5 Takeaways from SEEK 2025
- Purposely Catholic
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
Attending SEEK 2025 was an awesome and inspiring experience for many, ourselves included!
Here are five key takeaways from our time at this year's conference.
1. The Importance of Being Won Over
A central theme at SEEK - and of the FOCUS model in general - is the concept of being "won over" by Jesus. This isn’t just about attending Mass or participating in church activities; it’s about making a personal decision to embrace Him and make the faith our own. Each individual’s journey to faith is unique, whether as a cradle Catholic or a convert. One of the recurring questions posed to the almost 20,000 attendees was, “Is my faith personal to me?” This reflection is crucial in fostering a deeper relationship with Christ.
Do you keep Christ at a distance by only doing what fits within your comfort zones? Or, do you allow Him to truly be Lord of your life - placing yourself in His service and surrendering your desires, concerns, and very self to Him?
2. Building Community and Faith
Once people are won over, the next step is to build upon that relationship. This could mean hosting and participating in Bible studies, small groups (or connect groups), and actively engaging in the life of your local community, whether that's a college campus or parish.
The emphasis here is on personal growth and developing Christ-centered relationships. The goal is to cultivate a community where everyone feels encouraged to deepen their faith and share it with others.
Jesus focused on building communities of friends wherever he went. If gathering His contemporaries into communities was so important to Him, how important is it for you to make it a priority to be a part of and foster Christ-centered friendships?
Watch Purposely Catholic
On the Road at SEEK 25
3. The Call to Send Disciples
Our mission as Jesus's followers doesn’t stop at building faith; it extends to sending disciples out into the world. This aligns with the teachings of Matthew 28, where Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations. The idea is that you can’t send out those who haven’t been won over or built up. It’s about empowering individuals to take their faith outside the church walls and share it with others.
4. Engaging the Margins
At SEEK, there was a strong emphasis on reaching out to those who are unchurched or disengaged from the faith. This includes individuals who may have fallen away from the church or those who have never been part of a faith community.
Disciples are invited - and expected - to actively invite others to experience Christ and His Church, especially those who may be searching for fulfillment in unhealthy places.
5. Personal Responsibility in Faith
Finally, attendees were reminded of their personal responsibility in their faith journey. It’s not solely the Bishop, pastor or priest's job to invite others to church or to create vibrant community.
Each baptized Christian has a stake in the mission and should actively seek to contribute.
This involves being aware of those who are missing from the community and reaching out to them with love and compassion.
To experience SEEK for yourself, consider registering for SEEK 2026 here.
Watch the SEEK 25 keynotes: SEEK25 - YouTube.
Interested in exploring rewarding parish ministry opportunities, check out Opportunities | St John Parish.
For more insights and discussions, tune into the Purposely Catholic Podcast - Apple Podcasts or subscribe to the Purposely Catholic - YouTube.
Stay connected with the community on Instagram for updates and inspiration.
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