DENVER, (August 24, 2023) — As 800 young missionaries complete their time of fellowship at FOCUS’ annual New Staff Training (NST), the outreach organization will welcome new Board member Francis X. Maier to the FOCUS leadership team and celebrate the expansion of FOCUS to more than 210 campuses across the Western world.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, 981 missionaries will serve at 234 locations: 211 campus locations (including 9 international campuses and 9 Digital Outreach campuses) and 23 parish locations.

“The presence of FOCUS revitalizes hope and energy on our campus. FOCUS missionaries are uniquely equipped to walk alongside our students towards Christ and I’m excited for the adventure that awaits with Our Lord in the year ahead,” said Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., the Vice President of Collegiate Outreach for FOCUS.

Over the past 25 years, the Holy Spirit has worked through FOCUS to invite thousands of people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. FOCUS evangelizes through Bible studies, local and national outreach events such as SEEK, FOCUS mission trips, and personal encounters. FOCUS missionaries inspire and build up students and parishioners in the faith, ultimately sending them out to pursue Saint Catherine of Siena’s call to “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

John Zimmer, Vice President of Apostolic Development for FOCUS, says the latest campus expansion is a humbling reminder to the team, “We are in awe of how God multiplies our mission. We see ourselves as the laborers in His vineyard, called to form more faithful laborers for today. This expansion propels us forward in that mission.”

FOCUS is also excited to welcome Francis X. Maier to its Board of Directors this month. Mr. Maier served as senior adviser and special assistant to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. for 23 years in Denver and Philadelphia. He also previously served as editor in chief of the National Catholic Register and is currently a board member of the Napa Institute. Mr. Maier’s work focuses on the intersection of Christian faith, culture, and public life, with special attention to lay formation and action.

FOCUS founder Curtis Martin reflected on the appointment, saying,  “Fran Maier has been a prophetic voice in the Church for decades. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing up-close how he’s navigated his service to the Church with prayer-infused wisdom. Fran’s dedication to forming disciples for our current culture and world will be a gift to FOCUS and everyone we reach.”

The full list of FOCUS campuses is at focus.org/campuses.

About FOCUS 

FOCUS is an international Catholic outreach organization, serving more than 200 college campuses and more than 20 parish communities. Through Bible Studies, mentorship, mission trips, conferences and partnerships with priests, bishops and parishes, FOCUS missionaries walk alongside students and parishioners in their journey of faith, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization and discipleship. Since FOCUS was founded in 1998, more than 1,000 people have entered the seminary or religious orders after connecting with a missionary on college campuses. More than 50,000 FOCUS alumni serve in parishes and communities across the world to continue their lifelong mission of evangelization and leading others to pursue lives of virtue and excellence. focus.org