Anthony Thompson

“You were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness!”

— Pope Benedict XVI

Where I serve

For five years I had the honor to serve as an on campus missionary at three universities: UCLA, the University of Southampton in England, and the University of Idaho. The mission to spread the gospel continues.

Now I serve as Director of National Projects for our Parish Operations team overseeing the coordination of formation for parish missionaries at FOCUS’ Parish Summer Formation, the recruitment of parish missionaries at our annual FOCUS Parish Discernment Event, parish priest events and the Making Missionary Disciples Track at SEEK, and other projects.

This role impacts our efforts in FOCUS Parish with parish priests, parishioners, bishops, and others as we aim to share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations in this generation.

My Story

In January of my junior year at college, an invitation from Vincent to join a men’s group changed my life. The intellectual obstacles to the faith were obliterated, as I discovered there were answers (really deep and profound answers) to my questions. The next semester FOCUS arrived at my campus and I met John, one of the FOCUS missionaries. He not only led a Bible study and helped me form a daily prayer life, but he became a close friend. His example inspired me. As I prayed for direction from the Lord about what to do once I finished college it became clear through spiritual direction that Jesus was calling me to spread the gospel so I applied for FOCUS.

I am grateful for the 5 years I served on campus seeing lives transformed by God, and I am excited to see Him continue to work in the parish priests, parishioners, bishops, and seminarians, as well as the 2,500+ FOCUS staff and 70,000+ student alumni I am honored to serve.

Your Impact

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. It has been amazing to witness the generosity of God through His people. I raise 100% of my ministry budget and would be honored to have you partner with me.

If you are interested in partnering on mission, please let me know of the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. May God abundantly bless you!

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…”

John 15:16

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)!

GET STARTED

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