We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses”
We will be serving at Ohio Northern University which is located in Ada, Ohio. My wife Laura and I are incredibly excited to continue building up the campus ministry here. Both of us have loved getting to be involved, and have been amazed at how much continues to impact the hearts and minds of people we meet.
Alex’s story:
When I got to Ball State University, I was faced with a decision; do I want to continue living my faith, or is it not worth it?
My freshman year of college I wrestled with the reality that I had been ignoring the Catholic faith. I did the necessary things, but I kept God at a distance. During freshman year, a FOCUS missionary intentionally invited me to a Bible study. This invitation led me to authentic relationship and committing to my faith. I was alone and someone intentionally loved me. This kickstarted a desire for greater intimacy with God through prayer and the sacraments. He had been waiting for me the whole time. His love asks of us a response, and this love led me to become a FOCUS missionary.
This past year serving as a missionary has further convicted me of the power of the Gospel and authentically following Church teaching. I have witnessed firsthand as students came alive through hearing the Word of God and receiving the Sacraments such as confession and Holy Eucharist.
Laura:
When I got to the Ball State Newman center the first person that I met was a FOCUS missionary. I was introduced to more freshman girls and was able to participate in Bible study and soon enough be able to start my own. I had the privilege of going on a mission trip and pilgrimage with FOCUS which helped me truly see how universal the Catholic Church is. I am excited for this next journey at Ohio Northern University where Alex and I will be able to help other students in their relationship with God!
Our story:
We became friends through our Newman Center during a retreat. After being friends for a while, we went on a few dates and prayerfully discerned to begin dating. Fast forward one year and three months, we got engaged! We got married on May 11, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, a parish that we would pray together a lot at in college and where Alex proposed! Since getting married, we are now moving to Ada, Ohio and are excited to continue calling students into relationship with Jesus Christ.
Below is one of our wedding photos, taken in front of the Campus Ministry house where we met!
HEY! You found the right page! And if this is not the one you were looking for, you still found the right page!
To get serious,
Thank you for saying yes to going on mission with me. I really appreciate you committing to the unknown. Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed as God impacts Ohio Northern this year. Last year alone over 60 souls at Ohio Northern said yes to attending a Bible Study, and we have met even more. Your support will help college students understand the eternal love the Father has for them. And I pray it does the same for you!
We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.
By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level.
We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on.