THE WELL

A Conference for Young Adults
November 23, 2024
1:00 PM – 10:30 PM

We’re bringing the spirit of world youth day to you! 

The Office for Ministry with Young Adults is overjoyed to host The Well: A Conference for Young Adults!

• Theme: “Those who Hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (cf. Is 40:31)
• Where? Sheraton Hotel Downtown Philadelphia Liberty AB Conference Room
• Where Next? Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia
• Who? All young adults (18-39 years old)
• When? Saturday, November 23, 2024, on the Vigil of the Solemnity of Christ, the King of the Universe
• What time? Doors open at 1:00 pm at the Sheraton Hotel (Liberty AB Conference Room). The program begins at 1:30 pm. The day concludes with a Vigil Mass at 9:30 PM.
• What? 3 Dynamic keynote speakers from around the country, meeting new friends and ministries, music, Adoration & Confession, Vigil Mass celebrated by the Archbishop, and much more!

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Each year, on the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, Pope Francis calls the Church around the whole world to celebrate youth and young adults. As a response to this invitation the Office for Ministry with Young Adults (OMYA) is overjoyed to bring to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, The Well: A Conference for Young Adults!

The theme for this year’s celebration is Hope in the healing power of Christ. “Those who Hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (cf. Is 40:31) Our keynotes will speak about how to encounter, nourish and share this Hope with others!

How can we encounter the Hope of the Lord and find a sense of belonging and identity in Christ? How can we nourish Hope in ourselves and others through formation, accompaniment, and fellowship. How can we share this Hope with others through incarnational evangelization, missionary discipleship and service?

The scripture passage of the Samaritan woman meeting Jesus at the well embodies this theme of Hope in the healing mercy of Christ. Similar to the Samaritan woman, we are thirsty for an encounter with Christ that will offer us living water. Our one Hope is to be nourished by the words of Christ that teach us everything about ourselves. Like the woman at the well, our hearts cannot help but leave our water jars and run to tell everyone about this Hope in Christ. In service, we share and proclaim, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (John 4:29)

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

LILLIAN FALLON

Keynote: Encountering the Hope of Christ

This speaker will bring a stylistic flair to our conference, rooted in the hope of our true identity in Christ!

Lillian Fallon is the author of “Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You,” an award-winning book published by Ascension. Lillian studied at Ave Maria University before working in the fashion industry in New York City as the Style Editor at Verily Magazine. Lillian now resides in Bethlehem PA and works as the Digital Media Specialist for the Diocese of Allentown. 

PETER BLUTE

Keynote: Nourishing the Hope of Christ

This speaker will not only bring professionalism but also encouragement and hope by sharing about his work as Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals. 

Peter Blute graduated from the University of Dallas in 2011 and then spent two years working in Rome, Italy and traveling across Europe as a staff member on UD’s study-abroad campus. After returning to Dallas in 2013 he worked for OnTarget Partners growing their marketing and sales efforts. It was during this period that he was exposed to the YCP mission as a member and volunteer, which led to a renewed desire to embrace his Catholic Faith. He then joined Jennifer Baugh in 2014 as the non-profit’s second full-time employee. Peter Blute went on to become Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) which now has 40 chapters across the nation and is growing! He considers his past decade working in this mission to be one of the greatest blessings of his life. Peter and his wife Laura live in Dallas, Texas with their three little girls.

BROCK MARTIN

Keynote: Sharing the Hope of Christ

This speaker lives missionary discipleship to the fullest in his work as Vice President of Parish Outreach for Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)!

Brock Martin is in his 12th year as a missionary with FOCUS. He received his undergraduate degree from Benedictine College and holds a master’s in business and philosophy from the University of Mary. He has served in various roles within FOCUS from campus missionary, Team Director, Regional Director, Sr. Director or Regional Evangelization, and currently serves as VP of Parish Outreach. Brock and his wife, Alisha live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with their three daughters.

SCHEDULE:

We will release a more detailed schedule of events in the coming weeks! Please be on the lookout for more information on this website and through our social media for the release of this schedule. For now, please see a high level outline of the day below.

1:00 PM Doors Open

Keynote Speaker 1: Lillian Fallon

Keynote Speaker 2: Peter Blute

Tabling of Young Adult Ministry Leaders & Vocations

Keynote Speaker 3: Brock Martin

Dinner

Adoration & Confessions

Vigil Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Perez

10:30 PM End

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

We look forward to welcoming you on conference day, Saturday, November 23rd at the Sheraton Hotel and at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul, Downtown Philadelphia. Please find below all the information you will need to register for participating in this event.

CONFERENCE PASSES:

ADD-ONS:

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF REGISTRATION? 

• Nationally acclaimed keynote speakers
• Conference t-shirt
• Community building at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown

DINNER:

• Dinner is not included in the registration cost, unless you have purchased the add-on cheesesteak buffet dinner (which will be provided at the Sheraton Hotel)
• Participants who are not purchasing dinner at the Sheraton are encouraged to make a reservation at nearby restaurants or visit the Reading Terminal Market.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION:

• All sales are final. Please note that all sales are final and we will not be able to grant refunds. However, registrations are transferable. If you are unable to attend the conference and you can find someone to come in your place.
• Registration confirmation. Once you complete your online registration, you will receive an email receipt confirming your registration. If you do not receive an email receipt, check to make sure you have fully completed your online registration. Once you arrive for the conference you’ll need to check-in at the door.
• Large group registration. If you wish to register a large group, you can do this in the registration form or by check, please send us an email if you need to do this via check and we will accommodate your request.
• Scholarships. If you would like to attend the conference, but financial burdens are preventing you from doing so, please send us an email and we can provide scholarship options based on your level of need.

VOLUNTEERING AT THE CONFERENCE:

We are in need of volunteers the day of the event to support with setup, cleanup, registration, hospitality etc. If you are interested to join our team, please fill our volunteering form or contact Andrea Mueller: amueller@archphila.org

BECOME A SPONSOR

By organizing this event, we are aiming to create an opportunity for young adults to experience a transformative encounter with the Lord, just like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42). This can happen especially through the Eucharist, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, fellowship, powerful keynote speakers, and fellowship! Please consider supporting this mission! Contact Fr. Timothy Tarnacki if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the conference: fr.ttarnacki@archphila.org