Michelle Leonard

Welcome friends! My name is Michelle and I’m a FOCUS missionary

 

“Do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

Where I serve

I’ll be serving as a second-year FOCUS missionary at the University of Colorado in Boulder! Sko Buffs!

My Story

Growing up in beautiful NW Montana, I was blessed to be raised by amazing parents, relatives, mentors, and teachers who helped pass on the gift of faith. From a young age, I found joy and peace through my faith and relationship with God

The most memorable adventures in my faith journey were as a camper at Legendary Lodge, a Catholic summer camp. My first time at camp, I realized that faith was much more than attending mass on Sunday! I discovered it was an authentic relationship with God, growing in prayer and friendship with others. Ask my mom for proof, but every time she picked me up from camp, I would cry for the first 20 minutes, speaking through the sobs, saying, “Mom, it was SO amazing. God is SO good. I wish I could stay longer!” That is the power of authentic friendship, mentorship, and GOD! Over the years, my desire to know God and learn more about the Catholic church grew!

Transitioning into college was an exciting and scary time for me. Going to Montana State University, I knew how to find the Newman Center, and that’s about it! This is where I grew in my faith and made authentic life-long friendships. Once I was in the groove of college life, I started working as a resident advisor, working with over 200 students over three years. During this job, I witnessed increasing depression and anxiety rates. I watched students fall into destructive friend groups, only seeking to find their true identities. Through my job, I created a community and provided a loving environment for many who couldn’t find it elsewhere. Students needed and desired a place to be known, loved, and seen

After leaving college, my desire to help students feel known, loved, and seen didn’t stop it only grew. My goal as a missionary is to give students hope and teach them about authentic relationships. Through the goodness and light of Christ, I desire to build up students to pursue a life of joy. 

Your Impact

Answering the call to serve as a FOCUS missionary, I decided to rely on mission partners’ spiritual and financial support to help send me to campus and serve students. Witnessing the selflessness of friends and family joining this journey as my financial support team has been a gift. 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.

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!
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.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Build Virtuous Friendships Together

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.

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Experience the story of Michelle Duppong. See Radiating Joy in theaters November 12. LEARN MORE & GET TICKETS
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