Expanded Portfolio of Catholic Activities Enriches Core Saint Francis University Mission

by Erin McCloskey

Loretto, PA (07/21/2020) — Saint Francis University is pleased to announce three important initiatives designed to further an already substantial commitment to Catholic, Franciscan education. The additional offerings for university students represent a generous commitment to an already established collection of mission-based services. As the first Franciscan college founded in the United States, Saint Francis University has been delivering a values-based education grounded in Catholic, Franciscan ideals since 1847.

The new initiatives are the addition of FOCUS ministries on campus, an expanded group of Franciscan Friars on campus and the Alta Via program. These new efforts will assist university students in benefitting from the depth, breadth and passion that Catholic, Franciscan ideals have on improving the lives of every student that the institution serves.

Friars in Leadership

Beginning with the institutions' founding in 1847, the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular's purpose in coming to Loretto was to bring a Franciscan presence to the area, spread the Gospel, and establish a ministry of education. The friars have maintained a continuous presence in Loretto since 1847.

The addition of new Franciscans and the positioning of existing Friars into key leadership roles is an important step in the life of Saint Francis University community. The campus welcomes Fr. Matthew Simons, T.O.R., to fulfill the role of Director of Campus Ministry effective July 1 along with Fr. Stephen Mary Waruszewski, T.O.R. as Campus Minister. Fr. Mattthew and Fr. Stephen were ordained to the priesthood on July 11.

Fifteen Franciscan Friars from the Third Order Regular in Loretto, PA minister to the campus community in roles of teaching, service and executive leadership.

FOCUS Ministries

Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, will establish ties to Saint Francis University, allowing students to benefit from its extensive ministries.

FOCUS is a national outreach that meets college students where they are and invites them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Founded in 1998, the organization has grown to more than 730 missionaries serving full-time on 164 college campuses and eight parishes located across the U.S. and Europe.

FOCUS will send a team of three missionaries to Saint Francis University who will host large group outreach events, lead weekly Bible studies and offer one-on-one mentoring with student leaders. Missionaries welcome young adults from all religious backgrounds to events. The goal of FOCUS is to answer the Church's call for a New Evangelization and meet college students where they are and invite them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Identifying that many students fall away from the faith during the college years, the missionaries will work to reach students with the gospel.

FOCUS missionaries are recent college graduates who make two-year commitments to return to a college campus. They raise their own salaries and rely on support from generous benefactors.

About Alta Via

Meaning "the highway," Alta Via is an intentionally Catholic college community that is open to a select group of incoming students each academic year. Members of the Alta Via community will develop and strengthen their ability to follow, ever deeply, Christ crucified and accompany others as they do the same; they will enjoy a residential experience among a group of peers sharing in the same intentionally Catholic experience; and they will bond with other participants through specially designed sequential courses all four years at Saint Francis University.

Alta Via participants will share in regular commitment experiences, have access to specialized speakers and retreats, and share in community service activities. Their experience will culminate senior year with a group pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.

Fulfilling the vision forged over 170 years ago is as important today as it was upon the founding of the institution. The announcement of additional mission-based services to Saint Francis University is a meaningful step for the university.

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