America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
The archdiocesan University Apostolate, Adult Faith Formation Office and Office of Young Adult Outreach are joining together to bring the FOCUS SEEK21 Conference into the homes of Catholics in the archdiocese Feb. 4-7.
The nationwide event, sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and being held virtually for the first time, will run in the evening on Thursday, Feb. 4, and Friday, Feb. 5; all day Saturday, Feb. 6; and into the early afternoon Sunday, Feb. 7. The event will be highlighted in the archdiocese by a Saturday night vigil at St. Joseph’s Church, Greenwich Village.
Nineteen groups in the archdiocese had already registered as of Jan. 24.
“I’m thrilled because this is something if you would have asked us in July, we would have never been able to predict so much desire from people,” Vinny DaSilva, director of the archdiocesan University Apostolate, told CNY. “There is a lot of hopelessness out there and this is giving people a small drop of hope, especially as we prepare to go into Lent.
“This collaboration came together because we’re all trying to provide hope for people. People may not have not a chance to experience this because they cannot get away for four or five days to travel for a conference. In the comfort of their own homes, with a few friends, this gives you a chance to grow in fellowship and discipleship with Jesus Christ.”
Keynote speakers, and discussion topics, include Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, “The Most Important Question You’ll Ever Ask”; Father Mike Schmitz, director of youth and young adult ministries in the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., “How Will You Respond?”; and Sister Bethany Madonna, S.V., “A Biblical Vision of Man and Woman.”
Father Augustino Torres, C.F.R., will lead one of the impact sessions. His topic is “Faith and Culture.”
The program is open to men and women, ages 18 and older. Registration: http:focusseek.adny.eventbrite.com
