FOCUS Missionaries
Part of our staff is comprised of FOCUS missionaries. They are an amazing team of college graduates who spend at least a year with our Catholic community here in Saint Charles. Their primary task is to lead Bible studies among the students on campus, but they also help lead mission trips, plan a variety of social activities, and they are pretty much a part of everything we do here at the Catholic Student Center.
Sarah Birchenough
Hello everyone!
I am so excited to serve the students at Lindenwood University this year! Born and raised in small-town Illinois, I graduated from the University of Illinois with degrees in Psychology and Communication. I have served the past 3 years with FOCUS in Oklahoma, and I am so excited for this new adventure in St. Charles, MO! I continue to work in ministry because there is nothing more beautiful than coming to more deeply know and love the Lord alongside your friends. I witnessed the joy of an authentic Catholic life in college, and I truly believe Jesus calls us to such an abundant life! Some of my other passions include exploring Creation, reading great books, and enjoying conversations over coffee. I can't wait to meet you!
Alex Hornbach
Hey everyone!
My name is Alex Hornbach. I'm excited to be able to serve at Lindenwood University this upcoming year as a FOCUS missionary. I graduated from Ball State University, Chirp Chirp!, in May of 2023, and served my first year as a FOCUS missionary at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I love sports, going for walks or hikes, fishing, hunting, and have a love for video games. Jesus helps me keep all of this in right order, with pursuing my faith being the top priority and greatest love. I am excited to spread this love and joy that Christ brings into everyday life with Lindenwood and the surrounding area! He has changed my life and I just want everyone to find their hope, their purpose, and a newfound love through Christ and His Church.
Hannah Walther
Hello!
My name is Hannah Walther, and I am a first-year FOCUS missionary. I am so excited to be serving at Lindenwood University, and I look forward to working with the students in this unique way! I graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville this past spring with a degree in Theology and I enjoy learning more about our faith whenever the opportunity presents itself. Before I transferred to Franciscan, I began undergrad at Walsh University- it was during my freshman year here that I had my reversion to the Catholic faith. I am so honored to be Christ's hands and feet to the students at Lindenwood University, just as others were for me during my college years.
Isaac Vaske
Hello everyone!
I'm so excited to serve as a FOCUS missionary at the University of Lindenwood this year. I am from Iowa and went to the University of Northern Iowa where I studied biology and ran on the track and field team. As a student athlete, it's very easy for you to feel like your value or self-worth is based on how well you can perform in your sport. I desire help students see that they are first sons and daughters of God and that they can have a very real and personal relationship with Him. I'm looking forward to getting to walk with the Lindenwood students on their journey in the faith as well play as much volleyball, pickleball, and spikeball that I can with them!