Forming Disciples Despite the Pandemic  

Students unpack worship and formation in a small group at SEEK21.

Seton Hall University's FOCUS chapter, supported by the Office of Campus Ministry, recently hosted the 2021 FOCUS conference locally. The annual conference, this year titled SEEK, is typically held at a central location nationally where students from around the country can gather together. However, considering the restrictions of the pandemic, college campuses around the country held socially-distanced conferences of their own and connected together virtually. 

Jessica Brinker, a first-year FOCUS missionary, organized the retreat with her team members, James Hare, Peter Rainwater, and Paige Krebs. "The conference is an opportunity for students to encounter their faith and the Lord, often like never before," said Brinker. "As FOCUS missionaries, my team and I ensured that the conference ran smoothly, invited as many students as possible to join in this experience, and coordinated the event space and all the decorations." 

Brinker reflected, though, that holding the 2021 SEEK conference locally led to even more blessings. 

"Typically, the conference is in a host city and a giant convention center. This year we had a more intimate experience right here for Seton Hall students. This allowed us to have more students attend and the ability to cater the conference to our specific students' needs," she explained.

Sophomore John Loeffel, who attended his first-ever FOCUS conference, credits SEEK and his FOCUS bible study with helping him to grow in his faith. "I strongly encourage students to join a bible study group or even try to get the experience of a conference like SEEK," said Loeffel. "I personally am so thankful to have bible study on campus and virtually; I always wanted to grow more in my faith but I never knew how to when I got to college." 

Ella Bishop, also a sophomore, also found her first time attending SEEK to be an impactful experience. "Rather than succumbing to the craziness of the world," said Bishop, "we were encouraged to set our gaze upon the One who is constant. If you are interested in learning more about your Catholic faith, FOCUS is definitely a good place to start." 

"I encourage all who are hungry for a greater knowledge of Catholicism to reach out to our lovely missionaries on campus!" Bishop continued. 

To join a FOCUS Bible Study, contact Paige Krebs at [email protected] and to subscribe to our weekly emails, contact Kaitlyn Quinn at [email protected]. 

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World