Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Emily Nagel
The Catholic community at Belmont Abbey is constantly growing and evolving, especially through the FOCUS missionaries here. FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) is an organization that sends out missionaries, many of whom have recently graduated, to reach out and walk with students on campus. They desire to share in their daily lives while inviting them into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. The five current FOCUS missionaries at Belmont Abbey College who are currently involved in this mission are Quinn, Kelcey, Kathryn, Jake, and Becca. These five incredible missionaries have several areas that they are involved in to help students foster both on and off campus communities along with their relationship with Christ. They do this primarily through bible studies, discipleship, and orchestrating numerous events or trips such as SEEK or other travel and international mission trips.
Two main ways the FOCUS missionaries are involved in helping students grow are through bible study and discipleship. Each missionary leads their own bible study and discipleship group. Some of the bible studies are a mix of various types of students whereas some are sport-oriented bible studies. These bible studies are intended to bring the on-campus community together through scripture to help the students better understand and live out the Word of God. One of the current FOCUS missionaries, Jake Burns, provided a quote that emphasizes the importance of sharing the Word of God along with his why for being a missionary as he states, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 My why is I am a son of the Father. And I know by this identity and the great commission stated above, I have a call to let others be redeemed and receive The Love that I have also received from The Lord. This call can’t be answered on the couch or by never sharing The Word. It’s in this sharing I also receive. It is in giving that we receive and seeking to understand that we are understanding. The measure we give will be given to us. This is my Why. I want Jesus and I must become the Servant of All to receive Him more fully. So, join a Bible study, go to Mass, pray every day and you will find abundant life”. Through this statement, Jake informs us of the powerful impact the Word of God has on us. That it is meant to be received and shared with others.
When considering becoming involved with FOCUS and the community they help foster on campus it can be difficult to know where to start and meet people. An easy place to start is by introducing yourself to one of them if you don’t already know them. The FOCUS missionaries can be spotted out and about campus throughout the week. The missionaries are where the students are. They desire to immerse themselves within the community and form authentic relationships with students. They are often seen at daily mass which is at 11 am every day. They also attend the student mass on Sundays at 7:30 pm and greet students outside the Basilica afterward. Bible studies and their times fluctuate with each new semester. However, each missionary leads their own bible study for students while also guiding current Abbey students who lead their own as well. There is an option and group for everyone when it comes to the bible studies provided for students. Some bible studies for athletics, some for the Honors program, and even some for a mix of students who are involved in various activities and don’t fall into a specific category.
FOCUS has been the biggest blessing in my life, especially while at college. The missionaries at the Abbey have helped me form such a deep and authentic relationship with Christ while also providing me with numerous opportunities to foster a vibrant community on campus. Through my involvement with FOCUS, I have come to know the beauty and importance of having a rich community grounded in their faith. Two ways I have grown in my faith and community are through bible study and discipleship. Through bible study, I have had the opportunity to understand the Word of God alongside my sisters in Christ. They have supported me through all my highs and lows while being a constant example of joy. I have formed some of the most wonderful and lifelong friendships at bible study while getting to know Christ better at the same time. Discipleship is very different from bible study. Discipleship is a time of intentional growth with a small group of men or women to help them learn how to evangelize at the Abbey and beyond. Discipleship has helped me become a better leader and has contributed to so much of my individual growth. It has taught me how to share the Word of God with others, develop a structured prayer life, and form authentic and Christ-centered friendships. The FOCUS missionaries have invested so much into me and my overall growth, especially in my faith which is why it is so incredible to now be doing the same as I currently lead my own discipleship group with my friend Mary Bruck. For all of those who desire to grow deeper in their faith and community, I immensely encourage you to join FOCUS on campus or simply get to know them. They are truly such wonderful people and desire to know you as well. Kathryn puts it best as she states, “If we believe Jesus is who He says He is, we have to consent to the breadth and gravity of His teachings, letting them transform the way we see and do everything. Jesus’s last words before ascending into heaven commission us to make disciples of *all* nations. We often assume that this call is for some priest or some influencer with a platform, irrelevant to us. In reality, God desires all of us to be His instruments bringing about the salvation of souls, particularly through the little way of day-to-day relationship. I became a missionary because I desired all to know Christ and the good news of the gospel, and I wanted to live “all in” as a disciple”. God desires you. He desires to know you and to have an authentic relationship with you. If you are searching and yearning to grow deeper with Christ, the FOCUS community is a wonderful place to start.
This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.
