Contact Cheryl Hentz at cheryl@thecasa.org for more information.

GCYP Young Adult Summit
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 12:00 to 8:30 pm
GenZ and Millennials older than 18
Registration required at a mere $20 per person!

Event opens at 11 am | Young Adult Mass at noon
Breakout Speakers | Prayer Experiences | Exhibitors

Closing Keynote Speaker

Our closing dinner and speaker will present at Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

located at 4000 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Must registration to attend Closing Keynote Speaker session.

$20 registration fee includes dinner at Grimaldi's.

Catherine Fowler Sample

Catholic Dating in the Age of Swiping Left or Right

Did you know for the first time in history 50% of America is single? Catherine Fowler Sample (writer and producer of The Dating Project) will talk about how we got here and what we can do to win at love—while keeping our faith—in a world gone wrong.

Her talk will cover:

Why is dating such a mess?
Pitfalls of modern dating and how to avoid them
How to date wisely and well

Catherine Fowler Sample is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and Catholic author. She is known for writing and producing The Dating Project (available on Amazon), which explores the collapse in courtship culture in the era of hanging out, hooking up, social media, and digital dating. In her recent book, Gather Together (Ave Maria Press), Catherine aims to help people revive "relationship culture" by building community through faith and food around the table. She and her husband live in Arizona with their three daughters.

Breakout Session Speakers

Mitch Krmpotich, LCSW

Moral Scrupulosity and its Treatment

Many young Catholics struggle with moral scrupulosity. In this presentation, Mitch Krmpotich, a licensed clinical social worker, will discuss the definition and treatment for moral scrupulosity. How does it differ from a healthy sense of guilt? How does it show up in a world where we have more access to information than ever before? What can you do about it clinically and spiritually? Have any saints struggled with scrupulosity? We will discuss these questions and more!

A.J. Carter – Assistant Coordinator of Parish Catechesis

Discovering Gods plans for us. Jeremiah 29:11

A.J. will be sharing on how to discern God’s Plan for our lives.

Michael Powell and Patti Sills-Trausch

Contemplation in the Desert

The Contemplation in the Desert program enables participants to be introduced to contemplative prayer and reflection as we consider our relationship to all of God’s creation. The program consists of an opening prayer, land acknowledgement, a shared reading from Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home, and a short reading to prepare for the time of stillness and "wandering."

Then, an extended time is given to wander the Franciscan Renewal Center grounds, possibly finding a spot to sit in stillness and listen for the quiet voice of God as you open your heart and pay attention with your soul. After this time period, all will regather, share with one another our experiences, and close with a short reading. St. Francis of Assisi considered all of God’s creatures his brothers and sisters. Spending contemplative prayer-time in nature can help us come to a similar awareness.

James Renn, Vatican Observatory Foundations

The Vatican Observatory, A Legacy of Faith and Science

Officially, the Vatican Observatory traces its beginning to 1582 when the Jesuit Father Christopher Clavius helped Pope Gregory XIII reform the calendar.

But the inspiration for the Vatican Observatory comes from St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Jesuit order in 1540. Ignatius would spend hours on his balcony in Rome gazing at the night sky in awe of the beauty of God’s creation.

Learn about the history of the Vatican Observatory and how our Catholic faith does not contradict real science.

Brother Antonio Leuvano, OFM

A Vision of Hope in the Life of St. Francis

Abigail Standish

Called to Charity and Justice

During her presentation, Abigail will explore two main questions- why are we called to uplift the dignity of each person and how can we live out this calling. Focusing on the balance of justice and charity, she will discuss how scripture, papal documents, and church teaching emphasize and influence our call.

Jack Toth

Christlike Leadership Principles for Young Adults

This interactive workshop will enhance your Leadership skills. Believe it not, we are all leaders… no matter your age…no matter where you are on your journey of life… we all have leadership roles to play. In this workshop we will discuss: the definition of leadership; characteristics of good and not so good leaders; leaders you admire; leadership styles with an emphasis on Servant Leadership; leadership opportunities for young adults in profit and nonprofit organizations….and much more! If you are interested in becoming the Best Leader you can be, this workshop is for you!