Press Releases
Columbus and San Antonio to Host SEEK 2027, One of the Largest Catholic Conferences in the U.S.
Five-Day Conference Set for Jan. 1 - 5, 2027, Will Feature Keynote Speakers Rev. Mike Schmitz, Dr. Edward Sri, Sister Mary Grace and the Rev. Chase Hilgenbrinck
DENVER, Oct. 27, 2026 — FOCUS, an international Catholic outreach organization, is inviting Catholics from across the U.S. to attend SEEK 2027 in Columbus, Ohio, and San Antonio. The five-day conference will run from Jan. 1 – 5, 2027, and registration is open now.
First held in 1999, SEEK is one of the largest Catholic conferences in the U.S., bringing thousands of Catholics together annually to encounter Christ through prayer, adoration, the sacraments and inspiring speakers. It is a chance to start the year focusing on what matters most, growing in authentic community and being transformed in faith.
The 2027 theme, Ever Ancient, Ever New, invites Catholics of every age and stage of life, including students, young professionals, families and clergy, to encounter a faith that is at once rooted in tradition and alive in the present moment. The faith of the Church is timeless and still transforming hearts today. Ever Ancient, Ever New is a reminder that what is most enduring is what our hearts still crave: Truth that does not shift, love that does not expire, and a God who never stops making all things new.
“There is nothing more powerful than being surrounded by thousands of people together in worship and prayer, becoming a collective place for the Spirit of God to move among us. SEEK is not a spectator event. It is an invitation to encounter Christ and to be sent out changed,” said Dr. Edward Sri, SEEK keynote speaker and senior vice president of apostolic outreach for FOCUS.
Featured Speakers
SEEK 2027 will bring nationally known Catholic voices to both cities.
Columbus keynote and featured speakers include:
- Mike Schmitz
- Scott Hahn
- Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
- Boniface Hicks, OSB
- Chase Hilgenbrinck
- Gregory Pine
- John Burns
- Mark-Mary Ames
- Paul J. Kim
- Logan Burda
- Lauren Watts
San Antonio keynote and featured speakers include:
- Edward Sri
- Pierre Toussaint, CFR
- Jason Evert
- Monsignor James Shea
- Pete Burak
- Sister Mary Grace, S.V.
- Emily Wilson
- Jackie Francois-Angel
- Mallory Smyth
- Kelsey Reinhardt
Additional speakers will be announced in the months ahead online at seek.focus.org.
SEEK began as a gathering for college students and has grown into a movement for the whole church. SEEK 2027 continues that expansion, offering dedicated programming alongside the main conference, including tracks for families, post-collegiate adults, seminarians and those discerning a call to mission. Registration is open now.
SEEK 2026 drew a record 26,000 attendees to three locations nationwide—a 24% increase from the previous year.
About FOCUS
Since 1998, FOCUS has been inviting people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. More than 1,000 active FOCUS missionaries across the U.S. partner with local dioceses to reach people at every stage of life and help form the next generation of Catholic leaders. FOCUS hosts the annual SEEK conference, one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country, to inspire and challenge people to deepen their personal faith in God. Visit FOCUS.org.
Media Credentialing
Media credentialing for SEEK 2027 is now open. Members of the media, including reporters, photographers and videographers, may request credentials online. The media application for Columbus is available at this link. The media application for San Antonio is available at this link. Applicants will be notified of approval status and will receive logistics, parking and interview details upon confirmation. seek.focus.org | #SEEK27
Media Contact:
[email protected], 847.347.5206
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