I continue to serve at Harvard University, now as Missionary Team Director!

Born and raised in rural Connecticut, I was blessed with a solid Catholic education.  Captivated by the Church’s rich theology and intellectual history, I decided to pursue an authentically Catholic liberal arts degree at Christendom College, where I majored in Philosophy and minored in Math and Classics.  My time at Christendom not only opened my eyes further to the intellectual side of the Faith but also continually pushed me to become a man who seeks not only to receive but also to give.  Two of my favorite and most formative activities were participating in apostolic works with the Legion of Mary—these included visiting nursing homes, thermal shelters, and local homes—and going on a mission trip to Honduras, spring of senior year.  This mission trip was life changing for me and, after witnessing the incredible wonders God worked in and through us, made it clear to me that God was calling me to serve full time as a missionary.  The Lord gave me very tangible experiences of what he promised to whom He gives His Spirit: “do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time” (Matt 10:19).  It is God Himself who does the heavy lifting in bringing the Good News to others, for only He can ultimately change hearts.  We don’t need to worry about having the perfect words or knowledge or skills, we just need to remain faithful and say “here I am Lord, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).  After meeting several FOCUS missionaries on that trip and talking with several alumni of the organization—who all testified to its great impact—I decided to take a leap of Faith.  During the past two years of mission at Harvard, I’ve witnessed the wondrous fruit of faith and perseverance as well as the amazing growth that happens when we get out of our comfort zone and allow the Lord to perfect our hearts, working in us, through us, and in spite of our weaknesses.   I am so excited to share with students—and now other missionaries—all that God has blessed me with!

~ The Imperative to Evangelize ~

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)

These are the last words of Jesus in the Gospel.  Not only are someone’s last words typically very important, but Christ Himself signals that his last words carry absolute gravity and authority: “All authority in heaven has been given me; therefore, go…”

Evangelization—i.e. spreading the Good News that God has saved and is saving us (the literal meaning of the name Jesus, ישוע is “God saves”)—is not a suggestion! It’s also not a command for a select few!  If Christians really believe what they say they believe, they should not only be set on fire for HOPE but also for spreading that hope to everyone they love—and we are called to love everyone, even our enemies (Matt 5:44).

However, it is true that not everyone can stop what they’re doing and leave everything behind to be a full time missionary.  God gives each person their unique talents, which allow them to evangelize in different ways, some more direct than others.

Curtis Martin, the founder of FOCUS realized that the Church (in its humanity) is not doing enough to love those who have never truly heard the Gospel, who do not truly know the depths of God’s Love for them.  He decided that the university was a critical area for focusing (no pun intended) efforts, given that most people who grow up Christian and stop practicing do so in college years and that this is the time when most people receive the formation (or lack thereof) that shapes the rest of their lives.  FOCUS is bearing incredible fruit among college students, giving hope to the Church and the world; will you join me?

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:3-6)

Through the support of your prayers and donations you are able to participate in a very real way in the wonderful work that God has called FOCUS missionaries to carry out on college campuses.  In this way you are fullfiling the Great Commission of Christ to “go therefore making disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).  God is never outdone in generosity and will certainly pour out blessings on you for your support!

“Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit.” (Phil 4:17)