SEEK25: A Transformational Experience for Campus Ministers in DC and SLC
By Rosie Chinea Shawver
Executive Director of CCMA
The energy at SEEK25 was palpable as thousands of students, missionaries, and campus ministers gathered in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City for an unforgettable experience of faith, formation, and fellowship. The Campus Ministry Track, a dedicated space for those serving in higher education, provided invaluable opportunities for networking, spiritual renewal, and practical ministry development.
Keynote speakers provided further inspiration, delivering powerful messages that reignited a sense of purpose and mission. Bishop Andrew Cozzens spoke on the significance of Eucharistic revival in campus communities, reminding attendees of the centrality of Christ in their work. Lisa Cotter challenged ministers to cultivate authentic femininity and masculinity among students, while Fr. Mike Schmitz ignited missionary zeal with his impassioned talk on evangelization in secular spaces. Additionally, Arthur Brooks delivered an insightful talk on happiness, exploring the science of well-being and how faith plays a crucial role in cultivating lasting joy. His message resonated deeply with campus ministers, encouraging them to foster environments where students can grow not only spiritually but also in personal fulfillment and resilience.
Beyond formal presentations, SEEK25 fostered collaboration and peer-to-peer engagement in the hospitality room and during happy hours specifically for campus ministers.
At the heart of SEEK25 was a deep encounter with Christ through the sacramental life. Daily Mass was celebrated by leading bishops, offering moments of grace and communal worship. Eucharistic Adoration drew thousands into silent reverence, creating a profound atmosphere of prayer. Healing prayer nights and opportunities for confession provided additional moments for spiritual renewal, reinforcing the importance of personal holiness in ministry.
The impact of SEEK25 does not end with this experience. Many campus ministers left with new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed vision for their work. Follow-up initiatives, including regional campus ministry cohorts and an online resource hub, will ensure that the fruits of SEEK25 continue to nourish campus communities nationwide.
As one campus minister put it, "SEEK25 reminded me why I said yes to this mission in the first place. I leave here refreshed, equipped, and ready to lead others into a deeper relationship with Christ."
With renewed enthusiasm and a sense of shared mission, campus ministers now look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the coming year. SEEK25 has laid a strong foundation, and as the Spirit continues to move, the hope and excitement for SEEK26 are already beginning to take shape.
Post-SEEK Action Items for Campus Ministers
To translate the inspiration of SEEK25 into tangible impact on campus, campus ministers can implement the following steps:
Host a SEEK Recap Night: Gather students who attended SEEK25 to share their experiences and insights with those who couldn't attend. This helps to spread the enthusiasm and build momentum for ongoing formation.
Launch Small Discipleship Groups: Utilize the SEEK25 themes to create or reinvigorate small faith-sharing groups that foster deeper relationships and spiritual accountability.
Integrate Eucharistic Revival into Campus Life: Organize regular Adoration nights, Eucharistic processions, or themed discussions around the importance of the Eucharist in the daily lives of students.
Collaborate with Local Parishes and Ministries: Strengthen ties with off-campus Catholic organizations to create service opportunities and expand student involvement beyond the campus community.
Plan for SEEK26: Start early by identifying potential student leaders and fundraising strategies to ensure a strong campus delegation for next year’s SEEK.
By taking these steps, campus ministers can build upon the foundation set by SEEK25 and continue fostering vibrant, faith-filled communities on their campuses.