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Founded in 1998 by Curtis Martin, FOCUS, The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is a national outreach to college campuses, to secular and Catholic schools. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training, and one-on-one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of life and truth in the Catholic Church to college students and gives the tools to help them share this good news with their friends. FOCUS is working to play a vital role in the new evangelization called for by Pope John Paul II.

FOCUS teaches recent college graduates, trains them in the teachings of the Church, Scripture and practical aspects of ministry, and sends them out typically in teams of four to serve on college campuses. FOCUS staff members make an initial two-year commitment to this full-time work. FOCUS works with the blessing of the local bishop and the support of the pastor and existing ministry(ies).

How does FOCUS come to a new campus?
In order for FOCUS to expand to a new campus, we require the following:

 An initial two year good-faith commitment with:

            The blessing of the local bishop

            The welcome of the local pastor

            A $50,000/year Campus Fee

In exchange we send a team of trained staff to work on campus and do evangelization, catechesis and leadership formation.  We currently serve on campuses ranging in size from 700-40,000.  Our goal is to reach the Catholics on campus and invite them to see how having Christ at the center of their lives will enrich them personally and give their lives meaning.  We also hope to provide a meaningful invitation to become acquainted with Jesus Christ and the Church He founded to all the students on campus.

 We believe that FOCUS provides an incredible value in campus ministry.  On average, FOCUS makes an investment of nearly $200,000 per school, a portion of which is covered by the Campus Fee.  FOCUS covers all other additional costs of the program, including salary and health insurance for our employees.  In addition to the financial investment, each missionary team spends close to 200 hours each week in the campus apostolate.   

 We practice what we call "relational evangelization" which is based in friendship.  We believe it is necessary to earn the right to be heard, and work to earn the trust of the students and within that setting we share the gospel.  Our staff works between 40-50 hours a week to make themselves present to the students and begin Catholic Scripture studies and one on one formation we call discipleship.