Speaker

Dr. John Bergsma

Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A former Protestant pastor, Dr. Bergsma entered the Catholic Church in 2001 while getting his Ph.D. in Bible from the University of Notre Dame.

A close collaborator of Dr. Scott Hahn, Bergsma speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. 

He has authored seven books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor), and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (with Brant Pitre; Ignatius Press).  Dr. Bergsma’s talks and studies are available on CD and mp3 from catholicproductions.com.

He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.

Speaker

Trent Horn

After his conversion to the Catholic Faith, Trent Horn earned a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in philosophy from Holy Apostles College.

He serves as a staff apologist for Catholic Answers and specializes in teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them. Trent models that approach each week on the radio program Catholic Answers Live where he dialogues with atheists, pro-choice advocates, and other non-Catholic callers.

Trent is also a lecturer who travels throughout the world speaking on subjects related to the Catholic faith and the co-host of Hearts and Minds, a weekly radio program that discusses timely issues from an eternal perspective. In addition to being a public speaker, Trent is the author of three books: Answering Atheism, Persuasive Pro-life, and his latest book Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties (Free E-Book Offer Here).

Speaker

Father Cassian Sama, O.P.

Father Cassian, born in Kumba (Yaounde), in the Southwest Province of Cameroon, is one of six children of Dr. Joseph N. Sama and Veronica N. Nsom. He attended Bishop Rogan College, Buea, Cameroon, St. Bede’s College, Ashing, Kom, Cameroon, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Swaziland in 1998. Fr. Cassian was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration in 2003 from Kansas State University. He professed religious vows as a member of the Order of Preachers in August 2005. From 2005-2011, he has studied theology at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Fr. Cassian was ordained in 2011 with his classmate, Fr. Joseph Minuth, OP.  Father Cassian is  Associate Pastor at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center at Purdue University.

Musical Guests

Bzdok & O’Connor

Bzdok & O’Connor, a duo based out of central Indiana, write and play music with the hope or reflecting God’s glory shining through life. You can find us at churches, restaurants, and homes sharing in life, laughter and song, and you can find us on Instagram at @bzdok_oconnor

What is the Frassati Summer Fest?

The Frassati Summer Fest is part retreat, part camp out, and ALL adventure –  living the fullness of faith.   It is hosted by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Frassati Society, and led by a talented team of young adults. The weekend will offer insights into young adult faith life and prayer experiences.

What is included in the cost?

A standard registration includes all programming, including recreational activites such as zip-lining and skeet shooting.  The following meals are also included: Breakfast (Sat. and Sun.) Lunch and Dinner on Saturday.

When does the Summer Fest start and end?

Registration will begin at 5:00PM on Friday, July 26^th, and the programming for the conference will begin at 7pm. We will be done on Sunday, July 28^th, at about 1PM.

What kind of lodging is available?

There is limited lodging in cabins available for those who would prefer to stay in a bed. Those who are feeling more adventurous are encouraged to bring a tent and set up camp. Those camping will have access to a fully equipped bath house with private shower areas for both men and women.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are not available at this time, however those desiring to attend and are in financial need, are encouraged to contact the Young Adult Ministry office at frassati@frassati.org for more information on how to apply for financial aid.

I already registered for the Frassati Summer Fest, but now I cannot attend.  Can I receive a refund?

We will not be honoring refunds for the Frassati Summer Fest at this time; please contact the Office of Young Adult Ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel if you have any questions.

Is the Summer Fest for me?

The SummferFest is geared to young adults, but there is no age restriction other than being out of high school for at least 9 months.

My spouse and I would like to attend, can we bring our children?

The Frassati Society LOVES families, yet unfortunately we are unable to accommodate children at the Summer Fest. We do however welcome parents to bring young infants who are not yet “mobile.” We understand that it is difficult to take time away but hope that if you chose to do so, you will find that your time away together as husband and wife will be one that is spiritually renewing and will be even more life giving to your kiddos.

Where is Ellis Lake Retreat?

The Ellis Lake retreat is about 45 minutes southwest of downtown Indianapolis and 20 miles north of Bloomington between the Morgan-Monroe State Forest and the Putnam-Owen State Forest.

Don’t see the answer to your question here?

Let us know at frassati@frassati.org