Wow 20,000 at #SEEK24 by FOCUS - the Catholic Conference for Thousands of Youth with Amazing Speakers, Bishops, Priests, Seminarians and Nuns!

The yearly SEEK conference for youth by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) gathered 20 thousand in faith and fellowship. There are 44 bishops, 450 seminarians and hundreds of priests.

FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the gospel with college and university students, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendships in which they lead others to do the same. 

Their SEEK23, 5-day, event in January of 2023 saw 17,000 young people gather in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.  This year's speakers included:  Chika Anyanwu,  Hilary Draftz Jason Evert Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Fr. Joshua Johnson,  Paul J. Kim,  Sr. Bethany Madonna,  Curtis Martin,  Fr. Mike Schmitz,  Dr. Edward Sri Entertainment provided by  Ben Rector. In the video below they announce that SEEK 24 will take place in St. Louis again.

FOCUS writes: We win the hearts of college students, build them in the faith and send them to the world. Know, Love and Serve God We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures. By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level. Teach Others to Share Christ We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on … 

OUR IMPACT 

Over 850 Missionaries Serving 216 Locations More than 1,000 decisions to pursue religious vocations Over 2,200 mission trip participants Nearly 4,000 students in mentorship More than 23,500 SEEK22 attendees.

Since FOCUS’ inception, our national conferences and events have given students from all over the country — and all over the world — the chance to come together by the thousands to learn about the Catholic faith, to experience genuine fellowship and to unite as members of the Body of Christ. Joined by chaplains and religious, Catholic speakers, inspiring artists and benefactors, these students become a visible, living witness to the Catholic faith for the next generation in whatever city they gather. When students experience the love of Christ through a FOCUS conference, their minds are opened, their hearts are lifted — and their lives are forever changed.

 SEEK “What do you seek?” (John 1:38) 

SEEK is an invitation to explore life’s bigger questions: who we are, where we’re going and what we seek along the journey. As FOCUS’ national conference, SEEK encourages everyone to come explore what they truly seek: to learn about the faith, to share in friendship, to be encouraged in their unique vocation — and to experience the love, hope and very real presence of Jesus Christ through His Church. SEEK gathers thousands together from all across the country for a time of prayer, fellowship, engaging talks, inspiring entertainment — and, most importantly, a chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way.

Sources: https://seek.focus.org/seek24/ and focus.org