Deconstructing FOCUS Catholic: Part Three

This is the third episode in the multi-part series on the Catholic ministry FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. In this episode, we’ll hear from both sets of panelists: Carol, Kelly, Mat, Christine, Anton, and Mary. They talk us through love-bombing on the part of missionaries, the handling of unmarried missionaries who become pregnant, and some HR practices that discriminate against women. Some of what they shared was shocking, including how those involved in hiring were at times given different parameters for male vs female candidates, and also how a traumatized missionary was forced to go endure a talk on pornography that directly triggered her traumatic experiences.We talk through the shame behind the machinery of FOCUS, what harms they themselves participated in, and how they’re unpacking accountability for themselves as they move forward. How can Catholic ministries do better? And how can we assist with healing for those who have already been harmed in them?Much more to come.00:00 — FOCUS, marriage culture, and belonging02:54 — Unequal hiring standards for women and men06:16 — How gender inequality became systemic08:04 — Vocation, marriage, and pressure on women11:31 — Mary’s experience of sexuality and belonging17:11 — Mentorship barriers and pregnancy in ministry18:57 — Modesty culture, control, and harm22:10 — Processing complicity, grief, and healing24:22 — What’s next: financial practices within Focus