Youth focus of Catholic meeting
Touches on pope’s childhood, and renewing the faith

By Ann Rodgers-Melnick, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

“Teaching young people to stand up for life and faith in a culture of death and despair was a running theme at yesterday’s Total Catholic Education Conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.”

FOCUS

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).