Elise Olson

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10

Where I serve

God has called me to answer His great commission to go and make disciples of all nations. I am serving for a second year at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse!

It is an honor to walk with the women here in such an intentional way. I feel grateful for the way God has brought me to Him and for the ways he continues to transform me through His love! I pray that He continues to transform others through my witness of faith and that we can all be open to bringing Him out- to places He is not yet, but desires to go.

My Story

I grew up Catholic and always believed in God, but I didn’t know what a real relationship with Him looked like. In college, I lived for myself instead of the Lord—until my junior year at UW–Madison. After attending Ash Wednesday Mass, my friend Meghan invited me to a Bible study. There, surrounded by virtuous friends, a FOCUS missionary, and maybe a few good snacks, I encountered the Lord in a real way. We talked about prayer, faith on campus, and what it means to grow in love for Jesus.

That experience changed everything. That summer, I joined FOCUS Summer Projects in Big Sky, Montana—a time of daily Mass, prayer, friendship, and formation. I returned to campus renewed and ready to live my faith more intentionally.

Soon after, I discerned that God was calling me to serve as a FOCUS missionary. This mission has taught me to rely on Him completely. He has blessed me in ways I never could have planned, and I’m so grateful for how He continues to work in my life and ministry at UW–La Crosse.

D34B8C89 DC3B 47C5 983D EE5BACEB9242DSC 0400

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. If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. I’d be honored to share this mission with you!

You can get in contact with me at [email protected] or 608-259-6425

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