As I begin my journey as a FOCUS missionary, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been called to serve at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. I’m excited not only to experience the beauty of Helena, but especially to walk with the students at Carroll as we grow together in faith and mission!

I grew up as a cradle Catholic and was blessed to receive all my sacraments throughout childhood. Looking back, I realize how much I took for granted the opportunities I had to learn about the Lord and to let Him love me as His son. I often pursued worldly pleasures in my attempt to become a “good person” and to find purpose in my life.

When I entered my freshman year at North Dakota State University, I was yearning for meaning. I sought it in everything the “college life” had to offer, but nothing left me with lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. At one of the lowest points in my life, I was invited to a Bible study at St. Paul’s Newman Center. At the time, I had no idea what a Newman Center was, nor did I have much experience reading the Bible—but I participated as best I could. Still, in the following weeks, I made excuses not to return. Eventually, I ran out of excuses—and thankfully, a great friend of mine was relentless in inviting me back. I finally returned to the Bible study, where I was warmly welcomed and invited to take part in a 90-day spiritual exercise called Exodus 90. I joined a solid group of striving men and was challenged to pray a daily holy hour. Though I didn’t fully understand its significance at the time, I committed to it. That same semester, I attended the SEEK conference. I signed up for prayer teams mostly to pass time and get through the evening—but everything changed when I entered into prayer with two amazing FOCUS missionaries. In that moment, God revealed Himself to me, and I knew without a doubt that He was real. I returned from the conference with a renewed understanding of the life of faith and continued to deepen my relationship with the Lord through my daily holy hours with Exodus 90.

To top it off, that same spring semester, I went on a retreat called Koinonia, where I was introduced to the incredible community at BisonCatholic and St. Paul’s Newman Center. It was there that I truly began to see the joy and beauty of living life with Christ and others. Since that spring of my freshman year, it’s felt like drinking from a firehose. I’ve been learning and growing in my faith at an incredible pace, and through it all, the Lord has been patient and present. He has shown me what it means to live for something greater than myself—to serve Him and His people.

I’ve been incredibly blessed on this journey to becoming a FOCUS missionary, and I am full of gratitude and excitement as the Lord now calls me to serve at Carroll College.

When I said “yes” to becoming a FOCUS missionary, I also said “yes” to trusting in the Lord through the generosity of others. This mission is only possible through the spiritual and financial support of mission partners who feel called to join me in bringing Christ to college campuses.

Your support makes it possible for me to serve Our Lord in this vital work for the Church. If you feel led to be part of this mission with me, I would love to connect with you!