"One of the great things about being on NET is being a witness to anyone, any time and anywhere. This past month we paid a visit to Target and I went to the Starbucks to get a cup of coffee. The women working there had noticed our team coming in the store and asked me what I was doing at Target that day. I simply explained a little bit about NET and our ministry. She then told me that her son had gone on a NET retreat and had been really touched by it. He was able to really relate to the team and clearly had had a positive experience. The woman began to cry, thanked me for serving on NET and gave me a hug. What a beautiful way to see our ministry extend beyond the schools and churches we visit!"
~ Hannah Trainor, Team # 9 2008-09
"I experienced God through listening and learning from the NET Team . . . by listening and sharing with them I'm determined to not lose sight of my faith. The commitment sheet was huge for me, I've made commitments before and this retreat has challenged me yet again. I loved the dramas, small groups, and talks, mostly because it came from younger people close to my age who can relate to me."
~ Emily, 17, Dyersville, IA
"Shortly after being installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Superior last fall, it was my privilege to preside at a Mass in one of our local parishes during a NET retreat and was able to witness firsthand the positive impact these young adults had on the high school students to whom they were ministering. Please know that I, along with all of the pastors, youth ministers and young people of our diocese, express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the NET team participants for their willingness to share their faith in such a spiritually uplifting manner."
~ Most Rev. Peter F. Christensen, Bishop of Superior
"I have been a public high school and religious ed. teacher for over thirty years and have seen a plethora of retreats. What I watched on Sunday at the NET retreat was so much more than the quintessential retreat; it was the most organized and powerful youth retreat I have ever witnessed. The team opened hearts and filled them with Jesus. They had a powerful message and delivered it."
~ Larry Murphy, St. Bridget's Parish, Ridgeway, WI
"The games, dramas and small groups were all things I really enjoyed on this retreat. I realized how important a close relationship with the Lord is in my life. I also realized how I need to do everything possible to strengthen my relationship with Him and allow it to grow. I experienced God through prayer and fellowship. During the prayer time I really felt His presence, having other teens around me that love God and believe in Him and the Catholic faith helped me out a lot."
~ young woman, 16,Wiggins, CO
"God has done amazing works in my heart and in my life since coming to NET. During training I was challenged to grow in holiness in many ways - to be disciplined about making time for prayer, to be obedient even when its difficult and so much more! One way that the Lord really touched my heart was that He kept making it clear that no matter what I do - whether I sin, fail miserably at something, succeed brilliantly, or love generously - God's love for me is the same. His love is not changed by my actions. God called me to NET because He knows me - He knows how much I have to give and also how much to receive!"
~ Megan Terry, NET Team # 1 - 2005-06
"NET Teams have served our diocese for over twenty-five years enriching her with examples of young Catholics living a vibrant faith while providing a sound retreat. What a great gift and a time of joy for youth to experience a NET retreat. There are so many pressures on our youth pushing them to grow up too soon and away from God. Good retreat experiences provide youth with time to reflect on their changing life circumstances and their relationship with God."
~ Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo
"This retreat has opened my eyes. I was straying very far from God and constantly piling activities and other things on my plate, I no longer had Him in my life. This retreat was a reminder of how important my faith is and that I can't keep putting it off until I'm in trouble and need it. I was challenged to both make changes and grow in my faith. My favorite part of the retreat was being able to individually reflect on my life and realize what and where I need to change. This retreat helped me find a solid foundation to start establishing my life around."
~ Amanda, 16, Whittier, CA
