Fundraiser: Bring FOCUS Missionaries to Greater Portland
The college years are among the most pivotal in a young person’s life. During this time, students make decisions that shape their faith, their vocation, their relationships, and the course of their future families. Yet today, many young Catholics arrive on campus without a strong faith community or guidance to help them grow as disciples of Christ. Without intentional outreach, many drift away from the Church during these formative years.
That is why campus ministry is one of the most important investments the Church can make. The Diocese of Portland now has a unique opportunity to expand a proven model of evangelization and discipleship that has already borne tremendous fruit in Maine.
Donate to help bring FOCUS to Greater Portland
A Proven Mission: Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a nationally recognized Catholic organization that places trained missionary teams on college campuses to accompany students in their faith.
Their mission is simple and powerful: to know Christ, live Christ, and help others do the same. FOCUS missionaries mentor students through:
- one-on-one discipleship
- small group Bible studies
- leadership formation
- campus outreach and evangelization
- sacramental and spiritual life
Since 2014, FOCUS missionaries serving at the University of Maine in Orono have had a profound impact on students across the campus community. Through their presence:
- Students have returned to the sacraments and rediscovered their Catholic faith
- Lifelong Catholic friendships and marriages have formed
- Many young men have discerned vocations to the priesthood
- Student leaders have become engaged parishioners long after graduation
Expanding the Mission to Southern Maine
With the blessing and encouragement of Bishop James Ruggieri, the Diocese of Portland is launching a bold initiative to bring this same missionary presence to the greater Portland area.
The vision is to deploy a four-person FOCUS missionary team serving students across multiple campuses in southern Maine. The team will be based at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish, Maine’s only Catholic college, while also serving students throughout the Portland region, including:
- University of Southern Maine (Portland and Gorham campuses)
- Southern Maine Community College
- University of New England (Portland campus)
- The Roux Institute in Portland
Together, these campuses represent thousands of undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom currently have little or no connection to Catholic campus ministry. By placing missionaries directly in this region, we can bring the Gospel to students where they are. This will, in turn, build relationships, form disciples, and strengthen the Catholic presence across southern Maine.
Why This Matters Now
Timing is critical. To secure a FOCUS team for the Fall 2026 semester, we must demonstrate that funding is in place immediately. If we are unable to do so, the team will likely be assigned to another campus.
If we do not raise the final $37,000 by Easter, we risk losing the missionary team.
The Impact of Your Support
A gift to this initiative directly supports the missionary team who will serve students across the greater Portland region.
Your support will help:
- introduce students to a life-changing relationship with Christ
- build strong Catholic communities on campus
- form future Catholic leaders in Maine
- inspire vocations to priesthood, religious life, marriage, and lay leadership
- strengthen the Church for generations to come
Investing in campus ministry is investing in the future of the Church.
An Invitation
We invite you to join us in bringing this transformative ministry to southern Maine. Your gift today will help ensure that when students arrive on campus this fall, they are welcomed by missionaries ready to accompany them in faith, friendship, and discipleship.
Together, we can build a thriving Catholic presence across the college campuses of southern Maine.
