The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) holds an annual Catholic Conference that typically attracts between 15,000 to 20,000 college students and parish leaders. This vibrant gathering offers a rich schedule filled with opportunities for Mass, Sacraments, and spiritually uplifting talks.
This year, the SEEK Conference took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 1-5. O’Gorman High School (OGHS) was able to send eight senior students along with OGHS Campus Ministries Coordinator, Brian Stai, Chaplain Father Tony Klein, and English teacher, Carly Rahn, to this inspiring event. After enduring a 14-hour bus ride, the group was greeted with an unforgettable experience: the sight of 17,000 college students and lay leaders gathered together for the opening Mass. This incredible moment immediately uplifted the spirits of everyone present, particularly the students, who were amazed to witness such a large assembly of young people united in worship and adoration of the Lord.
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Each day of the conference began with Mass, setting a prayerful tone for the day. Participants then attended men’s and women’s talks, followed by their choice of breakout sessions in the afternoon. Evenings were highlighted by keynote presentations from renowned Catholic speakers, including Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sister Miriam James, and Monsignor. James Shea. The conference’s most profound moment came on Friday evening with eucharistic adoration and confessions. For the O’Gorman students, being in the same room with 17,000 others during adoration was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
“I went to a talk on Gratitude and how we can and need to be grateful for our daily gifts that we often take for granted, so now I’ve been making a daily list of things I’m grateful for. A speaker also said in a talk that we need to practice prayer so that when we need it the most we know how to do it,” shares senior Kaci Wilson. “SEEK was one of the best faith opportunities I’ve had and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it.”
The SEEK Conference left a lasting impression on both students and chaperones. Brian Stai shares, “To see over 500 priests, 200 religious sisters and brothers, and so many college students on fire for our Catholic faith in one place was very encouraging and filled us all with hope for the future of the Church.”
A special highlight of the trip was seeing Bishop Donald DeGrood, who not only attended the conference but also spoke to South Dakota students, encouraging them to follow Christ in every aspect of their lives.
This experience also helps form our high schoolers for life after graduation, especially as they prepare to enter colleges that may not be Catholic. By participating in the SEEK Conference, students gained a stronger foundation in their faith and practical tools to live out their Catholic values in environments where their beliefs might be challenged. They were encouraged to remain connected to their faith through campus ministries, seek out opportunities for fellowship, and continue prioritizing their relationship with Christ. These lessons equip them not only to maintain their faith but also to become witnesses of Christ in their future communities.
This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the generous support of the O’Gorman community, whose donations helped make the trip more affordable for the students. The entire group returned home with renewed faith and gratitude, inspired by the transformative experience of SEEK 2025.