What is FOCUS?

FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the gospel with college and university students. Trained in Church teaching, prayer, sacred Scripture, evangelization and discipleship, FOCUS missionaries encounter students in friendship where they are, inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accompanying them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence. Through Bible studies, outreach events, mission trips and one-on-one discipleship, missionaries inspire and build up students in the faith, sending them out to spread the good news and to live out the Great Commission: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19). You can find out more at FOCUS.org.

What does FOCUS offer?

Meet Your Missionaries

Benjamin Pluta

Team Director
My name is Ben. If I were a drink I'd be black coffee with cream. I'm from Cleveland, OH, and went to school at Franciscan University to study Theology and English. My favorite things to do are read and write, but I'll also play pool with you at the student center!

Sarah Beam Lauderdale

Fourth Year Missionary
Hey! My name is Sarah and I'm from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I studied Graphic Design at the University of Tulsa, but I'm much more fond of my minor in Art History. I spent my first two years with FOCUS on mission in Southern California at UC Irvine. I enjoy reading, board games, and drinking lots of coffee.

Matthew Lauderdale

​Second Year Missionary
My name is Matthew Lauderdale; I am 26 years old and my hometown is Tulsa, Oklahoma. I attended Conception Seminary College for two years and received my Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. My hobbies include reading, rollerblading, and disc golf.

Karly Chapman Dunnigan

Second Year Missionary
Hi, I am Karly! I am so excited to meet y’all! I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN and graduated from Furman University.  Last summer I moved to Birmingham from Austin, TX - where I have been working for the last 3 years.  I am thrilled to be back in the Southeast and to make Birmingham home! My husband, James Dunnigan, is also in Birmingham serving as a Regional Director for FOCUS. I can’t wait for you to meet him on campus too!  I love the outdoors, apples, swimming, cooking, journaling, taking walks, cozy coffee shops and just BEING. ​

Carissa Pluta

FOCUS Spouse
Hey! My name is Carissa Pluta. I am originally from Long Island, NY but have been in Birmingham the last three years. I recently served as Campus Minister at St. Stephen's and have continued serving the ministry here as an affiliate missionary with FOCUS, alongside my husband Ben and our daughter. I graduated from Franciscan University with degrees in English and Communication Arts. I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, Paul Simon, and drinking copious amounts of herbal tea.
Saint Stephen the Martyr Catholic Chapel