AL+UM
August 2023
His time as a FOCUS missionary gave him a transferrable framework for parish life
The impactful small group format modeled during his service inspired Joe Dobrynski to find a similar group after he left staff. As others transition into parishes, Joe encourages them to create a community in the way they’ve been trained. “The parish is an intergenerational powerhouse for the Holy Spirit,” he says, speaking about the great hope that comes from living the model well.
Joe Dobrynski served with FOCUS from 2011 to 2013 at Texas State and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He now lives mission through his work in diocesan youth ministry and raising his many sons.
News
Join FOCUS at the National Eucharistic Congress
All current and former missionaries, benefactors and friends receive a discount!
As a premier sponsor for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, FOCUS is excited to announce 20% off Congress registration for any current, former or friends of missionaries. The Congress will promote a five-day, life-transforming encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It’s the launching point for the third year of the USCCB’s National Eucharistic Revival, centered around being sent on mission. Join FOCUS for a gathering of American Catholics unlike anything seen for generations, and renew your fervor for the True Presence.
To find out more and learn how to use the affiliate code “FOCUS” to get discounted registration, click below.
The Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago is hiring a development coordinator!
The Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture is Chicago’s oldest off-Loop theatre with a mission to invite people into encounters with beauty and revitalize the great Catholic tradition of the arts. The Center’s team works collaboratively to host events, showcase performances and fund its unique mission.
As the Development Coordinator, you will be a keystone member of the executive team, leading fundraising efforts with an emphasis in successfully executing the annual fund, special events, and donor steward initiatives. You will be responsible for effective and efficient use of resources and the donor management system, while thinking strategically about the larger efforts of the Center and performing daily creative work.
Visit our job board at connect.focus.org/jobs to apply and to see employers who are specifically looking for FOCUS Alumni to fill their open positions or reach out to Career Services Manager Elli Schmidt at [email protected].
FOCUS Alumni is coming to a location near you!
Join FOCUS Alumni missionaries in your city this fall. Details about these events will be sent directly to alumni living in the area. Moved recently? Email the event contact if you’re near one of the cities below. Otherwise fill out this contact form to stay updated about future events in your area.
- September 9, 4 – 8 p.m.: Alumni Gathering, Sioux Falls, SD, [email protected]
- September 15, 7:30 p.m.: Holy & Happy Hours at the UNL Newman Center, Lincoln, NE, [email protected]
- September 30, 2 – 4 p.m.: SEEK First, St. Louis, MO, [email protected]
- Ongoing (Fridays): Lifelong U Virtual Group, [email protected]
Pray for us and let us pray for you!
The FOCUS Alumni team wants to unite our FOCUS family in prayer for one another. Please submit any prayer requests you have here. Save the link for future re-use!
Our team’s intention this month is for the Lord’s steady courage in every missionary during fall outreach. Missionaries are in the thick of the autumnal battle for the hearts and attention of college students, and we want to support them by praying for courage, energy and boldness as they encounter new students. Please pray with us!
About Us
Our mission is to fan the flame of lifelong mission in the hearts of our alumni in this apostolic age.
The FOCUS Alumni Relations team exists to provide you, our alumni, with inspirational content in emails and social media. We desire to build alumni communities in various cities, connect alumni with job listings, and develop resources to support the living of Catholic mission in the world.
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What does AL+UM mean?
AL+UM (Altum) comes from “Duc in Altum”, which means to“Set out into the deep.” This call, to set out into the deep, is the call of every person seeking after Christ. You are on a different mission now than when you were on campus, yet as you cast your nets, the Lord will certainly bless you with a great catch if you continue to trust in Him.
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