Maria Mitchell

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”

~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Where I serve

Hi! My name is Maria Mitchell. I’m from Madison, Alabama. I’ll be serving as a missionary at East Tennessee State University begining in the fall in Johnson City. Go Bucs!!

My Story

Since the age of five through my freshman year of college, dance was my life. I eventually wanted to become a professional dancer, but was humbled when I realized I didn’t have the right body type to be a professional. My life crashed before me, because I had lost my purpose and identity. My conversion of heart really began when I attended SEEK 24 (a Catholic conference for college students), and I learned about my true identity as a beloved daughter of God. Fast-forward to my junior year of college, FOCUS came to the University of Alabama in Huntsville Catholic Campus Ministry that I was attending as a student at Calhoun Community College. I had the privilege of growing and walking with, the missionary, Lillie Deiters through attending bible studies, discipleship, a retreat, and SEEK. Lillie reminded me & challenged me to do what God is calling all of us to do. That is to spread the word of God for all to hear and to truly know Jesus Christ!!

I was inspired! However, I was still hesitant to become a missionary. Until, I went to SEEK 26. There in silent adoration, God reached out to me through a song that came to mind, Chris Tomlin’s song “I Will Follow.”

“Where you go, I’ll go. Where you stay, I’ll stay. Where you move, I’ll move. I will follow you” and “Joy unending joy.” These were the lyrics that came to mind. God was calling me to be a missionary. Who am I to disobey Him?

Your Impact

Your support will help me reach the hearts of the many college students that lost their identity just like me! You will get to be a part of the ministry through your support and will help make hearts be set on fire for Jesus Christ!!

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