FOCUS MISSIONARIES
Our Parish
in FOCUS
If you have heard of FOCUS and its missionaries, you will likely associate them with a college campus, such as Temple or West Chester, where they have helped numerous students encounter Christ. FOCUS brings the hope and joy of the gospel to them by meeting them in friendship, inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and walking with them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. Its mission calls directly to each of us: “To know Christ Jesus and fulfill His Great Commission to ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’" (Matthew 28:19). FOCUS has since expanded its mission to parishes, and dozens of missionaries serve parishioners of all ages around our country. Our parish began its dynamic partnership with FOCUS in September of 2025, bringing missionaries to help us cultivate a culture of missionary discipleship throughout our community.
So, what does this partnership entail, and how might it benefit each of us and our community? We’re excited you asked! The best way to understand the essence of this new initiative is to ask our new FOCUS missionaries, Tina Augustine and Jake Barajas.
Tina Augustine
Jake Barajas
Can you share what inspired you to become a FOCUS missionary?
Jake: My life was radically changed by Christ in college, and I came to know how incredibly fulfilling and joyful it could be to live an authentic Catholic life. Sharing Christ-centered fellowship with others was a huge part of my growth in faith, and I couldn’t help but want to share that gift with others. I am continually inspired to help others know the depth of love that Christ possesses for every person.
Tina: My life was changed when I was in college through the impact and witness of FOCUS missionaries. My spark for my faith life was ignited by the deep friendships and conversations I found in a Bible study. I was struck by the contagious joy of others and the true desire they had for my life to know Christ above all else. I have continued to say yes and serve this mission because I am so convinced in the work we get to do and overjoyed to share this with the community at SMM now.
As a missionary in a FOCUS Parish, who are you hoping to reach?
Jake: Short answer, everyone! I find it especially helpful to imagine someone stepping into St. Mary Magdalen for the first time and to consider what I can do to help that person feel welcome, find community, and genuinely encounter Christ. We want to meet everybody where they are in their faith journeys and to walk alongside them in their pursuit of the Lord.
Tina agrees, adding: From young adults to busy parents shuttling kids around to empty nesters. It is a joy to meet and get to know so many people through our work.
What is your goal communally, as well as individually, for us?
Jake: I hope that each person is able to tangibly encounter Christ and to know more deeply the personal love that the Lord has for each one of us. Communally, I hope that we can inspire one another to live Christ-centered lives, grow in virtue and faith together, and invite others in the parish and our communities to do the same.
Tina: To help each parishioner encounter Christ more profoundly and live from a place of that encounter. I want to walk alongside others who are on the journey to figure out what it means to be Catholic in today’s world and how to share that with others. I want you to know that God loves you beyond belief and wants to know you. Are you willing to let him into your life a bit more?
How can we support our parish’s vision and mission?
Jake: The first thing we can all do is to pray and create a space to invite God into our everyday lives. Secondly, do not be afraid to introduce yourselves to us and to others in the parish! We would love to get to know everyone so that we can not only help form a stronger, more intimate parish community but also hear about your experiences and how you desire to deepen your faith.
Tina: Helping people share the good news of salvation and helping people along the way as they strive to witness the Truth to others! You are not meant to live or practice your faith alone!
