Fargo, N.D., May 17, 2009 / 23:56 pm
Statistically, each fall, many students stop practicing their faith. In order for a student to maintain or grow in his or her faith, it must be nourished. Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionaries Eric Clark and Amanda Anderson recognized this truth, and by the grace of God, took it upon themselves to assist in this nourishment.
According to its Web site, focusonline.org, FOCUS missionaries, stationed on college campuses throughout the nation, seek to "know Christ Jesus and to fulfill His Great Commission by first living and then communicating the fullness of life within the family of God, the Church." FOCUS began its ministry at North Dakota State University in the fall of 2004.
After a retreat, Eric Clark and three NDSU students discussed the possibility of living together in a house of Catholic community near St. Paul’s Newman Center.
"I found out that I wasn’t alone in my desire. These three guys thought how great it would be to live together and pray together," Clark said. After prayer and discernment, they began to prepare a household of fellowship, prayer and work.