What We Heard at the SEEK Conference
As exhibitors at SEEK in both Columbus and Denver—a five-day experience where thousands of college-age Catholics come together to encounter Christ through prayer, Adoration, the sacraments, and inspiring speakers—we expected good conversations. What we didn’t fully anticipate was how ready these young women (and men!) were to talk openly and thoughtfully about fertility and faithful, natural care for their bodies.
From the moment students approached our booths, one theme surfaced again and again: natural fertility education is a hot topic. Many young women shared that they were tired of birth control being offered as a default solution for everything from acne to painful periods. Others were already charting but felt they were missing a deeper understanding of what their cycles were telling them.
Catholic Alternative
One of the most common reactions to the PeakDay app was surprise. Students often said they didn’t know a Catholic cycle tracking app even existed. Several acknowledged that the apps they currently use provide information they don’t want or need. Some expressed concern about content that feels unethical or misaligned with their values.
One conversation stood out in a particularly sobering way. A student shared that she continues to use a secular app but closes her eyes when entering data to avoid objectionable material. Her relief at learning about a private, Catholic app was palpable. She appreciated that PeakDay respects users and does not sell their data.
That sense of relief came up often. Students were looking for functionality and for something they could trust.
Conversations
What struck our team most was how comfortable both men and women felt engaging in conversations about honoring and caring for the gift of fertility. These were not awkward exchanges, but were thoughtful and often deeply personal.
Several young women shared their stories. Many were placed on birth control in high school as a quick fix for hormone-related concerns. Now, years later, they are coming off the pill – and the symptoms are still there. They are searching for science-backed resources that help them understand their bodies rather than override them.
One student shared that she had recently stopped using birth control and felt as though her entire personality had shifted once she came off. She quoted a speaker she had just heard at SEEK, saying, “I didn’t even know who I was until I was off birth control.” Hearing how deeply the change affected her, before and after, was striking and echoed what many other young women were trying to put into words.
Being able to offer cycle tracking through PeakDay, along with educational courses and practical resources, was consistently met with gratitude.
Education Matters
Interest in the PeakDay Young Adult course was strong, especially following SEEK talks focused on hormones. Students came directly to the booth with questions, eager to learn more. Engaged couples also took note of the CCL Marriage Prep class, recognizing they would want support as they prepare for marriage. Likewise, married couples were interested in the PeakDay STMethod course.
Many students are already using wearable technology, and were impressed to find out that the PeakDay app combines values, faith-principles and modern technology, syncing to devices like the Oura Ring, Apple Watch and other Smart Devices. They were curious about how it integrates with fertility charting and instruction. Their questions reflected a desire to track data and interpret it well.
Familiar Faces
Amid so many new introductions, it was especially encouraging to hear from current PeakDay users. One couple stopped by simply to say, “PeakDay is great,” before sharing that they conceived their baby using the method. Moments like these reminded us that the conversations happening at the booth are part of a much larger story and CCL is at the forefront of fertility education.
What SEEK Confirmed for Us
After several days of listening, one thing became clear: young adults want more than an app. They want education, integrity, and support that respects the whole person. SEEK affirmed that there is a growing hunger for fertility education that is rooted in truth and aligned with faith. Education that is responsive to real questions – all the things the PeakDay app and CCL can give them.
As we wrapped up at both locations, we left encouraged by their interest in the PeakDay app. We were impressed by the openness of a generation ready to engage with fertility in a thoughtful and hopeful way.
by Martha Haenni.
Learn more or download PeakDay at PeakDay.com.