The new 2024 team left to right (Myself, Ekene, Nadia, Anthony)

Hi, my name is Mary Kate Zimmerman, and I am so pleased to be serving as a 2nd year FOCUS missionary. It is my privilege to be a part of an amazing team and have the opportunity to serve the students in Massachusetts at Bridgewater State University. Over the past few years, it has truly been a gift to grow in intimacy with Christ and I am overjoyed to be able to share in that joy with students, teammates, and anyone I encounter.  

Here are a few of the campuses that FOCUS serves in the Archdiocese of Boston! Bridgewater, Harvard, MIT, Boston campuses, Boston University and many others welcomed new missionaries to their campuses to serve this upcoming semester!

Here’s a little bit about me but I’d love to learn more about your own story so please reach out and we can find time to talk! I grew up Catholic with my eight siblings in a town right outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Faith was always important to me, but it often felt like an obligation rather than a choice. After many years of “going through the motions,” I was invited to join the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Pittsburgh my freshman year of college. It was there that I encountered true joy, authentic friendships, FOCUS missionaries, and a deep intimacy with Christ. I realized that everyone, especially on college campuses, desires to be known, seen, and loved. I constantly sought those desires, and I found that they can only be fulfilled in Jesus. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to spread the Gospel and encounter students in friendship where they are, accompanying them as they go about their daily lives, and inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

                       

It is truly such an honor and privilege to encounter such amazing souls on the college campus. My first year as a missionary at Bridgewater State University I met a student, Jadyn, and was able to witness her faith grow as she became more involved in the Catholic community at the university. Over the months, she became a prominent member of the Catholic club as she began regularly attending Mass, participating in bible studies, entering into discipleship, and becoming present at many of the events. By the end of the semester, she decided she wanted to be confirmed and returned to the Sacrament of Reconciliation after many years of being away from the faith. On April 6th, 2024, I was an extremely proud and honored sponsor as I witnessed Jadyn received fully into the Catholic Church as she received the sacrament of Confirmation by Cardinal Seán O’Malley. Your generosity and kindness allow students, like Jadyn, to encounter true Catholic community during their time at college.  

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. I’ve been blessed with the most amazing people who have journeyed with me as I begin to serve on campus. 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. Please reach out to me at 724-344-8535 or my email: [email protected]. God Bless!