Sarra Stanley

Hello! My name’s Sarra and I’m a beloved daughter of God. I am currently serving as a FOCUS Parish Missionary at St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois!

Where I serve

After serving two years at Northern Arizona University and two years at Colorado State, God called me back for a fifth and sixth year to serve at the University of Southampton in…England! Out of 600+ missionaries, I was 1 of 4 to start the mission of FOCUS in the U.K.

I returned to the U.S.A. for my 7th year as a missionary with FOCUS and first year as a Parish Missionary. I’ve transitioned away from campus and now serve in one of a handful of parishes that have brought in FOCUS missionaries to help build a culture of missionary discipleship. It is absolutely wild to be entering my 11th year of mission with FOCUS as I continue here in Illinois at a very active, beautiful, and invitational suburban parish outside of Chicago.

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Team St. James! The Marcheschi Family and myself 🙂

My Story

As a missionary, my greatest desire is to lead all people to Christ. My life has been transformed by Jesus and I want nothing more than to bring this joy to others and introduce them to the life-changing message of the Gospel. In His ministry on earth, Jesus humbled Himself to meet us on our level, taking on our humanity, and spent most of His time investing deeply in a few. I look to Jesus own example to find the best method of reaching the world by sharing not only the gospel but my very self.  I’ve been constantly amazed by the different souls I’ve encountered these last 10 years. From women struggling to view themselves after experiences they’ve only ever shared in the confessional, to guys asking tough questions about how they can better serve and lead the women around them. I’m always reminded of God’s glory and ABUNDANT mercy which he labors to pour out on us each moment of the day. It all started by an invitation I received my sophomore year of college; an invitation to Sunday Mass every week, for EIGHT MONTHS before I finally said ‘yes’ and encountered Jesus in the Eucharist. Thanks, Amy!

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Your Impact

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 (YOU) who have journeyed with me as I served on campus and now in parish – truly. Some of my favorite times sharing the Gospel, the need for FOCUS to be on campus and now in the Parish, and Glory stories along the way have all been with people on my support team. I email them monthly with a few pictures, a short story, or prayer request so that they feel just as a part of the mission as I do.  If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know of the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. I’d be honored to share this mission with you. My email is [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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