Wow 26,000 Youth at SEEK26 Find Joy in Jesus through FOCUS Mission "To the Heights"



SEEK is a five-day experience where thousands of Catholics come together to encounter Christ through prayer, Adoration, the sacraments, and inspiring speakers. It’s a chance to focus on what matters most, grow in authentic community, and be transformed in your faith.
SEEK 2026: "To the Heights"

Pope Leo XIV addressed an estimated 26,000 young Catholics during the annual SEEK conference, urging them to "be open to what the Lord has in store" as they gather across three major U.S. sites from January 1–5, 2026.

Key Event Highlights


  • Theme: "To the Heights" — inspired by the spirit of the newly canonized St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a patron of youth and mountain climber.

  • Locations & Attendance:

    • Columbus, OH: 16,115 attendees

    • Denver, CO: 5,907 attendees

    • Fort Worth, TX: 4,503 attendees

  • The Experience: A blend of intellectual workshops and spiritual immersion, featuring daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, and community fellowship.

Notable Voices

The conference, organized by the collegiate outreach ministry FOCUS, featured a lineup of prominent Catholic figures, including:

  • Fr. Mike Schmitz and Matt Fradd

  • Chris Stefanick

  • Sr. Mary Grace (Sisters of Life)

  • Sr. Josephine Garrett (Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth)

  • 3 CORE ELEMENT of SEEK

  • 1. Encounter - You’re always being called deeper into relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church — come and see what’s next! 

  • 2. Community - We are not made to be alone! Connect with peers, come together with the greater Church, and journey together. 

  • 3. Transformation - Witness truth, beauty, and goodness; hear from renowned speakers and inspiring sponsors; and experience powerful events, entertainment, and more!

A Message from the Vatican

In a video message released via the Vatican website, Pope Leo XIV drew parallels between the conference theme and the Gospel of John. He challenged the youth to mirror the first disciples’ response to Christ, encouraging a life of adventurous faith rather than complacency.

The FOCUS Footprint: As of 2026, FOCUS serves more than 200 campuses across the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, in addition to supporting 20 parish communities.

About FOCUS SEEK is a collaboration led by FOCUS, a Catholic outreach organization that shares the hope and joy of the Gospel with the world. FOCUS missionaries encounter people in friendship, invite them into a personal relationship with Christ and accompany them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. 

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