meet our speakers
sister maria jose socias, sctjm
Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, originally from Santurce, Puerto Rico, and raised in the Dominican Republic, is the eldest of two children. She entered the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1990, shortly after meeting the community while completing medical school. She professed her vows in 1991.
The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary is a religious community based in the Archdiocese of Miami. Over the years, Sister Maria Jose has pursued various studies, including catechesis and liturgy, and has participated in numerous workshops and conferences.
From 1990 to 1996, she worked as a Pre-K teacher at Our Lady of the Rosary Daycare Center. In 1997, she joined the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Miami, where she trained as a counselor for the Emergency Pregnancy Center and Project Rachel. She also organized and participated in the Chastity Day program for 8th graders. From 2008 to 2014, she served as a Middle School Religion teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic School. She has also been the Mistress of Novices for her Institute for 9.5 years and currently serves at Cristo Rey Miami High School.
Sister Maria Jose is a member of her Institute’s preaching team and has participated in Marian and Eucharistic conferences, retreats, and parish missions both in the USA and internationally.
michael gormley
From working in youth ministry to traveling the world, Michael Gormley, or “Gomer” as he’s been known since high school, has been preaching the Gospel to pew-sitting and lapsed Catholics alike.
Gomer holds three degrees from the Franciscan University of Steubenville: Philosophy BA, Theology BA, and Theology and Christian Ministry MA, and has worked in parish and youth ministry for decades. Traveling widely to give retreats, parish missions, youth conferences, and evangelization training all around the country, Gomer’s main concern is building community and bringing Catholics into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through repentance and encountering God in Scripture.
Gomer brings all of this passion and expertise into his podcast with Ascension, Every Knee Shall Bow, a seasonal podcast on Catholic evangelization which he co-hosts with Dave VanVickle.
Outside of Ascension, Gomer works as a Mission Evangelist for That Man Is You!, a men’s apostolate for Paradisus Dei. He is also the founder and creative director of Lay Evangelist.
Gomer is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and they have 4 beautiful and hilarious children: Kateri, Cecilia, Noah, and Thomas.
mari pablo
Mari Pablo grew up in a devout, always supportive, boisterous Hispanic family in South Florida. She graduated from Franciscan University with a double major in theology and psychology; she also holds a Master of Theology from the Augustine Institute. She has worked in youth ministry for over 15 years, including being a youth minister in New Orleans, and a high school theology teacher in Miami. She is currently serving parishes and universities across the country with The Evangelical Catholic.
Mari is a presenter for Ascension Press in numerous projects including the YOU-Theology of the Body program for teens, The 99- An evangelization mission series, Connected- Catholic Social Teaching for this generation, Bible Timeline, Chosen- Confirmation and Ascension presents. Mari is well known for her dynamic presentations at the annual Steubenville Youth Conferences, NCYC, NET, Life Teen events, FOCUS conference, diocesan events and more. Mari has a deep love for food but an even greater love for Christ and is dedicated to helping others encounter Him.
Fr. Joseph Lugalambi
Instructor of Theology; Director of Campus Ministry 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?
$195 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
TBD
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.