How much is the FOCUS SEEK conference? And how can you make sure you can go?
Whether you’re a student, a young adult, or part of a parish community, getting to SEEK takes some planning—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Since our campuses provide a lot of help to students each year, we’re focusing on our non-student friends in today’s post. Without further ado, here are creative ways to make sure you (and maybe even your whole parish) make it to SEEK next year!
1. Start Saving Now (and Make It Fun!)
Big conferences like SEEK are an investment, but breaking up the cost over several months makes it manageable. Here’s how to do it creatively:
- The “SEEK Fund” Challenge: Set aside a small amount each week—maybe the cost of one coffee run or takeout meal. If you save just $15 a week, that’s $600 by the time SEEK rolls around (registration is $575 right now)!
- Group Fundraising Jar: If you’re going with friends or a small group, set up a collective jar. Set fun rules, like, every time someone says “We should go to SEEK,” they put in a dollar!
- Sell or Swap: Clean out your closet, bookshelves, or extra gadgets and sell what you don’t need. Put the earnings toward your SEEK trip.
2. Fundraise as a Parish or Group
If you want to bring a whole group, fundraising is the way to go. Get creative with events that bring the parish together while raising funds:
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- Host a Parish SEEK Dinner: Organize a simple dinner where attendees hear about SEEK and have the chance to sponsor students or young adults to attend.
- Priest vs. Parishioners Trivia Night: Charge a small entry fee and host a fun Catholic trivia night where the priest competes against the parishioners!
- Service Weekend: Offer parishioners help with yard work, babysitting, or moving in exchange for donations toward the SEEK trip.
- Sales: Bake sales, yard sales, craft sales – the possibilities are endless!
3. Find a Sponsor (or Be Bold and Ask for One!)
Many parishioners or local businesses want to support their parishioners in their faith—sometimes they just need to be asked!
- Ask Your Parish – Some parishes have budgets for events or may be willing to take up a second collection to support a SEEK group.
- Find a Business Sponsor – Do you know a Catholic business owner? Ask if they’d consider sponsoring part of your trip in exchange for helping promote their business at SEEK.
- Write Letters to Supporters – Just like missionaries write support letters, you can do the same! Share why SEEK matters to you and invite people to invest in you and your family’s faith journey.
4. Go as a Group (and Get Discounts!)
SEEK often offers discounts for larger groups—so the bigger your group, the better the deal!
- Parish Group Rates: Talk to your parish priest or ministry leader about organizing a group rate and promoting it in the bulletin.
- Diocesan Collaboration: Some dioceses organize buses or travel packages—reach out to see if there’s already a group forming.
- Got a unique idea/group? Reach out to our amazing SEEK26 team and find out if we can come up with a discount!
5. Look Out For Giveaways
Make sure and follow our social media account, newsletters, and blog to make sure you don’t miss any upcoming giveaways or sweepstakes, where we give away partial or full rides to SEEK26!
6. Pray and Trust in God’s Provision
If God is calling you to SEEK, trust that He will provide. Ask for His guidance, seek opportunities, and don’t be afraid to step out in faith. Pray specifically for doors to open—whether through financial provision, a sponsor, or a group forming that you can join.
And remember: SEEK isn’t just another event—it’s an encounter with Christ that could change everything. So start now, plan creatively, and get ready for an unforgettable experience next year!
What are some reasons, other than cost, that people tell themselves for they can’t make it to SEEK?
1. “I am not ready.”
Don’t think you’re good enough, smart enough, or holy enough? You are in good company. You know who else didn’t think they were ready to lead?
Moses: Said he wasn’t a good speaker.
Peter: Said he was a sinner.
Jeremiah: Said he was too young.
Gideon: Said he was too insignificant.
The truth is this conference isn’t about gathering all the best people together. There’s no bar for entry. If you are open to Jesus’s mission, then SEEK is for you. The question isn’t, “Am I ready?” I don’t think anyone is ever fully prepared for God’s work. The question is, “Am I willing?” And if you are willing, come.
2. “I don’t know anyone.”
I have an old friend who went to a similar conference as a freshman, and it’s unlikely your experience will be more challenging than his. First, he didn’t know anyone (literally). He traveled with a group from another campus. Even worse, he was picked up by the campus bus in the middle of the night while everyone was asleep. He got on the bus, plopped down, looked around at 50 sleeping strangers, and prepared for the worst. But, even with the rocky start, the conference was life-changing for him. He met a lot of people, and he doesn’t regret going.
SEEK is formatted with making sure that relationships are created and/or fostered. We can’t do this mission alone, and so we need to meet others who are in similar places in their lives and can cheer us on.
I suspect that you and your family will make great friends at SEEK, even if you have to endure a little awkwardness.
3. “I want to spend the holiday break with my family, children, etc.”
Over the break, many people want to spend time with family and friends. That is a good thing. However, SEEK isn’t even a whole week. You don’t have to choose between SEEK and the people you love. I recommend time for both.
Also, there’s no reason your friends and family can’t come too.
4. “I won’t enjoy it/it’s not my thing.”
I think this is a temptation. The unsettling feeling that everything is going to be terrible doesn’t come from God. Ask yourself this question: “Will this help me become the person I am supposed to be?” If the answer is “yes” (and it likely is), I’d recommend you go, even if it’s not “your thing.”
5. “I’ve already been to SEEK before.”
Ask yourself: “Who needs to go to SEEK, but won’t go unless I go with them?” Think of how much a friend or relative would benefit from SLS. They may not register without you. Go with them.
SEEK is different every year. The talks and speakers aren’t just different; we’re always growing and evolving and adding new elements. If you go with an open heart, you will grow, even if it isn’t the same experience it was the first time.
6. “I hate the travel.”
Every good thing requires sacrifice. If you have a long trip to SEEK, try and endure it patiently, but don’t let that be your excuse not to go at all. The trip is often a great opportunity to get to know people. It doesn’t have to be a waste of time. Make the most of it.
7. “I’m too busy.”
If you are extremely busy, then you may need SEEK. SEEK may just help you understand what is most important and help you get out of meaningless busyness. Who you become is more important than what you do. SEEK will be worth your time.
8. “I’ll go next time.”
There is a story you may have heard in a homily about a group of demons discussing how to lead people into hell. The first says, “Let’s tell them there is no God.” The second, “No, let’s say there’s no such thing as evil.” But the eldest, the most experienced, says, “No — let’s just tell them there’s no hurry.”
Running towards God should always be our priority. We hope to see you at SEEK this year with your family and friends, and help you to deepen your relationships with them, God, and foster new ones with other believers.
See you in January 2026!
Additional Resources
Learn more about bringing your family to SEEK26: Should You Take Your Family to SEEK? The Making Missionary Disciples Track.
SEEK26 may seem far away, but it’s never too soon to start getting excited and gearing up! Learn more about SEEK 2026 here.
Bring SEEK to Your Community with SEEK Local! Did you know you can put on your own SEEK conference in your community? Learn more about it on our blog!
Read more from SEEK on our blog: These SEEK Talks Will Change Your Life, and SEEK26: All Ages Welcome.
Don’t forget to visit SEEK Replay and listen to our SEEK podcast!
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