FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When will applications be launched for Spring Break and Summer Mission Trips?
      FOCUS Missions strives to launch its applications early in the school year, keeping in
mind that students need adequate time to fundraise for their trips. Normal application
launch dates are mid to late-December, although applications could be launched sooner
than that in the future.

I don’t know how to fundraise/No one wants to give me money to go on a trip!
     Every FOCUS Missions volunteer is trained to effectively fundraise their mission trip cost if they so choose to take this route. As FOCUS Missionaries, we raise our entire salary, trusting in people’s generosity and God’s grace to provide us with our spiritual and physical needs. As Christians, we are all called to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasures. If you feel God is calling you to participate in a FOCUS Mission, He will provide for your needs through the financial contributions of others. Allowing others to support us through their financial commitments and prayers is essential to the success of FOCUS Missions!

I’m not a Catholic, can I still participate on a FOCUS Mission Trip?
   FOCUS Mission Trips are designed to be effective on two fronts: We provide aide to those in most need around the world and aim at building up the faith of those who volunteer on our Mission Trips. The latter goal, while certainly carried out with a Catholic angle, should not discourage anyone from applying. Catholics and non-Catholics alike are invited to take part in this excellent opportunity to do as Jesus did, working with the poor and “[making] disciples of all nations.” As a volunteer, you are asked to participate in group prayer and join in on faith discussions, but you will not be forced to participate in exclusively Catholic practices (i.e. the rosary, Catholic Mass etc).

I am not a student, can I participate on a FOCUS Mission?
     Non-students are allowed to apply for FOCUS Mission Trips. However, since our organization primarily caters to college students, students will have priority in trip placements. If there is a spot available on a mission trip after all the students have been placed, non-students will then be placed on the trip.

Where can I get more information about FOCUS the organization?
     More information about the Fellowship of Catholic University Students can be found at www.focusonline.org.

I want to make a financial contribution to FOCUS Missions. How can I do this?
     To support FOCUS Missions and the different mission trips it provides for college students, click the donate tab at the top of this page. You can make an easy, secure payment by credit or debit card online!

Why must I sign a Statement of Faith in order to volunteer on a FOCUS Mission Trip?
      The Statement of Faith document simply is a declaration that you understand the aim of FOCUS Mission Trips. While you are not expected to make a full adherence to the teachings and practices of the Catholic Faith (if you are not Catholic), you are asked to be respectful of Catholic beliefs. This includes having a positive and open attitude toward dialogue about the Catholic Faith, attendance at formative talks and reflections, and attendance at group prayer time. All volunteers are asked to sign this document to verify they will not disrupt the spiritual progress of the Mission.