Mary Bruck

“We must defend the faith at all costs, even if we are reduced to just twelve again.” -Pope St. John Paul II

My Story

I am beyond blessed to have grown up in a devout Catholic home where faith was implemented into every aspect of my life. Though I knew the truths of the Catholic Church like the back of my hand, it wasn’t until high school that I encountered the Person of Jesus in a profound way. Once I did, I desired everyone to know Him. I began my undergraduate studies at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, hoping to earn a degree that would help me become successful in some type of ministry for the Church. Within my first year of college, I quickly realized the temptations and struggles that college students endure. I found it difficult to build community and friendships, and I began to isolate myself because of it. While considering transferring colleges or just quitting my education in general, I was messaged by a FOCUS missionary, Becca. Becca encountered me in the exact way I needed her to, with genuine love, a desire for my overall good, and authentic friendship. Through her, I met my community, built lasting friendships, and cultivated my faith life. I continued at Belmont Abbey for four years, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Psychology. It is now my desire and call to become another “Becca” to the young college students in today’s world, encountering them in a way that brings them closer to Jesus Christ.

Your Impact

Everyone is searching for something greater, something profound, something that satisfies the desire in their hearts. Many people, especially college students, look for this thing in the wrong places, not fully realizing that it is only God who can truly satisfy them. Around 80% of Catholic college students will lose their faith after their college careers. While this truth is startling, it is not hopeless. 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. This opportunity to trust in the Lord’s faithfulness and providence is both humbling and rewarding. With your support, we can reach the thousands of souls who are desperately looking for Christ and bring them home. I would be honored if you would join me on this mission for souls. “If not me, then who?”

Know of my prayers for you!

In Christ,

Mary

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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