Missionaries
Each of us is called to follow Jesus’ direction: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19). This mission is accomplished in many ways. The people below have specially dedicated themselves to spreading God’s love and truth throughout the world by performing acts of service, teaching the faith, and building community. Please pray for these missionaries and their work.
Missionaries
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Anne Marie Brummer
FOCUS Missionary at University of Illinois- Champaign Description of discernment journey: Upon going to college, I was in search of two things: growth in my faith and an understanding of the Catholic Church. Being set on fire through a Protestant sports camp, I had decided to either own my Catholic roots or leave the Church. On move-in day at the University of Illinois, a FOCUS missionary asked me to join a Bible study. I didn’t even know Catholics read the Bible! Bible study became the highlight of my every week, and the girls in the study quickly became my best friends. The missionaries were filled with such contagious joy that I found myself wanting to be around them all the time. Through my involvement with FOCUS my life was transformed, and I witnessed deep conversion in the lives of those close to me. I knew God was calling me to serve full time as a missionary as my passions aligned perfectly with the job-description: meeting new people, heart to heart conversations, authentic friendship, adventure, and sharing my faith. I truly have the best job in the world :) Advice for those who are discerning their vocation: Missionary life has taught me how to love. Our vocation – our path to holiness – is a call to love. What more is there in life?! St. Augustine said, “Falling in love with God is life’s greatest adventure.” I’m happier as a missionary than I ever thought possible, and I literally watch miracles unfold before my eyes (many times God allowing me to be used as an instrument in them). Be courageous! Take to heart that God desires your happiness. You’ll come to know how good Our God is and you’ll learn to more fully love yourself and others along the way. |
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Lucas Nieto
FOCUS Missionary at University of Wisconsin - Madison Interests/Hobbies: playing guitar, hiking, kayaking, fishing (anything outdoors), reading, running, swimming, Brief description of discernment journey: Coming into college, I desired to be a part of a community or support system that would push me to be better. I joined a fraternity and got somewhat involved with the Catholic Student Organization @ IUPUI. The fraternity took priority as I desired strong male leadership, but at the expense of worldly and materialistic ways of living. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realized who truly cared about my physical, mental, emotional and especially spiritual well-being. The students of the Catholic Student Organization, the missionaries with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), and the parish of St. John’s created a rich environment that weaned me from the grips of the world and lead me closer to our Lord. Prayer, the sacraments and fellowship have helped me to realize the call of the Lord to becoming Christ’s missionary with FOCUS. Advice for those discerning their vocation: Don’t rush anything. It always helps to reflect on your “yes’s” to Christ and see what he has done with and for you in your journey. Prayer requests: For a steadfast and humble spirit in doing the Lord’s work the next couple of years and for the Greek Life, men and women, as well as any student, I come to meet on campus these years with FOCUS. |
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Courtney Roach
FOCUS Missionary at University of Wisconsin - Madison Interests/Hobbies: Collecting Vinyl records, drinking wine, spending quality time with others Brief description of discernment journey: My freshman year at IUPUI, I encountered an incredible friendship that led me to join RCIA and convert to Catholicism at the age of 19. Ever since then I have continued to grow in Divine Intimacy with our Lord and learn more and more about the mission that we are all called to on this Earth. I have had the desire to become a FOCUS missionary since I was 19 years old, and after a lot of prayer and trust in Jesus, I have now accepted an offer from FOCUS to serve His Kingdom through this ministry. Advice for those discerning their vocations or thinking of doing mission work: Get out of your comfort zone. What the Lord is calling you to do might seem crazy, but it is SO worth it. Let go of earthly things and desires and plant your roots in Him. He will help you grow in a way you never knew was possible. Prayer requests: That I may continue to place all of my trust in the Lord, that my will may be His will, and for my Vocation. |
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Brittany Scher
FOCUS Missionary at University of Toledo Interests/Hobbies: Spending time at the Lake, playing cards, practicing calligraphy Brief description of discernment journey: After a big life change, the Lord placed FOCUS on my heart. I felt a deep desire to serve the young Church by reaching out to college students and journeying with them as they encounter the Lord. I feel called to go be a light among the darkness in this world. The Lord continues to bless my own journey and I am so thankful for the opportunity to share Him with students! To invite them into this personal relationship with our Lord. Advice for those discerning their vocations or thinking of doing mission work: Give up control. Have total surrender and complete trust in the Lord. Prayer requests: For conversions within my family, for my team, for my students and for my vocation |