Question on FOCUS

[Ambrose]

I am presently traveling out of town and doing business in a college town, that has a Newman center where I attend Mass. The people there have been very gracious and have invited me out to breakfest after Mass and as we were talking I mentioned the work that FOCUS has done on college campus’s, and got a very negative response.

Seems according to them FOCUS is too conservative and more or less tells people that you’re going to hell if you have a drink, don’t join up with their group, and that they’re too involved with the catechism. Keep in mind these are people from a Newman Center saying this.

I’m wondering is there a rivalry between the two groups ? Has anyone had any dealing with either campus ministry like Newman Center or FOCUS ? Is this competition or what ? I couldn’t believe some of the stuff they were saying. Supposedly FOCUS has been divisive on some campus’s according to them.

Thoughts ?

 

[emhansen6019]

I would not say that FOCUS is too conservative. I have seen FOCUS missionaries at my campus drink alcholic beverages, but the key is they drank in moderation and with prudence. FOCUS challenges their missionaries and those involved in Bible studies and student leadership to chastity, sobriety, and excellence.

Sometimes when FOCUS comes to a campus with a Newman Center, there can be a few issues with the current ministry at the Newman Center. FOCUS does not replace this ministry! What FOCUS offers is one-on-one mentorship and Bible studies, which many Newman Centers sometimes lack. FOCUS is an addition or another tool, to reach out to college students. My Newman Center did not have solid Bible studies before FOCUS. They did have weekly events, but Bible studies were lacking. At my campus, FOCUS now offers over 25 Bible studies, allowing students the flexibility to find a study that fits their schedule. Daily Mass attendence has increased significantly with about 40-50 students most days and overall student involvement at the Newman Center has increased.

FOCUS has changed my life. I had never been in a Bible study until I arrived at college and joined a FOCUS Bible study. I met the FOCUS missionaries on our campus and I am discerning a possible call to be a FOCUS missionary when I graduate.