SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

“Who are you holding on to?”

The Anchor Conference invites middle school youth (grades 6-8) from across Michigan to experience powerful prayer, inspiring messages from nationally-renowned speakers Brian Greenfield and Emily Wilson, and a life-changing encounter with Jesus in the Sacraments. Through Mass, confession, community, and time with Jesus in Adoration, this is your opportunity to anchor your heart in His love and purpose.

 GET. PUMPED. 

EVENT DETAILS

Overview

Encounter Jesus and make the life-changing decision to follow Him at Anchor.

Join us for fun games, compelling talks, worship, Mass, Confession, and more!

See registration details below for more information.

The Basics

WHO: Middle School Youth Grades 6-8
WHEN: Saturday, March 15th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. (includes Mass obligation)
WHERE: Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, 319 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
COST: $40/person (Optional: $10 lunch and $10 T-shirt)

Schedule

09:00 AM - Doors Open & Registration
10:00 AM - Session #1
11:00 AM - Confession Begins
12:00 PM - Lunch
12:50 PM - Session #2
02:00 PM - Snack
02:30 PM - Session #3
04:00 PM - Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
05:30 PM - Conference Ends

ARE YOU READY?

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

PRAISE &
WORSHIP

POWERFUL
TALKS

FUN
GAMES

HOLY
MASS

CONFESSION
AVAILABLE

DEEP
PRAYER

COME, HOLY SPIRIT!

REGISTRATION

    • All registrations must go through a group leader (e.g. via a parish, school or family). See “Registration Rules” below for more details.

    • Contact your parish or school to register. Families can also register as a group.

    • Group Leaders can purchase tickets using this link.

    • After purchasing tickets, group leaders will receive an acknowledgement email with all necessary forms and documents.

    • Registration deadlines are specific to each Diocese, parish, or school.

    • All registrations must go through a group leader (e.g. via a parish, school or family). Individual registrations are not allowed.

    • The person registering a group becomes the group leader (e.g. youth minister, teacher or parent).

    • Creating a group will allow the group leader to manage multiple attendees, including the purchase of general admission tickets as well as lunches and t-shirts as desired.

    • To be added to a previously registered group, please contact your parish or school.

    • Youth may NOT attend on their own without an adult.

    • Groups must maintain a ratio of two adults for every 10 youth.

    • Please ensure your registration includes the appropriate number of adult chaperones for the number of youths you have registered.

    • Participants can bring their own lunch.

    • Box lunches (sandwich, chips and water) are available for purchase in advance for $10 per person.

    • Lunch will NOT be available for purchase the day of the event.

    • Group leaders are invited to reserve a room(s) for this event through Fairfield Inn & Suites in Grand Rapids. See link in acknowledgement email (received after purchasing tickets).

    • Fairfield Inn & Suites - Grand Rapids North, 620 Center Drive NW, Walker, MI 49544

    • Consent forms and liability waivers are specific to each Diocese, parish, or school. Please contact your group leader for necessary forms.

    • All ticket, lunch and T-shirt sales are final.

    • Free parking for personal vehicles is available in the diocesan parking ramp and on Goodrich Street SE.

    • Bus parking will be at an off-site location for the day.

    • Group leaders may carry a backpack, but it will be searched upon entering the building.

    • No minors should bring a bag into the building, with the exception of medical necessity.

    • Group leaders are asked to put all lunches brought from home in a cooler with the group name on it to be stored in a designated place until the lunch break.

    • Coolers will be searched upon entry.

    • Anchor T-shirts: $10 each. Adult, unisex sizes, small-XXL available.

    • T-shirt sales must be purchased under group leader’s name and email for distribution purposes.

    • All T-shirt sales are final and due by noon on February 21, 2025. See link in acknowledgement email.

    • T-shirts will NOT be available for purchase on the day of the event.

    • A media kit has been created to help you advertise Anchor to your parish/school.

    • Visit this Google Drive Folder to access:

      • Posters

      • Bulletin Announcements

      • Social Media Posts

      • Email Template to Parents

      • Hype Video

    • This Media Kit Folder will continue to be updated leading up to the event.

  • Click HERE to access media kit.

REGISTER TODAY

SPEAKER LINEUP

Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson Hussem is a globally recognized speaker, YouTuber, award-winning author, and dedicated wife and mom who inspires women of all ages to embrace their faith and femininity. With over 270,000 followers across social media and tens of millions of views on her YouTube channel, Emily creates impactful content on faith, relationships, motherhood, and more. Originally pursuing sports broadcasting, she shifted her focus to ministry and is now a keynote at major events like SEEK, Life Teen, and NCYC and speak at universities worldwide. She has authored seven books, both for adults and children. Emily’s video courses provide practical guidance for women in transitional seasons, and her kids’ TV show Marcam brings faith to life for children ages 2–6 through music and adventure. She lives in Southern California with her husband Daniël and their three children.

Brian Greenfield

Brian Greenfield is a dynamic Catholic speaker, writer, and evangelist whose journey of faith has inspired countless youth and young adults. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Brian encountered Christ deeply while attending Seton Hall University, where he co-founded the 12 Apostles Program, a retreat ministry. His calling led him to serve with the Franciscans of the Renewal, minister to the poor, and pursue advanced degrees in theology and education leadership. As one of the few Black Catholic evangelists in the U.S., Brian has spoken to thousands nationwide, sharing the hope and transformation found in Christ. Known for his passionate and relatable style, he addresses the challenges of modern life with faith-filled encouragement. Currently the Director of Campus Ministry at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida, he lives in Spring Hill with his wonderful wife Genevieve and their two children, Mieko and Michael.