Elizabeth Gildner

May you proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

It’s not uncommon in our culture to feel alone and abandoned at times; I certainly felt that way throughout my youth, often questioning my worth and begging God for lifegiving friends. Through opportunities to learn more about God in scripture and the Catholic faith, my love for and hope in Jesus Christ grew deeply. Today, I am immensely grateful for the people who walked with me through those challenging times and I am deeply honored to be that person for others now through my work as a FOCUS Missionary.

SUPPORT Elizabeth

Where I serve

SFU Team

I have the joy to serve and live apostolic mission at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. I am thrilled to join this small campus community with my teammates (pictured)! FOCUS has served at Saint Francis University for over 5 years. Each year establishing and building up faith communities.

I have the opportunity and privilege to meet, accompany, grow in friendship with students of all different walks through one on one discipleship, small groups, retreats, and social opportunities. I am excited to work along the campus ministry staff and Franciscan Friars, TOR.

My Story

I first learned about FOCUS by attending their collegiate conference called SEEK. That experience was transformative and led me to realize the Church that Jesus Christ instituted is fully alive and is invited to live surrendered to His plan for salvation. I was led by God into multiple years of full-time ministry work for the Diocese of Raleigh where I expanded my skillset and gained experience in evangelization. I was blessed with the opportunity to dip my toes into campus ministry! After some time, God stirred in me a desire for something more. I gave God permission to bring me into an vibrant and spirit-filled apostolate like FOCUS!

Your Impact

The Lord asks a lot of us and what a beautiful gift that is! I get to be His hands and feet in the world to help young people develop a deep relationship in Jesus Christ, and inspire them to share this message of hope with others. It is apart of our salvation story and eternal calling. Will you join my team through your prayers and financial generosity?

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