the hearts of thousands of teens is worth every moment of exhaustion or frustration at the fact that this fifth cup of coffee doesn't seem to be working.

What a gift.

Photo cred goes to Steubenville Conferences

Also, shoutout to my awesome team. Thankful for the hours I spent working side-by-side with each of these crazy people.