Elizabeth Gildner

It’s not uncommon in our culture that people might feel alone and abandon at times. I’ve felt this too throughout my youth. I questioned my worth and begged God to send me lifegiving friends and a sense of worth. Through opportunities to learn more about God through scripture and the Catholic faith, my love and hope in Jesus Christ grew. I am immensely grateful for all of the people who have walked with me in faith and challenging times. I am honored to be that person for others through my work with FOCUS.

FOCUS exist to respond to a deep wound in the world on college campuses. Missionaries, like myself, are sent to college campuses to inspire young people in their belonging, walk with Jesus Christ, and live a full, whole, and holy life. The vision of FOCUS is to know Christ Jesus and fulfill His Great Commission. Our work is inspired by the lives of the apostles in Acts 2:42.

SUPPORT Elizabeth

Where I serve

I have the honor to serve and live apostolic mission for____ in _____. I am thrilled to

I have the opportunity and privilege to meet, accompany, grow in friendship with individuals of all different walks through one on one discipleship, small groups, retreats, and social opportunities.

My Story

I first learned about FOCUS by attending their collegiate conference called SEEK. That experience transformed me and made me aware that the Church that Jesus Christ instituted is fully alive and is invited into live radically abandoned to His vast plan for salvation. After multiple years of full-time ministry work in the Diocese of Raleigh. During my work for the diocese, I expanded my skillset and gained experiences in evangelization. I was blessed with the opportunity to dip my toes into campus ministry. After some time, God stirred in me a desire for something more. I finally and completely gave God permission to bring me into a advantageous and spirit-filled ministry like FOCUS!

Your Impact

The Lord asks a lot of us and what a beautiful gift that is! I get to be His hands and feet in the world to help young people develop a deep relationship in Jesus Christ, and inspire them to share this message of hope with others. It is apart of our salvation story and eternal calling. Will you join my team through your prayers and financial generosity?

Give Now

If you have any questions or need help setting up your gift, please contact us at [email protected].

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!

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FOCUS Find A Missionary Know Love Serve God Monstrance

Know, Love and Serve God

We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.

Build Virtuous Friendships

By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Teach Others Share Christ Smiling

Teach Others to Share Christ

We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on.

Host	Retreat Type	Start Date	End Date
Tulane University	Way of the Disciple	09/05/24	09/07/24
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Sanctifier	09/13/24	09/15/24
Parish Outreach	The Father’s House	09/16/24	09/18/24
Kansas State University	The Father’s House	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of Delaware	Rec	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of South Carolina – Columbia	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24
St. Francis University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Nicholls State University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Northwestern State University	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
University of Memphis	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
Ohio State University	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
University of Dallas	The Sanctifier	10/24/24	10/26/24
Central Connecticut State University	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Universidad de Monterrey	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
California State University – Fullerton	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Sts. Anne and Joaquim, Fargo, ND	Way of the Disciple	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Krems	Men’s	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Mary	The Father’s House	11/08/24	11/10/24
DePauw University	Rec	11/08/24	11/10/24
Philanthropy Engagement	Way of the Disciple	11/15/24	11/17/24
University of Passau	Rec	11/21/24	11/23/24
Texas A&M University	The Sanctifier	02/07/25	02/09/25
FOCUS Greek Southeast	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Midwest	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	The Sanctifier	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Southwest	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
Wayne State University	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
University of Illinois-Chicago	The Sanctifier	02/21/25	02/23/25
Queens College of the City University of New York	The Father’s House	03/07/25	03/09/25
Nicholls State University	Way of the Disciple	03/07/25	03/09/25
Grand Valley State University	The Father’s House	03/28/25	03/30/25
University of Northern Iowa	Way of the Disciple	04/03/25	04/05/25
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Father’s House	04/04/25	04/06/25
Arizona State University	Men’s	02/07/25	02/09/25
University of Nebraska at Kearney	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24