Tessa McGartland

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. This means more than being a good person — love asks for your life.

Where I serve

My fourth year on campus, I currently serve as team director for Illinois State University!

NST2023 1879

My Story

In college, because an older girl in my sorority befriended me, I started questioning what I was doing with my life. She said she was a Christian, and so did I, but our lives looked totally different. I focused on two things: my journalism career and my friends. Although I never would’ve admitted it, I put my identity into my reputation. Through personal friendships and people challenging me, I slowly started to question what was possible through faith, especially the Catholic faith, and what it means to be satisfied. No amount of money, impactful work projects, family or friends, (although those are good things!), were enough for me. Only by centering my life on Christ and having a personal relationship with Him, have I come to understand myself and society in a way I never thought was possible. I desire nothing more than to share the joy of Christ’s love — it changes everything.

Your Impact

When Jesus tells Peter to “cast his net on the other side of the boat,” the catch of fish was so big that “others had to come help him.” Similarly, when God calls someone “to be catching men,” He never calls that person by himself. He calls others to help him. By spiritually and/or financially supporting me on mission, Jesus wants to stretch your own nets toward Him, so that you too can experience the huge catch of joy He offers. I would be honored to serve alongside you and have you a part of my team.

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.

Give
CLOSE
Just announced: SEEK26! Join us next year in Columbus, Fort Worth, and Denver. Learn More
This is default text for notification bar