What do YES participants have to say?
YES shows the uniqueness of how to love. Love is not black and white. Love will move mountains and through your actions, you can inspire people to find their own way and find their own calling that is unique to them. Love and leadership should almost be synonyms of each other; limitless love and limitless leadership. YES proves that love can change the world."
Wadeed
YES LEADER
“Having attended a YES trip and a YES college day before, I knew what to expect. However, the funny thing about YES events are that something is always going to be different, catch you off guard, or let you experience the work and people of God like you have never thought before. I think we truly put a smile on at least a few faces, and more broadly understood what it means to serve, and more importantly, how easy it is. YES makes me want to be a servant, whereas before sometimes we see it as a burden and that we “have” to serve. It is an opportunity for growth and positive change in the world.”
- Sarah, YES Leader
Testimonies from our YES Series!
“The YES orientation experience reminds us what it means to be truly human. Everybody deserves love, and we are more than our stereotypes and flaws. Acknowledging each other’s humanity costs nothing more than a smile and compassionate heart.”
– Emmalia, YES Leader
“On my YES trip, I learned that even if I am going through the motions of helping someone else, it means nothing unless I am working with unbridled and unconditional love. Seeing all my friends come together in a time very difficult for everyone, including them, and in spite of this putting aside their own worries and cares to put a smile on a stranger’s face was very inspiring.”
– Sophia, YES Participant
“YES has taught me so much, and continues to every day. There is so much we are able to do in our lives to serve our communities and love those around us. By taking these experiences that YES days give us into the rest of our lives, we can make steps towards becoming full of Christ.”
- Alethia, YES Leader
The YES family day had significant impact on our parish in so many tangible ways. Serving shoulder to shoulder, parents and their children were guided through learning opportunities that changed not only how they related to each other, but also grew their understanding of the needs and realities of our brothers and sisters being served. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, a relationship with local service providers was created that our parish has maintained. The Family Day ignited conversations and passion within our community and made us question how we, as a small church in California, can best respond to the call of the Gospel. That one day literally changed our missional DNA as a parish.
Michelle Moujaes
YES Parent
“There is something beautiful about having built up a tradition of YES trips. They are already in their “YES Place” in their heart when they show up. I love to see that it’s really working, and this new generation is truly picking it up and taking it forward.”
