We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.
“Only friendliness produces friendship. And we must look far deeper into the soul of man for the thing that produces friendliness.”
– G.K. Chesterton
Hi, I’m Saul Fabian Ruiz, a Psychology major at the University of Utah and a first-year Bosco Project missionary with FOCUS.
To my family and friends—both old and new—thank you for your curiosity and support for my mission. In Fall 2023, I moved from Salt Lake City, UT to Greenwood Village, CO to work as a paralegal at a successful law firm. My time here has revealed a longing I didn’t know I had for the church. Exploring the Denver metro area, I discovered young adults deeply committed to Jesus Christ and living out their faiths. Through them, I confronted my own barriers to God. These young adults, comprised of FOCUS missionaries and students, fostered a vibrant community in Denver since opening in 2021-22; there I found spiritual solace far deeper than I had at home alone. After walking with these missionaries I learned that at the core of today’s problems revolved around a gross misunderstanding of genuine human relationship—something that could be understood through our relationship with God and His Church.
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8)
I’ve learned the importance of cultivating genuine virtuous friendships and living in community, where we are known and supported. The Bosco House with FOCUS in Denver, CO became my sanctuary in 2023 when I moved from Utah, providing Catholic fellowship and guidance during a challenging year. Facing common issues like addiction and other challenges, I found solidarity with the FOCUS Bosco Project missionaries who understand sobriety, chastity, and other contemporary struggles. In 2022, 29.5% (or 10.3 million) of young adults ages 18 to 25 reported binge drinking (NIAA, 2024). Young adults also face issues of suicidal ideation; suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for most young adults causing over +45k deaths a year and increasing every year (NIMH, 2023).
FOCUS sends missionaries to college campuses, addressing social issues through outreach, retreats, and programs that form young adults into virtuous individuals and helps foster genuine relationships in the community. By supporting this mission, you enable me to share the Gospel with students and young adults, fostering deeper discussions about faith and God’s plan for us.
Your donation supports my full-time commitment to this mission, providing for events, programs, retreats, housing, and meals. Your contribution is tax-deductible through FOCUS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. I’ll keep you updated through newsletters on how your generosity impacts lives, and I’ll pray and fast for you personally with a donor-specific novena. I also value our relationship and will write letters to keep you connected so please provide me your email and mailing address!
For questions, please contact me. May God bless you abundantly!
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.