Natalie Gratch

Hi there! I’m a FOCUS missionary at James Madison University!

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Where I serve

I am a first-year FOCUS missionary, and I am so excited to be serving at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA! I am so blessed to be able to serve the Lord on mission and cannot wait to see all that he has in store here.

Here is my wonderful team on placement day! From left to right: Franky, Katie, me, and Kaleb!

My Story

When I started college at UMass Amherst, I quickly got roped into a life of partying, which led me astray from the Lord. Sophomore year, when the life that I thought would bring me happiness left me empty and unfulfilled, I did not know what to do. A memory of being in Eucharistic adoration popped into my head, and I remembered the peace it had given me years earlier. I decided to give God a chance. I started attending mass, but I did not know what living a life with Christ looked like.

Shortly after attending Mass at the Newman Catholic Center, I was invited into a Bible study by a FOCUS missionary. This Bible study changed my life, and I was eager to know Jesus more and more. I was able to do so through frequenting the sacraments, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and discipleship, and my life was completely transformed. I found so much joy and fulfillment in the faith, and I was able to form a relationship with Jesus Christ. Eventually, I had the opportunity to lead other girls in Bible study and discipleship and accompany them on their own walks with God. My life was changed by a simple invitation to a Bible study, and I hope to make an impact on students’ lives as they say yes to God.

Your Impact

When I said yes to FOCUS, I said yes to relying, spiritually and financially, on others to join me as mission partners. I am super excited to accompany students on their walk with Jesus, but it would not be possible without your support. Together with Christ, I am confident that we can make a difference in the lives of these students. If you are interested in joining me on this mission or would like to learn more, please let me know the best way to reach you. It would be an honor to share in this mission with you!

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)!

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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