By Adelaide Quickfall, United Conference Director, Face to Face Ministries
FacetoFace Ministries states on its website “we believe every youth deserves the opportunity to become a saint.” This declaration came alive Oct. 25–26 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, which buzzed with energy as hundreds of young people, chaperones, clergy, and team members gathered for the United Conference in Saskatoon.
Over two days, the cathedral became a vibrant hub of faith, friendship, and encounter, as youth from across Western Canada joined the FacetoFace team for an experience of worship, community, and personal growth.
Inspirational talks, prayer, praise and worship are part of United. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Faith and friendship are part of United. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
(Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
United is held to bring young people together, reveal the beauty of a life centred on Christ, and inspire youth to live that life with courage and joy. Laughter, worship, and prayer wove naturally through games, creative activities, and quiet reflection.
Chris O’Hara returned as keynote speaker for the first time since 2018. Drawing on the lives of recently-canonized saints St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis, he reminded youth that sainthood is a real call, blending joy and sacrifice.
United keynote speaker was Chris O’Hara. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Reflecting on Jesus’ healing of the blind man, O’Hara encouraged participants to identify areas of spiritual blindness and embrace healing, showing that holiness grows in ordinary choices and everyday acts of love.
A highlight of United 2025 was the new Faith IRL (In Real Life) Panel, where youth shaped the discussion with their own questions. Panelists Mary Schiestel, Keelin Kennedy, Jonny Lashyn, and Chris O’Hara shared personal stories and practical advice about keeping Jesus at the center of school, friendships, and life decisions—helping participants take ownership of their faith.
A Faith IRL (In Real Life) Panel answered questions from youth, sharing experiences and practical advice about keeping Jesus at the centre of school, friendships, and life decisions. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Another crowd favourite were action-based breakout sessions, where learning and doing came together in creative ways inspired by the saints, led by Jacob Powell, Paul Bentler, Nick Pierlot, and Jillian Butler.
Breakout sessions brought fun activities and learning together. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
(Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
(Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Catholic organizations from across Canada—including NET Ministries, St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, EWTN, St. Mary’s University, and Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College—attended the youth conference to connect with students and share their programs.
United also introduced the Habit Hangout, a cozy space where youth met the Sisters of the Presentation and the Seeds of the Word community, played games, asked questions, and discovered that exploring a religious vocation can be approachable and inspiring.
This year’s United Conference included a chance for youth to connect with consecrated religious sisters and learn more about vocations. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Meals reflected the strong community partnerships FacetoFace continues to cultivate. Students from St. Therese Institute ran the kitchen with care, Saturday’s supper was catered by David’s Lounge, and the Knights of Columbus provided Sunday’s pancake breakfast—a partnership deeply valued by the ministry.
At the heart of United, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament drew hundreds into reverent worship on Saturday evening, leading then into the lively United Coffeehouse, full of music, conversation, and laughter. The weekend concluded Sunday after Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and two sessions filled with praise, reflection, and joyful celebration.
Eucharistic Adoration is a highlight of the United Conference. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
The Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration.(Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Eucharistic Adoration Saturday night and Mass Sunday morning during the 2025 United Conference. (Photo by Laura Caspell, courtesy of FacetoFace Ministries)
From spirited games to moments of deep prayer, United 2025 showed the Church’s youth alive in faith. The call to strive for sainthood echoed through every talk, activity, and encounter—reminding participants that holiness is possible and that walking the journey together makes it even more joyful.
For more information on upcoming FacetoFace events, visit facetofaceministries.ca. Registration for Ignite 2026 summer camps opens in the ew year.
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Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.