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As newly-minted members of the Serra Club of Johnson County, my wife Kelsey and I are excited to support the crucial work of praying for and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. A current FOCUS missionary (my wife was one as well), I see the mission of Serra closely aligning with the mission of FOCUS: “to know Christ Jesus and fulfill His Great Commission.” Put even more simply, at the heart of the mission of FOCUS is the universal vocational call to holiness, just as it lies at the heart of Serra.
In last month’s issue of the Serran Sphere, my younger brother , Thomas, shared his story of coming to know Christ during his time in college at KU through our conversations. I remember being concerned for my brother and the activities about which he seemed passionate, because I knew that, unless he first knew Christ, ultimately nothing would satisfy him. Thomas’ story is one among thousands of stories of college students encountered by FOCUS missionaries on college campuses each year. A true encounter with Christ makes all the difference one’s pursuit of holiness.
The Serra mission involves the same effort in fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Holy families and holy communities provide an authentic witness of Christ’s love to all people and challenge others to give everything in their relationship with Jesus. I know the challenge of that witness well, being part of a team as a FOCUS missionary on campus, and I can see how it continues to play out through my family and in our membership in the Serra Club.
It can often be misunderstood that a call to the priesthood and/or religious life is only for “holy” people.” This cannot be further from the truth. God first calls each of us to be holy and to give him everything, whatever our state of life. If that leads to priesthood or religious life, then praise God. If it leads to marriage and family life, then . . . praise God!
As a FOCUS missionary, this is what I desire for every person I meet: a deep encounter with Jesus that leads to a wholehearted “yes” in giving Him everything! As a Serran, the desire is the same for the community of Serrans, as well as for those young men and women for whom we pray: that all will know Jesus deeply and give everything to Him!
Kelsey and I, and our family, are thrilled to be continuing the mission of knowing Christ Jesus and fulfilling His Great Commission by being part of the Serra Club. We hope to get to know our fellow Serrans and we pray that all will know the Lord deeply, because that makes all the difference!
