Fulltimer Spotlight — Justina Francis
In this issue of CONNECTED, we speak with Justina Francis, a Jesus Youth Fulltimer currently serving in Poland. Originally from Chicago, Justina stepped into mission a short while after completing her degree in Graphic Design. What followed has been a journey of trust, surrender, and discovering God in the unexpected.
We invited her to share her story in her own words.
So Justina, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself? Where are you from, and what were you doing before this?
Hello! My name is Justina Francis, and I’m from the United States – specifically Chicago. Before becoming a Fulltimer, I had just completed my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and was working as a designer/secretary for a laundry supply company. I’ve now been serving as a Fulltimer for nine months, and I’m currently on mission in Poland.
How did this whole journey into fulltimership actually begin for you? Was there a moment where things really shifted?
My journey into Fulltimership was very unexpected, but it was shaped by one key moment. Months before I had seriously considered it, I signed up for a JY Canada mission trip to Pukatawagan in February 2025.
I ended up quitting my design job in January to go, telling my parents I would start applying for jobs when I returned. Right before the trip, I applied for Fulltimership without telling them. I wanted to use the Canada trip to discern if I was truly called to give a year for mission.
That trip changed everything. I was stretched in ways I didn’t expect, and for the first time, I felt a deep sense of purpose. Even though I felt unqualified, I knew God was calling me personally into His mission.
That’s amazing. And how did your family take it when you told them?
When I told my parents, it was difficult at first – especially with my dad. But after some time, they gave me their blessing, and at the airport, my dad gave me his full yes and traced a cross on my forehead before I left.
My decision surprised many people in my life. My siblings and friends were sad to see me go, but they supported me wholeheartedly.
Were there moments where you felt unsure or even a bit afraid stepping into this?
I like to plan ahead or have an idea of what to expect. But going into Fulltimership meant there was a lot of uncertainty, which was scary. I also had a lot of personal weakness I wanted to work on, and I knew it was going to take a lot of hard work.
The biggest fear was my career. I was worried I would lose some of my design skills, and there’s always a fear of what will happen after taking a year-long break.
And now that you’re in it, what does your day-to-day life actually look like?
I arrived in Poland in January 2026, and I’m still finding my rhythm. I try to begin each day with an hour of personal prayer and attend Mass regularly. Each day looks different, but I try to stay rooted in prayer. I also try to meet someone almost every day.
Life in Warsaw is full – weekly JY Adoration, monthly prayer meetings, spontaneous gatherings, one-to-one conversations, and other mission responsibilities. Learning when to say “yes” and when to say “no” has helped me balance things better.
What are you mainly involved in right now in Poland?
I serve on the core team for JY Warsaw and on the National Team for JY Poland. We recently organized an encounter and healing retreat called Metanoia.
Outside of mission, I’m part of the choir at the English parish, and I’m currently starting a small group to go through the Catechism together.
Was there a moment where you really felt God at work in a powerful way?
When I first arrived, I spent nearly three weeks searching for housing. At first, I saw this as a block for my ministry, but later I realized I could invite people into that journey.
It helped me build relationships and share how God was working in my life. Through that experience, I encountered God in a very real way – especially in suffering, uncertainty, and vulnerability. Sharing my struggles allowed others to open their hearts more deeply, and I saw how God worked not only in me but through me.
How has this whole experience changed your relationship with God?
Fulltimership has deepened my relationship with God in ways I never expected. My relationship with Him is the deepest it’s ever been.
The experiences in Fulltimership give so many opportunities to rely on God, and through it I’ve been able to learn more about myself and about Him.
What’s been helping you stay grounded spiritually through all of this?
Practices like Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, spiritual art, music, spiritual reading, and studying the Catechism have been especially life-giving.
I’ve also learned that even when prayer feels dry, it’s important to simply show up.
How important has community been for you in this journey?
I’ve realized that community is essential. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why I am here.
Building relationships has been simple but intentional – cooking together, grocery shopping, visiting friends, going to Mass and Adoration. These small moments have formed deep connections.
At times, it can be challenging, but it’s also where growth happens. Through it all, I’ve experienced how deeply I am loved and how freeing it is to simply be myself.
What kind of fruits have you been seeing through your mission?
I’ve seen many people grow in their curiosity about faith and take small steps toward God. Even simple invitations to Mass or Adoration have been fruitful.
We also saw many fruits during our retreat Metanoia. God brought everything together at the right time.
What has been the biggest lesson for you personally this year?
Fulltimership has changed me deeply, especially in learning to trust God. Lack of trust has always been one of my biggest struggles.
Recently, I almost gave up on my residence permit process and considered returning to the U.S. But when I let go, God provided through the people around me. I saw Him work in real time – in my anxiety, in my surrender, and in the outcome.
If someone is thinking about fulltimership, what would you say to them?
To anyone considering Fulltimership: why not take the step?
You will likely work for the rest of your life – why not give a year to seek the Lord wholeheartedly while you are young?
This year has changed me. I’ve grown in faith, confidence, and freedom, and I know more deeply now that God is with me in everything.
And finally, how can people support fulltimers like you?
The most meaningful way to support Fulltimers is through prayer.
As members of the Body of Christ, the graces we receive are not ours alone – they impact the whole Church.
