Sun. Oct 18th, 2026
From the NewsForce247 Archive — originally published January 3, 2026. Stories move to the archive automatically after four weeks; they remain searchable and shareable.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 16,000 Catholics from across the country gathered in downtown Columbus this weekend for SEEK 2026, making it the largest Catholic conference of its kind in the United States this year, organizers said.

The five-day event, hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), filled the Greater Columbus Convention Center with students, clergy, and families for worship, keynote speakers, and community outreach. Conference sessions ranged from talks on evangelization and faith formation to workshops on leadership and prayer.

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“This turnout shows the growing hunger for authentic faith and community among young Catholics,” said FOCUS spokesperson Maria Alvarez. “We’re thrilled by the energy, the joy, and the commitment we’ve seen here in Columbus.”

Organizers announced Saturday that the conference will return to Columbus in 2027, citing strong local support and the city’s central location.

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Hotels and restaurants across the city reported a significant boost in business, with many downtown establishments filled to capacity during the weekend. City officials estimated that the event generated millions in economic activity.

The SEEK conference, founded by FOCUS in 1999, has grown steadily over the years, drawing college students and parish groups from across the nation. Previous host cities have included Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Dallas.

— NewsForce247.com

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