|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
UST Welcomes New FOCUS Members
9/21/2009
 As students embark on their spiritual journey this year, University of St. Thomas welcomes a new FOCUS team to help deepen and strengthen students’ faith.
FOCUS, Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is a national campus outreach that invites college students to share in the Catholic faith and spread God’s good news. Founded in 1998, the missionary program is currently working with 45 college and university campuses in 25 states.
Three years ago, Campus Ministry invited FOCUS to UST. St. Thomas is the first and only university in Texas to host the FOCUS ministry. The team works closely with Campus Ministry to meet the spiritual needs of UST students, and helps with events such as retreats and Bible studies.
“The team brings a strong Catholic presence,” said UST Chaplain Fr. Mike Buentello, CSB. “They provide a wonderful opportunity for our students to pray with scripture, not only while they are students, but hopefully, long after they leave the University of St. Thomas. This current team is a strong example of Christian service.”
 The four-member team is directed by Trisha Bucholz, who spent 2008-2009 at UST. Bucholz welcomes three new members – Esther Au, Andrew Tomsche and Lee Vigil from Hong Kong by way of Colorado, Minnesota and Colorado, respectively. Bucholz, originally from the Chicago area, and the others have become acquainted with Houston and its heat and humidity.
The team interacts with UST students at numerous St. Thomas events. Team members minister to students by creating relationships and living by example.
“One student may not have heard the Gospel, and another may want to know more,” Bucholz said. “We are excited to go and reach the students wherever they are in their lives.”
Esther Au, a first-year missionary, was pleasantly surprised by UST’s diverse student body, especially the Asian population. The large Asian community is different from what she experienced as an international student at a large university.
“I have a big heart for students who do not come from America because I am from Hong Kong,” Au said. “I am also excited to learn more about the Asian population here at St. Thomas and Houston.”
Andrew Tomsche is ready to spread the Word of God, and be a witness to students through athletics and intramural sports.
Like many UST students, Lee Vigil is a commuter. He moved his wife and five children to Pearland from Colorado.
“I didn’t know if I wanted to relocate my family,” Vigil said. “But through a lot of prayer, God called us to serve and help the community. We already love it.”
FOCUS missionaries rely 100 percent on donations from his or her Mission Partners for their living expenses such as rent, food and health insurance. Mission Partners are recruited by the missionaries, and can be individuals, families or organizations.
Anyone who hears the calling to ministry can join FOCUS. Sheena Byrne, 2009 UST graduate, was heavily involved in Campus Ministry and became close with the previous FOCUS team. After graduating, Byrne applied to be a FOCUS missionary, and completed her training over the summer. She is currently at her first campus assignment at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Top Right Photo: From left to right: Trisha Bucholz, Lee Vigil, Fr. Mike Buentello, Esther Au and Andrew Tomsche
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
