We are the Filzen’s. We are seventh year missionaries serving one of the greatest Catholic Campus Ministry Programs in America at NDSU! We have three children: Pia, Beckett and Augustus! Aaron serves as the Team Director. This role allows him to set the culture and cast vision to the team and work directly with college students! Shanna has the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom, while inviting college ladies into our home life. It is with great joy to be a missionary family and continue to make Christ known on the campus of NDSU!

Introducing team NDSU: Aaron, Benedict, Liz, Mary, Ruby, Marina.

NDSU’s Newman Center Chapel:

Aaron: Ten years ago, as a freshman at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I was at a crossroads, questioning my Catholic faith. I simply didn’t understand its true gift. Little did I know, my life was about to transform.

A missionary introduced me to SEEK, a conference that would change everything. There, I discovered the profound beauty and possibility of Holiness. Through newfound brotherhood and a deeper intellectual conversion, I began to see the desperate need to revitalize faith in young people across our nation. This ignited a passion within me: to send missionaries to reach them. This is where my journey truly began.

Shanna: After years of trying relentlessly to find happiness and validation in what the world says to do, I found myself crying in my dorm room as a freshman by myself, wondering why I was so unhappy and left searching for answers. I had done everything the world tells you to have a fulfilling life: good grades, relationships, career outlook, a social circle, etc.

I wasn’t going to mass at this point, but figured I would give God one last try. There was a missionary who made an announcement about a retreat at the end of Mass. A few weekends later, I found myself at the retreat and mustered up the courage to go to confession for the first time in years. The priest encountered me with the gaze of Jesus and spoke with such mercy. Jesus is truly present in the Sacraments!

Life after encountering Jesus was one of beauty, joy, purpose, passion and zeal for others to know the Gospel. Jesus graciously invited our family to make Him known on the college campus.

Together: After surrounding ourselves with beautiful friends and community, we started dating. We dated and then got married our senior year of college! After encountering the Lord at different moments in our college experience, we soon answered the call together: to invite others into the abundant life He promises!

Our family has said yes to a life-changing call: to serve full-time on college campuses as missionaries with FOCUS, advancing the Gospel among the next generation.

This vital mission is only possible through the incredible generosity of our mission partners. Your spiritual and financial support directly enables us to reach students who are hungry for truth and purpose. We’ve seen God’s providence unfold time and again through the kindness of others, confirming His hand in this crucial work for the Church.

Will you prayerfully consider joining us? We’d be honored to share more about our mission and how your partnership can make an eternal impact. Please reach out to us; we’d love to connect!

[email protected] | 507-429-4919