As adults, it is often easy to forget, or difficult to see at all the importance of faith, friendship, and sense of belonging in the lives of youth. The quotes on this page are written by members of Choices Youth Group. These quotes are evidence that Jesus is alive and at work amongst young people, and are also evidence that the importance of this Youth Group goes far beyond the understanding of many adults.

"I am a member of Choices Youth Group, and this place helps me by keeping me close to Jesus. The youth ministers are helpful and people who are willing to keep everybody close to Jesus. The retreats help me focus on Jesus and makes me feel like I'm a special person, because a lot of people don't get that much info about Jesus. By info I mean how He got crucified and what He wants us to do for Him. Jesus wants us to be disciples and help other people. Most of this I know is from attending Choices Youth Group. Choices Youth Group is a place where I have fun an learn how much Jesus loves me."

"One event where I experienced Jesus was when we did the Parish Retreat. That was the first time I every cried. When we watched the trailer of "The Passion", that touched my heart in a way that I never imagined. It showed me how much Jesus loves me."

"An experience that I had that made me feel closer to Jesus was the Hope Run when I got the chance to feed someone who may not have eaten in 2 or 3 days."

"One experience I had of Jesus was when I went on the Hope Run. I was nervous at first, but when we went out it was not bad. The Cross attrached mayn people. I saw Jesus in many of the less fortunate. It was a real good experience for me. Now I look forward to go to all the Hope Runs."

"A personal experience I had with God that was very special and made me feel like I was talking to Jesus in person was the Parish Retreat, when Fr. Joe came around with the Monstrance. When I touched the cloth and prayed it felt like every bad thing I have ever done in my life flashed in front of my eyes and God said it was cleansed. I felt like a brand new person. I felt like crying. When you speak to God you reach a sense of personal satisfaction."

"I experienced Jesus personally at my 2nd Youth 2000 NY Retreat. There was a girl talking about how Jesus changed her life because she saw how many people were at the retreat and how many youth showed their faith in God. It made me think that even though we see so much evil in the world, there are still so many people, many youth, that dedicate their lives to God and set an example for many adults. It made me realize that some adults look down on youth, but that we can change their outlook."

"Choices has helped me in so many ways. My relationship with Jesus was first established through Choices. Before I was able to come to Choices, I was never as loving, caring, and social. Many times through hardships any many sufferings I was always happy to find a positive way to escape and rebuild my faith through being with people here in the Youth Group. In Choices I was able to find true friends for the first time, and I was able to learn more than even my parents know about our Religion. I was able to encounter Jesus personally during exposing the Blessed Sacrament. I was able to share my inner feelings through giving a testimony, which being in Choices prepared me for. I was able to get through everything that could have held me back in life and most importantly I learned how to pray."

"My most memorable experience with Choices Youth Group came during the 2003 Lock-In. I felt that it was the most fulfilling time. It was my first Lock-In since I joined the Youth Group in 1998. I started out as one of the youngest members. Now that I have grown in my years with Choices I feel that I can now guide the new youth coming to our meetings and events. I have been through a lot with Choices. I can believe that this Youth Group can take any challenge and prevail in adversity."